WarinaContributor
The System is Broken
My Experience with the Broken Mental Health System
I'm sharing my story in hopes that someone will listen and acknowledge the failures of the mental health system. I live with:
- Severe Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
- Complicated Grief Disorder
- Type 1 Diabetes
Trauma and Loss
I lost my firstborn son, and during my final goodbye, I couldn't recognise him due to the severity of my emotional distress. This experience exacerbated my CPTSD.
Medicinal Cannabis and Hospitalisation
A psychologist recommended medicinal cannabis, which my doctor approved. However, I ended up in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) on a treatment order. After sharing my story, the order was revoked.
Robbery, Threats, and Police Inaction
Upon returning home, I discovered:
- My home had been robbed
- Threatening texts: "Watch your back, you dumb f##king sl-g"
- My car was missing
I reported these incidents to the police, who took me for mental health assessment. They claimed I was delusional and harassing them, leading to another treatment order and a bipolar diagnosis. I was forced to take medication that severely impacted my physical health.
Neglect and Abuse in Care
During my hospitalisation:
- Denied insulin for three days, leading to life-threatening ketone levels (4.8)
- Assaulted by a male patient, with no consequences
- Complaints ignored or dismissed
- Phone confiscated, hindering my coping mechanisms as a grieving mother
- CPTSD triggers ignored, including removal of coping mechanisms (cigarettes)
Systemic Failures
The system:
- Failed to address my complaints
- Ignored evidence
- Protected their reputation over patient care
- Demonstrated inadequate training in CPTSD and trauma-informed care
Call to Action
It's time for accountability and change. I urge:
- Investigation into systemic failures
- Improved training for mental health professionals
- Trauma-informed care and compassion
- Patient-centred approach, prioritising individual needs
Support and Solidarity
To those who've experienced similar struggles, know you're not alone. Share your stories, and let's demand change.
Resources:
- National Mental Health Commission
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Mental Health Advocacy Services
Please share your thoughts, and let's work together to create a better mental health system.