To think there should be better mental health support in the community?

[UndertheCedartree]

Some people on here will know my story. Short story, I have Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and had a mental break down and was in hospital for almost 3 years.

My experience is that once you are back in the community there is little to no support. Granted this has been made worse because of Covid.

When you have had your whole day controlled to then to have nothing is really hard, especially if you are still too unwell to work. And even more so with a diagnosis of EUPD. I'm pretty sure it is why so many end up back in hospital. When you feel empty with very strong emotions, an unclear self image and impulsive being in hospital can be very comforting as you feel held. I think if there was some of the same things in the community that you get in hospital like activities such as sports groups or craft activities that you can feel accomplished at, relaxation and mindfulness to help with emotions, self care activities to help you feel better about yourself and just people being there to chat and listen, then people would cope much better in the community.

Just me then! 😄

Can you join any local groups that do crafts etc? So kind of structure the same kind of activities for yourself? I do understand that the care outside is rubbish, but maybe you could put a plan together to mimic bits of what you had.

Yanbu. At all. And I say that as an ex mental health support worker.

I have severe anxiety and depression, and mild agoraphobia. (Which in the grand scheme of mental illness isn't so bad). I remember a friend of mine insisting I should utilise my community mental health worker more. She wouldn't have it that I just don't have one.

I do agree but sadly everything is down to money. I have worked in mental health as a support worker, most care workers are on minimum wage and it’s not a easy job. Sadly the gouvenment don’t cough up enough money to provide good community support meaning sadly not many people can afford to work in the job roles that are needed to provide support.

localy we have several support groups set up by people who felt there was a lack of support, maybe that’s something you could do? We have a ‘talk’ group for people who feel lonely and are suffering with mental health and a few other similar groups.

Is there a branch of Mind where you live? They have groups for things like crafts, walking, some sports, just meeting up and chatting etc.
Most GPs have a community navigator/social prescriber that can also find you groups and activities you can go to. You might be surprised by how much is actually out there.

There is a adult college I might be able to do something at. Money is a bit of a problem, though.

She really has no clue!

Oh I completely agree. It really should be well paid.

I have thought about setting something up. But I don't really no where to start! Without funding how could I hire a room etc? Also I worry about taking on more than I can emotionally manage. People with EUPD (in my experience) often latch onto someone who gives some support and I'm not in a position to be that for them - I worry how it will affect me mentally as well as doing more harm than good with the other person.

I've spoken to my care coordinator, support worker, OT, the yearly health check up person and the social prescriber at my GP. So far noone has been able to come up with anything. To be fair I think anything that was running now isn't since Covid.

YANBU. It should be part of discharge planning. People who’ve had medium or long stays in hospitals should have a care plan and it should include things to support that person as an individual. Referrals and groups should be set up before the person goes home.

I am aware I said “should” a lot, because I know this doesn’t happen.

You sound extremely self aware which should serve you well. That said, it’s not always easy especially in a difficult time.

Some areas have mental health day services which may be useful for people as a step down from inpatient treatment.

Trying to get any kind of referral in the community before discharge, as you say just does not happen. No one will touch it. The hospital tried but got no where.

That is a shame.
A lot of groups are set up because there is nothing much out there.
I did set up a colouring group. We used to meet in a cafe, and just sat colouring, eating chips and chatting.
Some supermarkets have rooms you can use for community groups, and community run cafes/hubs are happy to host groups too. I was in a hub last week, and overheard plans about a group being set up.
You are right though about feeling that some people will cling on to you for support. That is something that will happen if there is a mental health slant to your group. I know someone who set up a social group, and some members ended up calling her at all times in crisis.
Are there any sewing/wool shops where you live? Some will hold meet ups and love to show beginners how to knit etc. It is worth a look.. you will meet new people and learn something fun.
If you are on FaceBook, then have a look on any local pages for where you live. People post about groups on there, or maybe start a post and ask what is out there.
Good luck. Getting out, meeting people, and learning things is a vital part of recovery.

Following as would be interested in this too. In the library there was a booklet with some ideas actually but not many close to me

One thing I find useful is a swim / gym pass, our mental and physical health can be so linked and there is also a social aspect to it as well. I do easy things like aqua aerobics and yoga.

Is there a recovery college near you? They offer groups/courses that are mental health related as well as other activities. I’ve seen things like walking club, tai chi, music advertised etc.

Adult education often offers free or reduced classes if you’re on a low income. And it’s not all formal education, can be things like yoga and craft.

Mind was a good suggestion, the local branches often run activities.

You could also try local community centres or church halls - they often advertise things on their social media so it can take a bit of digging info.

Children’s centres? They sometimes run activities for parents.

Oh and if you’d prefer to do outdoor stuff there is likely a community garden locally. Some of them are listed here. www.farmgarden.org.uk