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]

I saw my GP this morning. I told her I don't want to be alive.
I'm gonna be getting a new psychiatrist. I got a new mental health care plan on top of my eating disorder care plan.
I don't know why I'm bothering with it tbh. But we'll see.


I feel so worthless and depressed and I don't see the point in fighting anymore. I'm tired. Im so tired of everything and I can never get anything right. 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured, 

We are so sorry to hear that you are experiencing thoughts about not wanting to be alive and issues regarding your eating. Feeling worthless, depressed, and like giving up must be really overwhelming, so we're really glad that you took the time to share such thoughts and feelings with us. 

You don't have to go through this alone. We're happy that you made contact with your GP and organised some new supports. Please remember that in overwhelming moments, you are also able to contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) for some extra support.

We hope that chatting with other like-minded individuals on the forums will bring you some comfort. Please continue to post and update us when you feel up to it. 

[Guest_1643]

Hey C -

I was thinking about you today wandering how you were going. You're thought of!

I can understand it feels pointless seeing a new psychaitrist - sometimes I've given it a go and it has been pretty pointless tbh. I hope it isn't a waste of time and she is helpful.

I'm sorry you are suffering C. You're not alone here

[Centaured]

As of today I'm homeless....I managed to get into a 24hr shelter for the weekend but it's been a hard day trying to sort it all. I'm over everything and I'm tired.

[Centaured]

Why does being safe feel like a mistake...
I'm tempted to go back home. I hate it here. I'm scared. I'm anxious. I'm suffering constant flashbacks.
I can't do this.
I can't do anything right.
I wanna give up.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Red,

We are so glad you've posted here and let us know how you are feeling at the moment. We are so sorry that you are struggling. Coping with constant flashbacks is very difficult and we can understand how difficult this must be for you. You are very brave and resilient for keeping yourself safe. We are very proud of you. We can hear how overwhelming these feelings of not wanting to keep yourself safe are but please know that our friendly community are always here to talk through these thoughts and feelings with you. You are not alone.

We are also currently reaching out to your privately with some extra support.

Please feel free to keep us updated on how you're feeling, and how your sessions are going, whenever you feel up to it.

[Guest_1643]

hi C do u mean home with dad?

that is scary to hvae nowhere safe to go and is surely challenging emotionally and unsettling
I'm sorry you are feeling that... you deserve a safe home and i'm worried for u

[Centaured]

Hey sleepy....
my dad's home wasn't safe for me. Here is a roof over my head at least despite it being triggering.

Im sorry for venting before. Don't worry about me. I'll be ok. I'll probably have a meeting with the manager tomorrow to figure out my next step because I'm unsure if I can continue to stay here. Things will work out....I have to trust the process.

[Guest_1643]

hey C - you are amazing and what you write here helps me, so thank you

I'm sending cheers and safety your way

I am glad you have a safe roof over your head and are not at your Dads if that wasn't safe for u. It does sound like a triggering place and scary but I hope you are safe for now. That's good you have somewhere to be. My hope is that you will move from there to somewhere much safer but this is a temporary stop

Thank you for sharing here, I really appreciate reading what you write and listening.

[Centaured]

I hope you're ok sleepy.
I'm always available if you wanted to talk to. I'm here for you too. You matter.


Tonight is tough. I can't sleep. I feel scared. I feel like giving up....but I have to trust that everything will be ok....I have to keep trying.