Coping in the emergency department

[Centaured]

Sometimes in mental health crisis's we end up in the emergency department. And that totally ok, being safe is important.
but how do we cope with our crisis while waiting?
What are some helpful strategies you have found useful during your stay in the department?




I often get stuck in the emergency room waiting room overnight due to the fact there is no mental health team 24/7 where I live. I'm really struggling being here tonight. My usual strategies of listening to music isn't really working so I'm wondering if there is anything else I should try. Please note my concentration and attention is limited due to being in crisis. I feel trapped and stuck.
I wish lifeline text was 24/7 coz I could really use someone to talk to. Are there any other online options as I cant really call someone due to the nature of a waiting room.

[Guest_1643]

Hey C

how are you sleeping? Have you had any rest?
It is really hard sometimes during hard times to get consistent sleep and rest. Hope you are okay.

was the ED frustrating? any luck with ur new social worker? hope you can get some some sun sleep and space

[Centaured]

Paul and Geoff

I'm doing better today. Just really tired because I didn't sleep much.


I have a new management plan for the emergency room as of yesterday. I'm hoping it will help make it smoother to use as I am regular attendee for both medical attention and mental health crisis

[Sophie_M]

Dear lexy kay,

We are sorry to see that you are struggling sometimes and that you don't feel like there are always people to support you. We just want to let you know that we are glad that you are reaching out right now and that there are available other supports such as Kids Help line.  You can call them on 1800 55 1800 and supportive counsellors can help you when you are not doing well.
Also you can try check the Headspace www.headspace.com and see if you can find other useful materials and get in touch with them.
Keep posting and we hope that this community will be useful to you as well.

Sophie

[ecomama]

Hey C

How was your day?

Is the weather nice enough to go for a walk where you are?

EM

[blondguy]

Hey Centaured ( wave to Sleepy21...Geoff and Sophie_M)

Great to read your post.....The lack of sleep can be a pain in the butt for sure.....I remember..ugh. Especially when we really need some peaceful sleep

There is never any expectation for you to reply....yet its a huge bonus to know how you are

my kindest thoughts always

Paul

[Just Sara]

Hi Centaur;

I wanted to let you know I've been following your thread. I'm really proud of your courage in reaching out for support and encourage you to continue to do so. I hope writing and reading has been a helpful part of your process.

Hi Dr Rotten,

Reading through your first post on here prompted me to start a new thread. Here's the link:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapie...

It's called: 'What's it like on a psych ward'

I urge you to have a read, ask questions or comment on my or other member's posts as it seems this topic is of great interest to you and probably many others.

Take care you guys!

Sez

[DrRotten]

Thank you, Sez.

[Centaured]

Had a pretty bad crisis last night and ended up in emergency again. After waiting the night I've been told I'm no longer allowed to see mental health team (permanently) and that they'll only ever treat me for medical issues.

This isnt to discourage anyone else from seeking help at the emergency department. But I'm like thanks, I know I'm beyond help. There's nothing anyone can do for me and I might as well do what is going on in my brain....



I left and I'm trying to self care. I got my hair cut and I'm going to head to shop to get food. I guess recovery is showing that despite everything you put a foot in front of other. I'm gonna try to be safe today. I got this.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured,

Thanks for reaching out. We are so glad to hear that you are being so proactive in taking care of yourself and as you say, putting one foot in front of the other. One day at a time, Centaured, we think you are so strong!

It must have been a very disheartening experience and so we are so proud of you for trying like this in this time of hardship. Please know that despite what happened you are not beyond help. It's important to take an active role in your recovery and it's so great to see that you are doing that. You are not alone, and there is always someone for you to talk to. Please remember your supports -
 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 and https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Online-Services/crisis-chat (online chat available 7pm-midnight (Syd time)
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

And please also remember all of the online resources Beyond Blue has for self care. Here are a couple you might be interested in:

• "Feeling suicidal" - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/feeling-suicidal
• "Staying well" - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well

We hope that you have a great day and know that we are all sending you our best wishes.

[Guest_1643]

Hi C

I think sometimes that's the only way

You can't necessarily fix everything the way you want to in the moment, so you just try go forward despite and with the pain.
I've been doin that for 6 months in the hope that eventually there will be less pain. I can imagine it's very hard to be told that by the hospital, and I think that the self-care appraoch was the right one.

Good luck C