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.

[Centaured]

Thanks sleepy


Hope you're ok.



I'm really anxious about today. I'm having my first physio session since covid. I'm scared I'll never walk properly and be stuck with aids for the rest of my life.....

[Guest_1643]

good luck c,

[Centaured]

Thanks. It was super hard but my physio was so nice. I have to relearn walking again and I'm sooo scared.

I'm so tired.

Bad thoughts come when I'm exhausted but I called my case manager and made a plan for tonight. I'm gonna try to sleep.

[Guest_1643]

hey centaured, i'm hoping you can do it and that you get some relief and hope that you can walk soon

That's lovely you have a nice physio.

I'm so happy for you. The case manager also seemed like a good egg. Good for you having some nice people around. I know it's horrible not to sleep, so scary. the plan sounds great and i have confidence for you!

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, from what I've been through physically over the years, it is possible to regain your functionality or to function once again but look at your physio on a day to day basis, rejoicing in what you are able to do on that particular day and any improvement you have accomplished.

By overworking or anticipating too much too early will slow you down.

I was in traction for 6 weeks and couldn't get out of bed, so learning to walk again was a new experience, so take it easy and do the best you can each day.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

Geoff I spent over 3 months non-weight-bareing after my accident in September. I was stuck in bed most of that time.
I've come a long way since then though. After nearly 5 months in the hospital I was able to be discharged.

Seeing Physio yesterday was really hard. I hadn't seen them since being discharged due to covid. I have so much work to do. But as you said, I need to focus on every day and just do my best in that moment.

[Centaured]

I lost my phone yesterday.....I need to call someone but can't. FFS.
I bought a new phone today. It won't get here til next week. I'm a Millennial, I neeeedddd my phone lol.

Idk what to do. I'm really stuck tonight.

[Guest_1643]

hey C - are you using your laptop to write to us here?

i felt so bad when my phone broke, same thing, i use it for support etc. It's really important to me

keep strong

[Centaured]

I'm using my Samsung tablet Sleepy. I'm no good with laptops.
I really wish I could speak with someone rn.

 

[Sophie_M]

Hey Centaured,

Thanks for keeping us updated on how you're going. We're really sorry to hear that you're feeling stuck tonight and will be without a phone until next week, but we're glad that you can still use your tablet. We'd just like to remind you that online chat is always available if you'd like to talk to someone tonight about what you're going through. 

• Suicide Call Back Service is available 24/7 at https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

• The Beyond Blue Support Service is available 3pm-midnight at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Please know that support is always here for you, and we hope you will reach out whenever you feel things are becoming tough to cope with.