What to do when health services aren't helping

Hey @Daisy78 thank you for sharing your experiences with the community!

It sounds like you have bee going through quite a bit recently and I think it would be challenging for anyone to cope. You are demonstrating your resilience by reaching out to your peers on the Forums.

I'm sorry that you don't feel you can go back to ED as this would be the best way to access support immediately. I understand that you are fearful of the team there and that you have not had a good experience. You could try the CAT team in your local area but they are more than likely attached to ED but may be able to provide you with some support.

I encourage you to contact crisis supports to and talk about what is going on for you as they are there to support people in crisis and recent uncompleted suicides. I will list some numbers below but you might have them already:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Lifeline Chat

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or Beyond Blue Webchat

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732, www.1800respect.org.au

Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or Online Counselling

Kids Helpline (up to ages 25): 1800 55 1800, http://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/phone-counselling

If in immediate danger: 000 www.triplezero.gov.au/triple-zero/How-to-Call-000

Please also stay connected here on the Forums as it's beneficial to have a space to connect with like minded people and the community can provide some support. We are not a crisis service though so if you need a little extra support please contact the crisis supports listed above.

Thank you again for sharing your experiences!

RiverSeal

Hey, l see you attempted suicide

I have plenty of times to know it no worth it 😞

Even thought continued l play games to cheer me up

I see therapy discharged you as recovered, l would find hobbies to keep you distracted

Hi @Daisy78

it really sucks when those that rely on the public mental health system are often so very unwell and desperately need help but it’s just not available.

its great that you have NDIS funding and a psychologist through that. Can you get any further funding to get a psychiatrist and other supports through ndis?

Ive had so many issues with community mental health. It took them ages to actually accept me onto their books. I’d get referred to them after a hospital admission and I’d basically beg them to take me but no. It wasn’t until after many attempts and admission that they finally did.
But it’s a grossly underfunded and understaffed service. I’m about to see my 4th psychiatric in 12mths. My case manager has gone from working 5 days a week to 3, and now it appears down to 1. (She’s been doing some days over at the youth services) but no one has communicated anything to me.
They miss a lot of things. A lot of things go wrong. But like you, where else do I have to turn? I do not have the funds to go private. I am stuck.

hope something gets sorted for you soon

@Daisy78

I hear you and I can hear the pain and fear you are feeling.

I have never attempted but have come close multiple times and have times when I struggle with the thoughts. It is scary!!

some things that might help

- getting out of the house and going somewhere that feels safe

- going for a walk

- being around people …… this might be shopping centre as an example

- spending time with people eg friends or family
- doing thing/s you like and can distract you

Beyond Blue Safety Plan app could be an option to set up, unless you already have this

What things do you enjoy doing?

Thanks @Bow

As awful as your experience has been it made me feel less alone so thanks. I'm aware of the public health system failings but it was just hurtful none of these clinicians showed any empathy or concern. I'm a nurse myself and just couldn't imagine treating any of my patients this way.

My illness is long term complex so I've done all the things everyone has suggested, NDIS doesn't cover anything Medicare does so no psychiatrist that way, which is a shame as that would alleviate the burden on the public system.

I'm sorry you have to rely on this system too and hope you are doing ok

Hi @Daisy78

That sounds like such a frustrating and isolating experience. It’s awful how common this has become for people in crisis. I’ve never understood why mental health services expect the patient to do all the chasing—don’t they realize you’re already struggling?

I really hope they follow up soon and provide the support you need. Keep reaching out however you can, and please know that your feelings are completely valid.

Sending you warmth and support.

Snuggles 🥰

@Daisy78 hello. I'm sorry to hear what you are going through and I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I'm really glad you have reached out for support here and to other places.

A few years ago I was under the care of a mental health team that didn't help me, they passed me from person to person like i was a ball being juggled. It resulted in me making several suicide attempts. Despite the attempts they were quick to sign off on my case and leave me with no support, saying that they can't do anything for me.

Last week I started a new medication which sent me into a psychotic episode and resulted in me attempting suicide, i ended up in hospital but was sent home the next day with no support. It's concerning how often this is happening to people that so desperately need help but they are turned away and let down.

Is it possible to get your gp or psychologist to make contact with the team to find out what's going on. I know it's alot of going around in circles but you really deserve the care and support that you need to get through this. Please keep reaching out and don't give up hope (i know that's easier said than done) , you are important and your feelings are valid.

Sending you lots of strength to get through this ❤️.

Thanks @Former-Member , your so right about having a mental illness drains your own resources to help yourself, it's a sad world. I've considered switching to Mental Health Nursing but not sure if cope with having to let people down all the time:face_with_rolling_eyes:

Thanks for your kind thoughts ❤️

Thanks @Former-Member

Your words were very kind and made me feel alot less alone.

I'm so sorry you are experiencing all of this, it's so tough already having such complex illness then no help with it😔.

I did speak with both my GP and Psychologist who both contacted the Mental Health team. My psychologist was especially insistent on them helping me but even then I was getting nowhere.

I am actually lucky to have a good GP and Psychologist looking after me. My GP has now taken over my care as he is concerned the Mental Health team will do more harm than good. ....and of course today they have actually reached out but I've not yet spoken to them.

I hope your getting along ok? Is anyone looking after you?

Thinking of you in your extremely tough time and thanks for being there for others while you go through this❤️

Thanks @Former-Member

Yes the thoughts are very scary when you look back.

I did do the things you suggested, as you likely know they can be very difficult to do when your in a severe episode.

I did keep my best friend with me yesterday and was able to get out in the sun today with my dog.

I don't actually enjoy many things these days but I try getting out with my dog and talk to friends.

Thanks for your support ❤️