Mental Health Services

[nailit]

I know that both ummmm and minty have worked in mental health and andy-hughes has talked (rather candidly I think) about his time spent in a psych hospital. My own issues, everyone here knows about, but has anyone else here had experience of NHS mental health services and if so what did you think about them?
(I'll explain a bit later my reasons for asking, just wanted to get a bit of feedback if possible) Thanks.

[wolf63]

My experiences have been mostly positive but apart from trips to see my psychiatrist and GP I haven't had many dealings with the hospital in a few years.

When I did need to go into hospital my GP arranged for me to go in the day after an appointment with him.

I just keep taking the tablets and hope that it is all a really bad dream

[nailit]

Strange that wolf, I thought about you straight after I hit the 'answer now' button.

[murraymints]

I was very perturbed by what I saw.. particularly in the locked wards of a large psychiatric hospital.. a lot of abuse, physical and verbal... I also had very good reason to believe sexual abuse of the female patients.. I worried much about the care of patients upon discharge as there never seemed to be adequate support in place to warrant most of these.. there were of course a lot of staff that also cared and did their best, but an all pervading sense of despair and resigned acceptance of situations that were doomed to become progressively worse hung in the air.... this was a long time ago and I hope things have improved, but I rather doubt it...

[nailit]

//this was a long time ago and I hope things have improved, but I rather doubt it//
You're doubts are not unfounded minty.

[nailit]

This isn't about myself BTW.

[Tilly2]

My dad was sectioned. The help he received was second to none. He, and I, were given lots of support and help. That help and support went on until the day he died. I am very grateful for that, so was he.

[nailit]

//That help and support went on until the day he died//
Pleased he got that support Tills but that couldnt have been recently?

[Tilly2]

He died a year ago, Nails.

[tamborine]

My dter visited a male client 40y, recently ‘incarcerated’ in NHS Aylesbury mental unit. Patients have own rooms but share tv/dining areas. She was impressed with facilites, likening it to 3* lodgings. Patients can entertain visitors in own room. Patient enjoys the facility and was quite lucid.

[nailit]

Sorry to hear that Tills. I'll say why I'm asking this in a minute or two. Just dealing with some other things at the mo.

[nailit]

Thanks Tambo, I'm actually thinking about post hospital at the mo, follow up etc.

[Tilly2]

I've only got fifteen minutes.....do tell.

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Yes, I had to use the NHS mental health crisis team on a couple of occasions some years ago. I found them to be very candid and definitely helped our family at a massively stressful time. Regrettably, we found the mental health services locally to be woefully inadequate and found better support from voluntary groups like AA. Regarding the psychiatrists etc, the waiting list to see one was ridiculous considering the severity of the situation. The only option was going private which meant a lot of our savings gone. But money well spent as we are still alive. I think the NHS mental health services are underfunded, overstretched, have got their priorities wrong and I would hate to be totally reliant on them. I sympathise with anyone employed in these services but also anyone having to use them.

[murraymints]

my experience was in a large Psych hospital and I never engaged in any after care or folks who were not considered ill enough to be in patients.. so can't really pass judgement on post hossie care...there were a good few that kept coming back though, so guess it wasn't brilliant...sadly

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

I meant to say best wishes with your ongoing treatment, Nailit. It's no joke. It literally is a day at a time.

[nailit]

//I've only got fifteen minutes.....do tell//
You sound like my present care co-ordinator, lol.
Actually my present care co-ordinator has told me that they are under enormous pressure to get people of the books as soon as possible regardless if they are well or not.
Over the last week Ive had both my son slitting his wrists (see previous post in CB) and a friend ringing me last night in a state of despair. And both getting jack *** help where needed.
I rang the local 'crisis' mental health helpline re my son the day after the incident, I might as well have rung the speaking clock for what 'help' they offered. My friend was suicidal last night and cant get hold of her today. Shes been put on meds that are messing her head up but she has been told that she is been discharged by mental health services regardless. Its all a flaming joke.
Ive got my own issues at the mo but as stated, this post is not about me.

[nailit]

//I sympathise with anyone employed in these services but also anyone having to use them//
Just about sums it up for me as well Hazi., thanks.

[nailit]

Hospital was gr8, awesome (legal) drugs, having a rest from life etc. Its what comes after...

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Look after yourself first, Nailit. We can't help anyone else otherwise. Will be thinking of you all.

[pixie374]

Many times over many years, for myself and other people, including camhs. They are run ragged- they just can't keep up. The crisis team are brilliant- and actually, so are the services- providing you can get them...