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]

Geoff I was discharged Wednesday. I didn't sleep Tuesday so was kinda manic. Then slept wed. Haven't slept since.

I ended up finding a space to speak to a beyond blue counselor. I'm gonna be ok.

[ecomama]

People really care about you on this forum, big hugs sweetheart.
Keep posting and let us know what's going on as often as you can, so everyone can support you through this and beyond. Well done for having a phone charger with you!

I keep most of these things with me and have multiple of these kept in different places like my handbag kit, car kit, balcony kit, garden kit, bedside table kit, bathroom kit... yah got it hapnin sister! The kits vary a bit but all have these:
* I wear an elasticised bracelet at all times. Cute, cheap ones in packs of 3 from Kmart, so when one breaks, I have another at hand. I turn it and twiddle it if needed. I feel it on my wrist and that helps. Use a hair band if you like.
* a bag of extra strong mints, cheap ones from the supermarket. I use an elastic band to keep them from spilling after opening lol. Elastics off free newspapers or junk mail.
* perfume in any form but different ones in each kit. Reject shop and big chemists for nice ones but cheap.
* lip balm - I choose the cute, fruit scented ones.
* strong smelling face cream. You can put them in little containers if you like one in particular. Reject shop is great.
* a nail file! Omg lol you can tell when I'm super stressed because my nails are filed! The Body shop has an awesome 4 sided one that buff your nails till shiny with no polishes.
* "Illusions" by Richard Bach - I have about 5 copies! Gorgeous story. AMAZING quotes. Just beautiful.
* a pencil to write notes in said book or in a cheap tiny flip pad.

Ok you're set. Some people are crappy but you've got this and everyone here has got you!
No one knows until they've been through it.

If you get a backpack ready for hospital with your above kit, add a warm scarf, warm gloves, hand towel, face wipes, bottle of water, squeezy toy, chips or muesli bars. You can put your hand in your backpack and squeeze toy with no one knowing. Walk to the rest room often and wash your face with cold water... just to repeat face cream!

Do you see what this does? It helps ground you. Helps bring you back to where you are somewhat. Filing gets a repetitive motion going and brings your focus to one point with action.
Your mantra can be "I've got this, the right people are going to help me" on repeat.

love EM

[Centaured]

Back in emergency.....why do I even bother though ..what's the point in getting help.

Slept on the floor for hour...now in just curled up crying.

I. Can't. Do. This.

[geoff]

Hi Centaured, can you please let us know how you are as we are concerned about you.

It would be great to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

Hey goeff I'm not ok...

[Sophie_M]

Hi Centaured
 
We’re so sorry to hear about what you’re been going through tonight. It is great that you are reaching out for support. 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 Centaured

Im Paul...a volunteer on the forums...I see that Geoff and Sophie_M have been helping with gentle support and a direct email with additional support

How do you feel?....(the forums are a rock solid safe and judgement free place to be for you)

Our friends at lifeline 13 11 14 can also help out....no judgement...just respectful reassurance and TLC

please be gentle to yourself ...... there are many gentle people that can be here for you Centaured

my kindest thoughts....Paul

[geoff]

Hi Centaured, thanks so much for getting back to us, it means the world even though you're not feeling well and that does upset us because many of us have been there ourselves.

To be able to explain exactly to someone who hasn't been through this themselves, may be difficult, but for someone who has, we can tell by the look on your face, it says a thousand stories.

When you feel as though you are able to get back to us, we would open our arms to you.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

I want to leave....I cant deal with this

[Centaured]

I feel like I don't deserve to be alive....that thought haunts me every day.

I don't know if I can say any of this. But due to the abuse and neglect I suffered as I child I learned to internalise it, that it was my fault, that there is something inherently wrong with me and that I deserved it. I soon learned I was never good enough and then I started believing I was not good enough to be alive, that I deserve pain and to be used and abused.

I don't know how to shake those beliefs. How do I unlearn all that and believe I deserve to take up space in this planet. How do I stop destroying myself because I believe that I am 'wrong' 'unworthy' 'a mistake'