So apparently I should go to the hospital

[Ru-bee]

Yeah I hear you @Twilightsomniac it would be a pretty scary thing sharing that, especially when it's not something you've shared before, though it is fantastic that you've been able to talk about it here...maybe it will feel a tiny bit easier to share with others now that you've already taken this step?

[Twilightsomniac]

@Ru-bee somehow I think they are going to keep me in hospital for a while. I needed to clean but the voices wouldn't shut up so I made them but now I'm in alot of pain my mil is almost home now and I did get the cleaning done probably made my sh worse but at least I got it done 

[Ru-bee]

Is your MIL home now @Twilightsomniac? When you say you're in pain do you need any medical attention, or did it cause you pain to quiet the voices?

I know today's a hard day, we're here with you 

[Twilightsomniac]

@Ru-bee I probably do need medical attention yes my mil is home now we're going to the hospital when my 1 yr old wakes from his nap 

[Twilightsomniac]

@Ru-bee I need pain to quiet the voices. The more pain the quieter my head is. 

[Ru-bee]

Okay, I understand @Twilightsomniac I'm glad that your MIL is there with you now 

[EternalFlower]

hi @Twilightsomniac having been in the public hospital and ED many times, in my experience they mostly assisst people with psychosis and bipolar and are not very pushy in putting people in the ward even if they describe distressing feelings. 

Hopefully u will be treated there with respect and care. the hospital for a few days and the ED overnight personally really helped me when I needed containment and to be away from my thoughts. I was there recently and it was very beneficial. Sorry u are struggling.

I think sometimes it's okay to be in hospital - but i understand the hesitancy. Hope ur day was a light or easier one

[Alisse]

Hi @mb3 

Sorry for the late reply, and I hope you are well.

In my experience, professional support can offer more than just medication. Having access to bloodwork to ensure medications are at therapeutic levels can be really helpful, and it's also important to check for other medical conditions that may impact mental health, e.g. thyroid function, Vit D and B deficiencies, or other comorbid medical conditions.  These professionals are also here to keep us safe when we feel we can't.

There are also other heatlh professionals who can provide support during times of distress, this could be a social worker, mental health nurse, counsellor, or community based support services.  

Following my last hospital admission, I was grateful to recieve home care support, while I underwent treatment.  As the full time carer for my son who  lives with a complex medical condition, this made a huge difference.

I hadn't known this kind of support was available and it gave me the chance to focuse on my own healing. I am incredibly grateful.

I completely understand the concerns about psychiatry sometimes defaulting to medication as a solution.  While medication can be a useful tool, its just one part of the picture, we know that there is a lot more to the mental health of a individual that needs to be considered. 

Mental health is complex and every individual deserves holistic care that consideres the full context of their life.  Above all, I hope that anyone seeking help is treated with dignity and respect, and the understanding that we are the experts in our own experience.  

This space is a peer led, supportive platform, where we listen, share our stories and encourage one another with kindness and compassion.  While we can't offer medical advice, we're here to walk alongside each other on our recovery journeys. 

Wishing you strength on your journey.

Kindly Alisse

[mb3]

hi @Alisse 

thanks for your reply

do you care to share the name of the home care support provider you were connected with after your hospital stay?

i am finding it very hard to find the right services and need some help navigating the mental health system.

i have complex mental illness and i have no one to help me except my aging mum. i am prepared to live with my complex needs and deal with it myself .  all i ask is to be connected with services that can offer social support and someone to exercise with.

i am in the perth area.

any services that you would recommend??

[Alisse]

Hi @mb3 

Thank you for your patience with my reply. I'm usually online with SANE on Fridays, so I may not always get the chance to respond in between shifts. I apoligse, and I hope you’re doing well.

I hear how difficult it’s been trying to find the right services and navigate the mental health system, especially while managing complex mental health challenges. It’s not easy, and your persistence speaks volumes about your strength.

It’s heartening to hear that you have your mum’s support, and I can understand your concern about building a stable support network as she ages. I think that foresight is really responsible and considerate, and I sincerely hope you're able to find the right support and services you need and deserve.

I’m in NSW and not familiar with Perth services in detail, but I can share what helped me after being discharged from hospital. As a full-time carer for my son, I received in-home support through ComPacks, a community program offered by NSW Health.

Search NSW Health, ComPacks,  in case it helps to find something similar through WA services.

You might also like to get in touch with your local health service, neighbourhood centre, or one of the Medicare Mental Health Centres. You can reach them on 1800 595 212. There are five centres in Perth, and they’re designed to connect people with ongoing supports, everything from mental and physical health to housing and employment.

Search Medicare Mental Health Centres.

(Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care)

I truly hope one or more of these resources can be a starting point in helping you build a supportive network around you. Once you find the right service fit, I believe you’ll begin to feel more supported and confident in managing your mental health.

Reaching out here is courageous, I’m really proud of you for doing so.

I wish you all the very best in finding the care and support you need moving forward.

Kindly Alisse