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.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Sorry to hear of your bad night. Here is some options

• Phone a friend that doesn’t mind talking even in the middle of the night, have a short chat, not too long though, you might get some reassurance
• YouTube videos. I like music also, I find different styles of relaxation music grabs my attention like - prince of equator pan flute unchained melody. Also google- YouTube Maharaji Prem Rawat sunset....and any other of his many videos.
• walk. Up and down the waiting room, don’t temain idle
• talk. I was once in a depressive state in a waiting room and I saw a little 4yo girl that was ill, in her mothers arms, so I gave her some attention, no easy- google- beyondblue topic the good samaritan

Thats all I can think of.

Hope it helps and you feel better soon

TonyWK

[lights_will_guide_you_hom]

Hello,

I just had an emergency trip to the hospital for the same reason two weeks ago, so I 100% empathise. In moments like these, you need IMMEDIATE support, and lack/presence of that can actually make a massive difference.

Now that I have had some distance from the event, I have a liiiiiidddddle more perspective.

I can offer some suggestions:
1. Have a safety plan ready. There's an app called Beyond Now, use it. List some contacts for those situations.
2. Physically change your situation to snap yourself out of it. Take a shower, a run, dip you head in cold water. Anything to jolt your awareness out of the ruminations going on inside your head.
3. Have any app/ breathing meditations audio ready, and do focused breathing. Continue until you have some distance from the thought.
4. Keep a "hope box" (virtual one is also finder)- of things that tie you to life, ready for these situations.
4. Use an AI app to talk to, if nothing works. I have never used them personally but heard great reviews.

I hope that helps. I am really, really sorry you had to go through this. Please keep communicating- even this support counts. Maybe you will form neural networks from reaching out here that will take charge the next time thoughts or self-harm activates, who knows? I am more than happy to keep communicating here.

[Centaured]

I give up...what the point tbh.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured,
Sounds like things are difficult for you at the moment. If you are at risk of self-harm or if you are feeling suicidal, we would strongly urge you to seek professional help as it is really important that you take immediate steps to keep yourself safe.  If you need help finding out how to access support, we’re available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of our professional mental health counsellors at our Support Service will give you support and point you in the right direction for help in your area.
 

[Centaured]

What's the point @Sophie_M

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured

Sorry to hear that thing have been so difficult for you, but want you to know that we are here to provide you with as much support, advice and conversation as you need. Our Support Service are trying to reach you via email as we are worried about you. Check back in and let us know how you're going when you feel up to it.
 
 

[Centaured]

I responded to the email...

[Centaured]

What do you do when "help" refuses to help you.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured, 

We're sorry to hear that you're not being helped. Please know that we are trying to contact you privately to offer some additional support. 

If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000 (triple zero) as this is an emergency.

Lifeline is also a great crisis support line - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Please also feel free to keep us up to date here on the forums when you feel up to it and you ensured your safety offline.