Where to go for help?

[Sooty09]

Hi

I am in my 50’s and struggling with health issues and my mental health has raised its ugly head again. I need more support to get through a challenging time, I asked 4 weeks ago for a mental health admission. Refused acute care, and only offered a day programme. I did this a couple of years ago and felt like I was an outsider and didn’t belong there. The organisers didn’t ask how I was doing, and the clients ignored me. I asked again this week as I feel like I am at rock bottom, only offered the day programme again. 
I contacted Lifeline this week and I got very confused with the conservation. I don’t understand why I am being ignored. 
Sooty

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sooty09

I’m really sorry that you are struggling and, despite reaching out for mental health care and support, not getting the help you need. It’s not good enough.

Please know that it’s not you, it’s the system.
It can be very challenging to get help when you need it and you are not alone with this experience. For example, I have been at the ED with a suicidal child and been turned away—my girl and I left to muddle through on our own. 
I hear you when you say that the day program didn’t meet your needs last time but I think it’s possible you could have a different experience this time around. Different staff and different participants could make a big difference. Just something to consider. If you did decide to try it and it wasn’t helping, you could always withdraw and you wouldn’t necessarily be any worse off for trying. 

I’m sorry that your experience with Lifeline was unhelpful. You could give the folks at the beyondblue support line a call on 1300 224 636. I have always found them to be helpful.

I’m glad you reached out here. People here do understand how hard your situation is and care, you will certainly not be ignored. 

Kind thoughts to you 

[Sooty09]

Thank you Summer Rose. 
I feel as I have BPD we are not treated fairly, like in the too hard basket. Yes I have spent up to 12 hours waiting in emergency for a mental health assessment. After been Triaged, no-one spoke to me for over 7 hours. It was only when another patient spoke to the nurse when they called me, then it was another 5 hours before I was called, had a discussion and sent home. Everyone else was call to the desk every couple of hours and I was left to sit there and wait. 
I feel like I should take up drinking or worst just to get the help I need. As these people seem to get immediate help.

I feel like I have no option but to do the program, or I will be discharged and left to my self with no support. I know I mask up and hide my pain, but they know that’s what I do. 
I will contact BB later. 
Thank you again. 😊

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sooty09

So sorry to hear about your ED experience. Hugs to you.

I’m also sorry you feel you have not been treated fairly in the past when seeking treatment for your BPD. I care for my daughter who lives with OCD and often feel frustrated by the lack of insight into this condition among the community and health sector. To be honest, I am very saddened by how hard it is for anyone to receive treatment for a mental health condition—no matter what that condition may be.

On a more positive note, my daughter has received excellent in-patient care in the past and has a fantastic psychologist and is currently doing really well. And that’s why we have to plough on—because when you can access the right help healing is possible. Never give up. 

How did you go with beyond blue? I really hope that you received both compassion and practical help. 
Kind thoughts to you