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]

So I moved today...so hard to unpack on my own. So stressed.
I'm sick of my stupid disability. And being in Pain. All. Of. The. Time.
Pain is shit.
Life is shit.
Everything is shit.

[mocha delight]

Awww centaured if I knew you in person and was not feeling very unwell atm I’d definitely offer to help out with the unpacking 🤗

[Guest_1643]

hey C

That is hard having to do that on ur own and quite triggering -well done for making the move as u said Dad's place was not safe. how do u feel in ur new place - is it okay?
It is hard to carry pain around - i'm sending you healing, care and peace

hope u had a good first night and feel okay in the new digs

[Centaured]

Thanks mocha delight


Sleepy I only had an hour sleep last night. And tonight I'm back in emergency department from self harm. I've been here a few hours in the waiting room awaiting medical attention. All the stress has caught up with me. I still have so much to do.

[Guest_1643]

Hey C

i'm so sorry you are alone packing and doing everything on ur own

is tht the stress tat has caught up or are there other things going on? So much moving lately and you rae doing so much to get help

The emergency room are there to help. I was reading your original post which links to that about finding how to keep busy in there

Learning how to wait is so hard, isn't it?

My MH services near me has a 24 hour service which I know urs doesn't so I've done the waiting on the phone. Last time they called me back at 3am after I'd waiting four hours for contact. It sure is a lot of waiting.
Hang in there.
Don't worry about the packing... take care of u first

[Guest_1643]

hey C how will you sleep tonight? do u hope it'll be a better or safer after the ER?
really hope ur ok

[Centaured]

Hey sleepy.

I've been listening to music and playing games on my tab (which I have with me for a change) if I wait much longer I'll probably do some colouring. Tho it will be awkward one handed.

As for sleep, I'll probably head home once I've been medically attended to, and I'm hoping that I'll finally get some sleep. I have nothing on tomorrow so I plan to rest all day.

The stress of being homeless, moving into short term accommodation, financial issues, facing childhood traumas, dealing with long term physical pain, impending Christmas (Christmas holds so many bad memories for me) I could go on....


It's gonna be a long night here. I'll get through though

[Guest_1643]

This time of year is so hard for a lot of ppl and seems to bring up those traumas

Its a hard time and I feel that.

I'm glad u can rest tomorrow and i hope that gives you comfort to know

Colouring sounds very soothing and having the music with u

being safe is a lot of work but i know ur getting there

And i know u will succeed

[Centaured]

I hadn't hurt myself for over 5 weeks. That was nearly this year record.

2020 has been a hard year, you're right being safe is hard work. But I'm making progress.
The creator of DBT says the path out of hell is through misery. - I take that to mean feeling the pain and fear but facing it processing it and overcoming it. If we don't face our demons they'll follow us everywhere forever.
Learning to cope and be safe is a process.


Time in the emergency department waiting room often gives me time to reflect on the triggers and how to deal with them better instead of resorting to self harm and suicide.

[Guest_1643]

Hey C - I know u'll get there too

I was thinking that about the ER - time to reflect

My therapist is going away for one month and gave me some DBT work to do while she's away

It's basic intro stuff but I'll keep in mind what you said.
She says it can help anyone really to become more self aware, like a lot of good therapies/processes - anyone can benefit.