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]

Sophie I'm sorry to be bothering you guys. I just replied to the email now my phone got charged a little.

Im in the emergency room again. I'm gonna ring the helpline while I have long wait for the crisis assessment team because they had refused to see me overnight and they have other emergency cases.

Sorry for everything.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured,

There is no need to be sorry at all, we are so glad to hear that you have sought help. You have done exactly as we would recommend and we think you are so strong. Best wishes for the day - we hope for you that it is helpful. Please know that we on the forums are all rooting for you and you can feel free to post back whenever you're feeling up to it.

[lights_will_guide_you_hom]

Hiii, just checking in if you are doing alright now?? I do hope you are. Please take care of yourself.

[Guest_1643]

Hi Centaured

I'm sorry you are struggling so much.
I have often felt the way you do now, and have wanted so badly to have someone to reassure me or to just be a physical presence there.

I have a few things that have helped me but I don't want to overwhelm you.
I find coming on here pretty useful because I can write my thoughts into cyberspace, not sure if you've found it helpful so far but hope you will give it a try 🙂

That's hard that the ED doesn't have 24/7 mental health assistance. A few people here have mentioned that some ED health services aren't the best.

Do you use social media - find that helpful or hindering?
I hope you are okay and just wanted to let you know I care and hope to hear more about how you're going

[Centaured]

SerotononinGirl I ended up getting admitted last week.

Im really not ok tonight. I don't know what to do. I can't go back there.

[Centaured]

Sleepy21 the department of emergency is shocking for MH where I live. The emergency nurses are nicer than the psych team or the nurses in the psych ward.

I haven't used FB since covid started. Otherwise I use Tumblr.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured

Sorry to hear that you are really struggling tonight. We 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. Do check back in and let us know how you're going when you feel up to it.

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, we know what and how you are feeling, so you're not alone at all.

On here you have our support, that's something I only wished I had when going through this awful stage.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

Sophie_M

Ill be ok I guess. Worst is over. Its just my 4th night of no sleep. im not in a space where I can verbalize or talk. Or I would call.

[geoff]

Hello Centaured, 

In the emergency department at the hospital and depending on what time you are admitted, you might have to speak to different doctors as they change shifts, and this is very unsettling.

Do you know when you maybe discharged and there are other contacts for you, depending on your age?

Geoff.