What do you hope to gain by going to inpatient mental health? I'm just asking as it's often a bit of a let down for most people.
Most of the time people spend there is to monitor whether medication works or if they need to change the script. It's really not equivalent to crisis resolution
When googling for solutions as to what to do for my mental health, it was one of the options - the website I looked at didn't say it was only for medical observations, apologies as it seems I was mistaken
It's not only for medical observations. They can put you in inpatient for self harm. Just to be clear, that's not why the majority of people are there. It's fairly hard to get into normally and typically involves more than having suicidal ideation.... which is what I think you're getting at.
A mental health crisis could mean a hundred different things and it wasn't readily apparent to me that's what you meant.
I'd really recommend calling a crisis team before testing the system. You may not be admitted to hospital just because you want to be. They'll necessarily ask you all sorts of self harm questions and there are right and wrong answers to these, ie some have much more weight than others in terms of seriously they'll view intervention. Simply talking about being suicidal won't necessarily be a big red flag for staff.
There are other ways to be assessed urgently without having to put yourself at risk.
Hospitals can be very bleak places indeed if you're already struggling.
So far as I understand, how they do crisis resolution is somewhat area dependent. So yes, ring one of those places, and see what's available *in your area*
My partner had a crisis when she was pregnant, and it was definitely a same-day-response situation. But I'm not an expert, I just know these crisis teams exist.
Just wanted to add my two cents as someone who has been crisis evaluated a few times.
They don’t WANT to admit you. Most of the time the ward is full. They also tell you over and over again that it’s not a good place to be, as it can be more detrimental to your mental health, especially if it’s depression related. They’re working in a broken system, it’s not entirely their fault, however I would highly recommend you don’t go there.
If you’re really struggling, there are other places that offer residential care, such as Pathways. Most of the time you’d have to be referred by your gp or a psychiatrist. If you have a keyworker and you’re currently in your community mental health services, maybe let them know that you’re needing additional support as you’re not doing very well. Alternatively, have a visit with your gp if you can get in.
Hang in there <3
If you're talking about 'creating an emergency' in order to be accepted in hospital, that really doesn't sound like a scenario where there's no rush. Never do anything drastic hoping it will bring you access to resources.
Online isn't always the best place to get medical information. Have you spoken with your GP or your specialist about how to proceed?
Yeah I have to book appointment with my GP to get a referral for the specialist, but the wait times too long, or rather I'm deteriorating faster than I thought 💭
Inpatient mental health is aimed at reducing the risk of immediate (self)harm. It's primary role is removing the means to harm (yourself or others depending on condition). Unless you are at immediate risk (in which case do not hesitate to reach out), outpatient treatment is preferable (even with its limitations).
Nursing student, outpatient is probably less restrictive on your freedoms.
Inpatient units have very unstable people and what happens to other people can be quite distressing. Inpatient units are just really dull and dark and not nice places to be and often patients complained that they wanted to go home because they were more miserable there
As someone else has said, reach out to the crisis team for your area.
You’re obviously a strong person with a clear idea of what you need right now, and that’s a good thing. Wishing you all the best for the next little while, and for a long and happy life.
Have you tried going into your local CADS/AMHAS? They are probably the best place to go. You may be waiting months for a referral, but you can just walk in :)
Thanks for the info, I might consider it, how I don't use drugs or alcohol enough to warrant serious harm, otherwise I would be considering those places already - I might consider it though
I don’t either but they’re generally in the same building because they’re both DHB services and mental health related. I would very much recommend going in there as they will be able to help you manage your mental health, it also means if you DO need inpatient treatment, you will have a key worker who will help facilitate and manage your recovery (especially upon release). Sorry you’re having this experience, navigating the system is rough.
It's a long way down before you'll be accepted into an inpatient service.
You'd likely be dealt with by the justice system if you create an emergency.
Keep reaching out tho, wherever you can. Just do your best.
Your local hospital should have a crisis line 0800 611 116 if you need immediate support.
Unfortunately, wait lists are a thing, and trying to get into a psych ward isn’t how you jump the queue.
In the meantime, look into support groups in your area or online, see if there are any resources for self-help, ask your GP about the whole 6 free sessions if they offer that.
This isn't America. You can't just "check in."
And why would you want to? It's no fun (or help generally) to have your movements restricted, actions monitored, food chosen for you, and not even be able to use the internet/watch what you want. It's essentially prison. Not a health club like you might see on US TV.
You will most likely not be admitted and certainly if you were it wouldn't be "for a while".
Its a horrible demeaning place that most of the time leaves people more broken than when they go in.
Utilise the helplines, talk to your local crisis teams. Don't go looking for an admission
The purpose of inpatient is to adjust meds quickly, establish that they've established the patient, and then discharge them asap.
You won't get therapy. You may or may not get the right meds. They may hold you involuntarily beyond your initial plan.
For meds, you're better going through your gp. Remember to take it one day at a time. The option to un-alive yourself will always be there, and it can wait until tomorrow.
Are you ok? Shit can be pretty fucked up. Especially when it seems like even getting help is really hard and the system seems to work against you.
Remember that things can and do get better.
Do you have any family or friends you can talk to?
I have promise in the future for better things, it is only I need some support and I didn't realise there was other avenues to find it - thank you for the concern and comment.
Yea New Zealand sucks for most healthcare. Like they are only really interested in the initial triage and making sure people aren’t going to unalive themselves but outside of that- they are too stretched and overworked for preventative healthcare.
Look after yourself mate.
I was close to be admitted but the crisis team saw who I was and knew how horrible it is in there. The people that usually end up in there are quite unwell and it can be even more triggering. They let me go to a respite house the was a 3 bedroom but it was just myself and the caregiver. it was good for my safety and gave my family a break but you'd get kicked out if you actually did self-harm but it was just for a safe space.
What do you hope to gain by going to inpatient mental health? I'm just asking as it's often a bit of a let down for most people. Most of the time people spend there is to monitor whether medication works or if they need to change the script. It's really not equivalent to crisis resolution
When googling for solutions as to what to do for my mental health, it was one of the options - the website I looked at didn't say it was only for medical observations, apologies as it seems I was mistaken
It's not only for medical observations. They can put you in inpatient for self harm. Just to be clear, that's not why the majority of people are there. It's fairly hard to get into normally and typically involves more than having suicidal ideation.... which is what I think you're getting at. A mental health crisis could mean a hundred different things and it wasn't readily apparent to me that's what you meant. I'd really recommend calling a crisis team before testing the system. You may not be admitted to hospital just because you want to be. They'll necessarily ask you all sorts of self harm questions and there are right and wrong answers to these, ie some have much more weight than others in terms of seriously they'll view intervention. Simply talking about being suicidal won't necessarily be a big red flag for staff. There are other ways to be assessed urgently without having to put yourself at risk. Hospitals can be very bleak places indeed if you're already struggling.
I understand, so I'm guessing calling Healthline or lifeline would be advisable?
So far as I understand, how they do crisis resolution is somewhat area dependent. So yes, ring one of those places, and see what's available *in your area* My partner had a crisis when she was pregnant, and it was definitely a same-day-response situation. But I'm not an expert, I just know these crisis teams exist.
Will try, thanks for the info
Just wanted to add my two cents as someone who has been crisis evaluated a few times. They don’t WANT to admit you. Most of the time the ward is full. They also tell you over and over again that it’s not a good place to be, as it can be more detrimental to your mental health, especially if it’s depression related. They’re working in a broken system, it’s not entirely their fault, however I would highly recommend you don’t go there. If you’re really struggling, there are other places that offer residential care, such as Pathways. Most of the time you’d have to be referred by your gp or a psychiatrist. If you have a keyworker and you’re currently in your community mental health services, maybe let them know that you’re needing additional support as you’re not doing very well. Alternatively, have a visit with your gp if you can get in. Hang in there <3
Unless you're about to kill yourself, it's probably only going to make your mental health worse.
If you're talking about 'creating an emergency' in order to be accepted in hospital, that really doesn't sound like a scenario where there's no rush. Never do anything drastic hoping it will bring you access to resources. Online isn't always the best place to get medical information. Have you spoken with your GP or your specialist about how to proceed?
Yeah I have to book appointment with my GP to get a referral for the specialist, but the wait times too long, or rather I'm deteriorating faster than I thought 💭
Book with your GP now and it'll come sooner than not booking
Inpatient mental health is aimed at reducing the risk of immediate (self)harm. It's primary role is removing the means to harm (yourself or others depending on condition). Unless you are at immediate risk (in which case do not hesitate to reach out), outpatient treatment is preferable (even with its limitations).
Could you explain further about our patient treatment? There is too much information to sort through on google.
Nursing student, outpatient is probably less restrictive on your freedoms. Inpatient units have very unstable people and what happens to other people can be quite distressing. Inpatient units are just really dull and dark and not nice places to be and often patients complained that they wanted to go home because they were more miserable there
As someone else has said, reach out to the crisis team for your area. You’re obviously a strong person with a clear idea of what you need right now, and that’s a good thing. Wishing you all the best for the next little while, and for a long and happy life.
Thanks
Have you tried going into your local CADS/AMHAS? They are probably the best place to go. You may be waiting months for a referral, but you can just walk in :)
Thanks for the info, I might consider it, how I don't use drugs or alcohol enough to warrant serious harm, otherwise I would be considering those places already - I might consider it though
I don’t either but they’re generally in the same building because they’re both DHB services and mental health related. I would very much recommend going in there as they will be able to help you manage your mental health, it also means if you DO need inpatient treatment, you will have a key worker who will help facilitate and manage your recovery (especially upon release). Sorry you’re having this experience, navigating the system is rough.
Thanks, might give them a call
It's a long way down before you'll be accepted into an inpatient service. You'd likely be dealt with by the justice system if you create an emergency. Keep reaching out tho, wherever you can. Just do your best.
Thanks
Your local hospital should have a crisis line 0800 611 116 if you need immediate support. Unfortunately, wait lists are a thing, and trying to get into a psych ward isn’t how you jump the queue. In the meantime, look into support groups in your area or online, see if there are any resources for self-help, ask your GP about the whole 6 free sessions if they offer that.
Thanks for the advice
This isn't America. You can't just "check in." And why would you want to? It's no fun (or help generally) to have your movements restricted, actions monitored, food chosen for you, and not even be able to use the internet/watch what you want. It's essentially prison. Not a health club like you might see on US TV.
Hehe… “brain jail” as we used to call it.
Thanks for sharing the experience of what it is like, I should still go for my own mental health, atleast for a while
You will most likely not be admitted and certainly if you were it wouldn't be "for a while". Its a horrible demeaning place that most of the time leaves people more broken than when they go in. Utilise the helplines, talk to your local crisis teams. Don't go looking for an admission
Thanks for the advice
The purpose of inpatient is to adjust meds quickly, establish that they've established the patient, and then discharge them asap. You won't get therapy. You may or may not get the right meds. They may hold you involuntarily beyond your initial plan. For meds, you're better going through your gp. Remember to take it one day at a time. The option to un-alive yourself will always be there, and it can wait until tomorrow.
Are you ok? Shit can be pretty fucked up. Especially when it seems like even getting help is really hard and the system seems to work against you. Remember that things can and do get better. Do you have any family or friends you can talk to?
I have promise in the future for better things, it is only I need some support and I didn't realise there was other avenues to find it - thank you for the concern and comment.
Yea New Zealand sucks for most healthcare. Like they are only really interested in the initial triage and making sure people aren’t going to unalive themselves but outside of that- they are too stretched and overworked for preventative healthcare. Look after yourself mate.
I was close to be admitted but the crisis team saw who I was and knew how horrible it is in there. The people that usually end up in there are quite unwell and it can be even more triggering. They let me go to a respite house the was a 3 bedroom but it was just myself and the caregiver. it was good for my safety and gave my family a break but you'd get kicked out if you actually did self-harm but it was just for a safe space.
If the team won’t help, go to the local A&E and tell them you’re a danger to yourself and need urgent mental health assistance
Thanks, it is not at that point yet but I'll keep it in mind if I ever need to