Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I have mental health issues and autism. I spoke to someone from a charity or organisation (not sure which one) and they said they're concerned about me because of some of the things I said. I told the woman who is concerned about me that I'm currently under a mental health team, and how they're really bad and don't care for me much. I also call the crisis team often and they've not been useful at all. I once cut myself, and the woman said "you best clean yourself up". The crisis team also suggested me going to bed to make myself feel better. Of course sleeping is only a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. Amongst other things they've said to me.
I also told the woman on the email that I've been feeling low and bad since June 2017, so I think that maybe a concern for them? I told them my history about who I liked romantically and who's liked me and what's happened. Also about how I lost my dog because he had to be put down in December 2018, and lost my friend to cancer in June 2019. I was telling them how I sometimes feel impulsive and feel like overdosing to get help and also because I want to die because of how rubbish my life is. I look back on things and when I thought I was in a crisis, I wasn't in as much of in a crisis than I am now.
So the woman I spoke to on the phone has submitted a safeguarding form about my mental health and I presume about the neglect from the healthcare services. Prior to speaking to her on the phone, she called me 3-times, but I never picked up because I was in bed tired. She then phoned the 4th time and I then answered. We spoke for about 30-minutes and she told me she was concerned for me. I have obviously consented to her sending the form over, but I'm not sure who she's sent it to.
I'm worried about what's going to happen. Has this happened to any of yous before?
Ah, unless there is another organisation also called Healthwatch, these are a watch dog for all health services. They will help and guide anyone making a complaint against the NHS. They try to achieve a resolution or an improved service. They also generally monitor NHS patient care in all domains.
Someone close to me, and us as his carers, were very badly let down by NHS MH services in much the same way you were, Healthwatch were brilliant.
It's not their job to help directly with your MH, they are not MH professionals, but you should absolutely talk to them if the MH services are letting you down. They will help you bat your Corner. Once the services (crisis team) know Healthwatch are interested in your case, they normally buck their ideas up.
Please don't worry about what happens next.. what happens next should be a better service. If not, talk to Healthwatch again.
Hi DaveAsperg, - sorry you feel so down about everything
I see, I see. I think they're quite good actually. The woman I spoke to from my local Healthwatch was very understanding. I felt like I needed someone like her to speak to. It makes life easier when people understand.
I wrote to them once and they said they would pass it onto a service as feedback - but it wasn't such a serious situation.
That's ok! Have you heard of them before? They can get involved, well at least my local one did!
That's great - I didn't know they intervened with situations. Thanks for that.
Oh OK! I've got nothing negative to say about the charity/organisation that is going to help me. It's only the NHS that's really quite bad in my area for mental health help. The charity/organisation is called Healthwatch.
Yes
Are you talking to me?
If you want to recommend the charity/organisation once you are happy they have helped, the rules allow it - you just can't say negative stuff about them - It might really help others - no pressure though if you want to keep some things private - and if it's a really local charity, it could give away where you live, I suppose..
My experience of this type of thing is that everyone looks to pass responsibilities to someone else but no one wants it
Sounds like delusions - I have delusions only with it thank goodness - I really feel for people who also have visual and or auditory hallucinations.
I understand, psychosis sounds scary, I think I had it when I had no medication. I just couldn't stop thinking things and I thought my thoughts were true and there was no evidence to suggest that my thoughts were wrong. It was highly distressing.
I've got the same, except I'm waiting to see if I have autism - but I've also had psychosis and my hospital stay was for that - it can be harder to get help when you are considered to be a threat to yourself only, as in your case - it shouldn't be, but often is - you've got someone fighting your corner now though and hopefully you will find support on here too. I'm not saying I was a huge threat to people though - they were just concerned about me and about me confusing my kids.
I've got OCD, depression, anxiety issues and autism.
The mental health team should also monitor your physical health.
But I'm just speculating - which I didn't really want to do. I've had mental health problems myself but they sound different to yours so I can't give too good an answer.
I would have thought that the first thing they will try is to have words with the crisis team and mental health team. Otherwise, have you ever had the home treatment team out to visit you or have you got a CPN? It shouldn't be just phone calls if you are in a crisis - maybe they will arrange that. If they can't keep you safe in the community, there's hospital, but as far as I know you can be a voluntary patient if you are concerned about being sectioned.
Hi Adele M,
It's OK, it's no one's fault, only the mental health team that I'm under and how they've failed me.
They are a really good service and I'm glad someone has taken me seriously for once. I'm going to see if the safeguarding team calls me on Monday, they probably will. Also not to mention that I can't stop eating and have become morbidly obese as a result of it.
Do you know what might happen? As it happened to you before?
Sorry to hear all this - I hope they get you feeling better soon. They sound like a really good service to have phoned because they have taken an interest in your welfare - try to trust them. If you aren't happy with anything that happens next, you can always contact them again and they can support you through it. I don't want to speculate about what will happen next because it depends on a number of things.