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]

Good luck with it sleepy.

[Centaured]

Sigh......

[Centaured]

Just arrived back in ED. These ones are worse than yesterday and I really can't cope anymore.
I really don't want to survive another Christmas.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Centaured,

We're so sorry to hear what you're going through right now, but you've shown so much strength in going to the ED and helping yourself keep safe. It sounds like these feelings must be so overwhelming, and we are so sorry to hear that you're feeling like you can't cope. Please know that you don't have to go through this alone, and the lovely counsellors at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are always there for you to talk these feelings through, as often as you need during difficult moments like these. 

Your friends on the forums are here for you Centaured, you're an important part of our community, and we hope that you continue to post and update us whenever you feel ready to.

[Guest_1643]

hey C i hope u were okay in the ED last night

I've never been... well not for about 8 years so I don't remember it even as I was so unwell

I really hope they can help u and be there for u -

i know it's really hard to go back there and hard to have temporary accomodation which always has uncertainty. I hope u got some rest today and a way to feel okay even for a short time. SOmetimes life sure is challenging. It's moment by moment, day by day, for me too, so I don't judge or have platitudes but I care and hope you are okay

[Centaured]

I got home at 430am this morning and was up by 7 and only managed a few hours before SH.
And I didn't end up staying to see the mental health team in the ER. I wanted to go home n nap, I was falling asleep in the chair and I was hungry. I got home at around 430pm and fell asleep (only for an hour though)

I'm really not ready to face this week. Christmas can F off. Too many bad childhood traums around this time of year.


I'm scared of myself rn.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Centaured, 

Thanks for updating us on your situation. We know it has been a very difficult past few days and acknowledge how isolating and lonely this time of year can be. We have sent you a private message to get in touch. We hope to hear from you there. 

[Guest_1643]

I agree re xmas rright now - very hard time to have this to deal with and face

you must feel a need to have some peace and sleep

i hope u are safe tonight in ur accomadation.

do u live with other ppl and are they safe.... please be careful and stay around good ppl who want the best for u

i don't celebrate Xmas anymore although i sometimes don't know how to explain that to ppl. Main goal is to stay safe and okay in the now. Sending you care and respect

[Centaured]

I'm spending Christmas in the psych ward.

[Guest_1643]

i hope ur okay

understand its a hard and confronting time to be in the pscyh ward

I have been there once before on Xmas day, was watching a xmas special with the ppl

it was a bit sad i can remember