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 stressed.

[Centaured]

Yesterday/tonight was/is the worst I've been in a long time.
I have so much going on. i don't know how to type rn. I'm sorry

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, don't like to hear this, so if you can just type 1 or 2 words so it gives us an indication.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Guest_1643]

hey c - those times can be scary. so glad you are here and wrote that, even that is truly something. i appreciate you sharing. i am so sorry you are struggling and am concerned for you.

[DrRotten]

Hi @Centaured,

I am so sorry to read what you are going through. I wish I had some helpful guidance to offer you, but all I can do is wish you well and hope you are finding help and support and you are feeling better today than you did the day before.

I wonder if I may ask you a question? I do not wish to hijack your thread, but you mention you have gone to your local hospital's emergency department on a number of occasions. How do you find that? Let me put my question in context: I have thoughts of serious self-harm, and I wonder if I may act on that in the next few weeks. When I am feeling more rational I consider if I should be going to a hospital, which many people advocate. Yet, the truth is I am terrified of doing such a thing. I fear the loss of liberty and being locked up and having my freedom being taken away. I fear the stigma, and I fear the staff will be mean, the fellow patients bizarre, and the hospital uncomfortable and cold and noisy and unwelcoming. I am wondering if you can shed some light on what your experiences are. Do you genuinely find help there? Can you leave of your own will? Do the staff care and understand?

I hope you are feeling some less stress today, and that maybe giving your expert inside knowledge to an Internet stranger can help take your mind off things.

Take care.

[Sophie_M]

Hi DrRotten
 
We’re so grateful to have you reach out to our community tonight and are so sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. Our community is here for you. We’ve also checked in with you via email to provide you with some additional supports.
Keep checking in to let us know how you’re going, whenever you feel up to it.
 

[blondguy]

Hi DrRotten (and a wave to Centaured)

Thankyou for being a part of the forum family and providing your kind support to Centaured too

I have been a carer for people with various levels of mental health issues for a long time...not to mention my own chronic anxiety attacks and the depression I used to have..ugh

you are not alone in anyway...sometimes people dont understand our situation...There are gentle people on the forums that do 'get it'

As Sophie_M mentioned above whenever you are up to it you are always welcome to post

respectfully yours

Paul

[geoff]

Hello DrRotten, thanks for posting your comment like this in itself can be difficult.

Can I welcome you along with Sophie_M and Paul where you can ask about anything you're frightened of.

Hospitals are a place to keep you safe, well and to recover, you are allowed to leave if you admit yourself, whereas if a doctor admits you, then it's their decision whether or not to release you, this is what happened to me while I was in.

There are camera monitors installed to check on activity and help you with security and the degree depends on the hospital you go to, but for your own safety, it's advisable to go.

We are here to support you.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[DrRotten]

Hi Sophie_M,

Thanks for that; although I have received emails from your team previously, I do not have any new email today. Are you referring to previous emails, or has a new one been sent? If the former then that's all fine, but if the latter then I am sorry to say I have not received it. Thanks.

Geoff: hmm, still not so sure. Do you really just walk in and say, "Hello! I am periodically suicidal?"

[Sophie_M]

Hi  DrRotten, 

We are glad to see that you've reached back here. We have re-sent the email that was sent earler in case it hasn't reached you. Feel free to get in touch with the moderation team at modsupport@beyondblue.org.au if you have any questions or concerns. We're happy to help.