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.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Dr Rotten,

I was totally in the same boat as you and after struggling with suicidality for over 10 years this year I finally gave hospital a try. I've moved to an area close to good public health and the hospital stay saved my life.
The staff were the most dedicated I had ever met.

It started for me with speaking to them on the phone, expressing that I was suicidal. I did nt have to go in at all, they had a special suicidality - prevention team who offered to call me and support me every day. They would check in etc.

If you are not in an extreme case you get to select how you go about using their services. I bypassed a psych ward admission but was an outpatient and would come in and receive counselling relating to my suicidality.

For me admitting I needed help and going to the hopsital was the best thing I could have done. It may not be the same for you. But I just wanted to put that story out there becacuse I too was so so afraid to go, for all that you mentioned. to be honest, I thought it possible that i'd even get worse in hospital, so avoided it for many years.

For me, it has put my life on a different track to get that support from a hospital.

[ecomama]

Hi C, what's happening with you atm?

Dear Sleepy what a beautiful, encouraging post you wrote, you're such a sweetheart. I'm so glad that you've had great support.

Hi Dr R, welcome to our caring space. Thankyou for sharing, this time is difficult and you're certainly not alone in your experiences and fears. Perhaps if you began your own thread then a broader set of members may notice it and contribute more specifically for you.

Love EM

[geoff]

Hello DrRotten, I am deeply sorry that I didn't reply back to you yesterday, a good friend told me of your question and I was trying to find it before I logged off my utmost apologies.

These are what you can do:

-Tell someone how you feel
-Ask them to stay with you until you get help
-Call a medical professional and tell them it is an emergency
-Call your local hospital and ask for the Mental Health Team
-Go to your GP or emergency department
-Call a crisis helpline — they’re listed at the end of this article
-Call 000 or Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

I really hope this helps you but please get back to us.

Take care.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello DrRotten, I have replied back to you, it's waiting to be checked.

Please take care.

Geoff.

[DrRotten]

Thanks, Geoff. I am certainly not intending to turn Centaured's forum topic to myself.

I was curious to know how the hospital bit works in practice, because many people advocate it. I'm still not persuaded that is for me - or any of the phone services.

I appreciate you taking the time to give some insights.

[geoff]

Hello DrRotten, are you online now and want to talk.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, sorry, I forgot to ask how are you going.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

I hope you're ok Dr rotten



I've spent another wasted night in the emergency. I'm over it.

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, I'm sorry this has happened, I just wonder if you'd like to tell us what has or hasn't happened, as we know this is your concern.

Hi DrRotten, we're also concerned about how you are going.

Take care.

Geoff.

[blondguy]

Hey centaured (and a wave to DrRotten)

like Geoff mentioned above...if you want to talk about it we are listening

Beyond Blue have a qualified mental health care nurse and you can ask her (Nurse Jenn) any questions if you want..I have listed her thread topic below for you. I hope this is helpful

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/ask-nu...

How are you feeling?

we are listening

my kind thoughts...Paul