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Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied
Community Member

I have noticed that many people who attend mental health services also smoke tobacco. The fact that these facilities are designated smoke free has no effect and a blind eye is shown to those who smoke.

I am extremely hypersensitive to tobacco and just being close to someone who has smoked in the previous half hour or so can give me a severe migraine. This has been the case when I have tried to get assistance.

It seems that the high level of tobacco smoke will preclude me from availing of mental health services.

26 Replies 26

Thanks for keeping up the dialog B, you're doing great!

Have you spoken with your GP re the migraines? There may be something around to decrease the effects of smoke on your senses. I'm not sure, but there may be something? Hypnotism?

You mentioned being bullied in your workplace; is there a link there with smoking?

Sara

Have seen my GP and other doctors. Have tried just about all the analgesics and nothing shifts it. I then tried another medication which reduces the headache but at an huge cost in terms of side effects. I have tried to find something that will work.

No link with Smoking and Bullying

Sara,

Is there any way to communicate directly? I am finding this very frustrating.

Sara,

To combat the Migraines I have tried something and also something It was suggested I consult a (someone) to see of that would help. They suggested I try taking something. I tried that but it was not successful as something happened. It left me feeling quite, you know,

I wanted to tell you this as I am sure you will understand how this is affecting me. It has resulted in me doing things which is not good as I would prefer to do things instead,

Feels good to get that off my chest. It sure is good to talk

Morning B;

Well, it seems you're affected by the dreaded 'something' bug. Believe it or not, I do get what you're trying to say. May I summarize? (Please correct me if I'm wrong)

Things are getting on top of you; nothing seems to work and this is causing thoughts (and acts?) of SH. Your mind is going ten to the dozen trying to fix it and avoid more bad thoughts. It seems like an unending cycle of self destruction. You're scared things might escalate if you don't find a solution.

The answer to your question is "No; private contact is prohibited for the safety and anonymity of members."

Are you posting from a phone? If you are, it's probably frustrating trying to read my long posts and typing your responses. So I'll keep them short ok.

Are you sleeping alright? If not, this will 'definitely' affect your ability to cope. I'm concerned for your safety B. Is your mindset rational or irrational? Are you caring for yourself appropriately? Are you living at home or in a community setting? All these questions are important.

Please keep posting.

Sara

No - Not posting from Phone.

No - I am not sleeping well. Keep getting the nightmares.

I am not sure how rational I am. I am probably not the person to ask.

I am living at home alone and caring for myself I guess.

Have been advised that BB is not good for me. After the last week I do agree with that. Have found myself in a far worse place than I was before this but am learning to say what I am expected to say rather than what I am really experiencing. It seems the best approach.

So this was just a not to say that I am still alive.

Hi bullied, as this thread has moved away from its original topic and is covering similar areas to your other support thread, we're going to close it off.

We're sorry to hear you're feeling worse after starting to post on our forums.  If you've been advised not to post here by your treating team, then it would be worth considering why you've decided not to heed that advice.  

Our research tells us that the majority of members who post here find that it helps them, but for a small number it doesn't.  At this stage it's really up to you to make the decision as to whether continuing to post on the forums is a good idea.  

We've communicated with you a number of times now, both online and offline, via moderator posts and from our volunteer champions to try and assist you in using these forums to express yourself safely.  Less than 2% of the posts made to this forum are judged by our moderators as unsuitable for publication, so we allow a wide range of expression within our rules.  

We would encourage you to keep reaching out for alternative supports to find something that works for you, where you feel you can be honest about what you're feeling.  Our support service has attempted to contact you to provide support on several occasions now, without success.  You can call them anytime you like on 1300 22 4636 if you choose.