So angry at the system.

Wow @SolidRock, I am utterly flabbergasted at the lack of duty of care shown to your friend. Unfortunately, I don't think it is a solitary case and I've read numerous similar stories of people falling through the cracks of the mental health system. It seems like your friend is on a revolving system of buck-passing where nobody wants to help, and of course, this, in turn, makes your friend feel worse.

I am guessing your friend is attempting to access the public mental health system, am I correct? In most areas, there is a consumer consultant who can help patients liaise with the area's mental health service. I would lodge a complaint with them and see where this takes you.

I notice that you are new to the forums, so also wanted to welcome you. I do hope some sort of help is timely received by your friend and his supports.

Take care,

Q

Hi @SolidRock

This negligence of duty of care by mental health crisis teams is actually reaching a crisis! So many post on here describing similar to you. What can you do? Does your friend see a psychiatrist? An emergency appt here is important - someone could accompany your friend and tell the psychiatrist the whole situation.

Complain to the Dept of Health, ombudsman and your local MPs (Minister for Health and Shadow). The more people do this they will have to act. They are failing in their duty of care.

Someone will need to keep a close eye on your friend 24/7 until he finds adequate help and assistance.

We had to phone the police when our daughter threatened to attempt suicide - they can have her scheduled I believe (this was because the MH team etc let us down too. And why the police can become involved. It's a problem and yes, not easy to do, but did save our daughter's life). We have also rung an ambulance when she attempted the first time and the hospital being quite aware had to commit her. We rang the mental health crisis line many times before and they would do nothing. This is what it took for her to me admitted into a psych ward. It should never get to this stage through lack of resources and care for the mentally ill.

But for now all you can really do is the above. Being there for your friend letting him know he is not alone and is loved will help him through his grief and depression. This can safe lives. Also you could try encouraging him to join real life support groups such as GROW where he can receive additional support which also takes some of the stress off Carers.

Another avenue to try is Carers Australia for the mentally ill as they may be able to offer other options. Please let us know how you get on.

Hello @SolidRock

I love your name. I did Geology when young. I have tried to be like a solid rock for my loved ones.

I am also angry with the system at past and present injustices.

I cannot go into it all as it just retraumatises ME.

Take the good suggestions on board and good luck on your journey.

Thanks @Former-Member, for your concern. It felt really good to have someone listen and sympathise.
My friend had a couple of down days and we ended up in Emergency a failed attempt last weekend. Again they sent him home, but mainly because he had a doctors appointment that morning. The GP did a great job, and spent hours with him over a couple of consultations. He is refered to a Medicare Psychiatrist who is also fully trained in Psychology too. It really has boosted his spirits to finally end up with someone who will commit to helping him.
The crisis team is also getting better. They still call days after they say they will, but he has a dedicated team member. It seems she is the nice one who promises more than she can realistically offer, rather than the mean people who tell him what can't be given.
He's also found some online communities with professional help too and that has given him some 24/7 support and given some relief to those arround us.
So far it's just good news, and not much has started, but he is feeling much better for it.

Thanks @Queenie for your welcome and @Former-Member for suggestions of what to do next. @Appleblossom - I'm a Geophysicist and a Youth Pastor, so SolidRock is a geology reference (Geology Rocks!), a reference to who I want to be for my friends, and a reminder that I can rely on God when all other ground is shifting sand.

Hi @SolidRock Great news about your friend obtaining a psychiatrist/psychologist through Medicare. This together with the online community 24/7 support group should help him tremendously. Glad to read things are looking up. He is blessed to have a friend like you 😊

As a youth pastor @SolidRock you will likely meet many marginalised people those looking for some solidity that you seem to offer. Committed religious always had better conversations with me than others.

I still talk geology: all over this website along with my personal hisory. it absolutely rocks in a different way to a boat gently bobbing about. I have a love for water too.

Glad you are getting some support for your friend. Trying to show that there are people who care and that it is more than just showing up for a job.