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.

[ecomama]

Hi C thanks for popping back in to let us know how you're feeling.

You do know how, it's been heavily clouded by all this and that's a huge thing to overcome mentally. Esp after what you've been through in ED.

If you've got diagnoses and are unable to work, I would contact a NDIS provide and ask them if they can help you. Do you have one already?

Eat something.
Bathe.
Sleep.

Love EM

[Centaured]

EM I'm in the process of trying to get on the NDIS.

I'm also going into a residential program for a week on Monday. I'm hoping it can reset a few things for me. I can't function anymore and no one really knows what to do. It's so hard.

[Guest_1643]

hey c, is your case manager helping you get on ndis?

hang in there friend.

[Centaured]

Sleepy, yes she is.

[Guest_1643]

hi c that's good hopefully they know more about it, i've heard it's complex so good you have someone to assist.

[ecomama]

Centaured said:EM I'm in the process of trying to get on the NDIS.

I'm also going into a residential program for a week on Monday. I'm hoping it can reset a few things for me. I can't function anymore and no one really knows what to do. It's so hard.

Darling it is so hard.

I'm very glad to hear you are getting support!

The residential program sounds really positive for you. Have you attended one before?

How are you feeling about this?

NDIS may be a hassle but so worth it if you can get this support.

Love EM

[Centaured]

The recovery program was ok. But as the to risk is too high I'm not allowed back there. The day I left the program I did a significant attempt.

I'm currently in hospital. And will find out tomorrow if I'm to do ECT. I'm scared and relieved.



Has anyone don't ect before. Did it help

[blondguy]

Hey Centaured

There is a thread on the forums that disusses ECT and people did benefit from the treatment. How did you go? I hope you are doing okay Centaured

my kind thoughts always

Paul

[Centaured]

Hey blondguy

I start ECT treatment on Monday.


I'm severely unwell atm which is why my team decided on this option.
Idk if I'm allowed to mention but I've attempted suicide ten times over the last 3 weeks. Somehow I'm alive and rn it doesn't feel like a good thing but I'm currently safe. I'm finding solice in music for now.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Centaured,

We're really grateful that you've reached back out to your friends on the forums today to keep them updated on how you've been going. We can hear that this must be a really difficult time for you, but we are glad to hear that you're working together with your team and finding some solice in music. 

As Paul mentioned, there are some threads on the forums of others' experiences with ECT treatment, and you may also like to check out the following Beyond Blue resources in addition to this:

"Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)"
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/treatments-for-depression/medical-treatments-for-...

"Electroconvulsive Therapy and How its Used in Mental Health"
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/in-focus/electroconvulsive-therapy-(ect)-and-how-...

Please do not hesitate to reach out for some extra support if you'd like to talk these feelings through. The friendly counsellors at Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) as well as our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), are here for you, day or night, as often as you need whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.

We hope that you continue to find some comfort from your friends here in our community, and feel free to keep updating us on how you're going whenever you feel ready.