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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel sad that noone seems to care

158 replies

Feelingsad1987 · 14/12/2024 01:54

Just feeling really sad. This is pointless and just a rant, really.

Just had a difficult situation tonight. My partner is living in supportive accommodation. The staff are meant to make sure he takes his medication but they've not been doing so. Consequently he is now in psychosis.

Got an appointment for him on Wednesday with the psychiatrist. However, this afternoon he ended up being verbally aggressive to another resident. The police were called who just said 'there's nothing we can do'.

My partner then ended up at mine very confused and agitated. Said he was never going back to his accommodation as so paranoid and deluded about what is happening there. Then left mine refusing to say where he was going. I was very concerned about his welfare and the danger to other people so I phoned the police explained the situation and explained he needed to be found and taken to the Psych hospital. They tell me they can't do anything and I need to phone the ambulance. So I phone the ambulance who explain I need to phone the police as they can't drive around searching for him, but once the police find him they will attend. They tell me the police policy to quote to the police to convince them to help. So this time they take all the details.

A few hours later they phoned me back to say the 'inspector' wouldn't do anything as I had to do "all my checks' I asked what that meant. I had to speak to all his family and friends. I said that I had of course spoken to his mum and sister, they'd not seen him, but would call the police if he turned up there. He has no friends. I was then told his mum and sister have to do 'their checks'. I asked what they meant. I was told they needed to speak to all his family and friends. I explained again that he has no friends and his only family is his mum and sister. He is not with them. While this was happening he turned up at mine again and was very agitated and ran off when he realised I was talking to someone about him. 'We'll close things now that he's back home...' I explained this wasn't his home and that he'd ran off and he was still psychotic and dangerous. 'We can't do anything, we don't know where he is...' I told them the road he would be on after leaving mine. They then told me that I should be going out looking for him. I told them I have children so wasn't able to do that. They then told me I shouldn't have let him leave. Were really nasty about it. Said if he came back to keep him there.

A couple more hours then they phone me back to tell me they aren't going to do anything as they have spoken to the 'nurse' at his supported accommodation and they have said they have no concerns, that he often goes out and will be back by 11. I have to explain to the police there are no nurses it is a carer with no expertise in mental health. And one who clearly had no handover as they certainly had concerns when he was being aggressive to another resident. I also have to explain again he has said he will not go back there. The police tell me well 'they've let him out' so he must be ok. I have to explain to them it is supported accommodation not prison and he is free to come and go, there is no mechanism for them to not 'let him out'. 'Well, we can't do anything. If he comes back you need to keep him here and phone an ambulance. I explain I'm frightened of letting him in he is highly likely to hurt me. 'Oh well, anyone might hurt you, you don't know he's going to.'

He turns up again. I let him in and manage to calm him and explain I need to phone an ambulance. He gets very agitated. I phone the ambulance, they hear my screams and send the police. Police arrive and I explain how unwell he is. I ask them to take him to the Psych hospital. They tell me they can only do that if my partner confirms himself that he is a danger to himself and others. They say they'll drop him at A&E. I ask what to do when he comes back from there...oh well phone us...

Not one police officer seemed to care at all. I understand sometimes their hands are tied but they just didn't seem to care atall. And the way they would just confidently state complete rubbish and when you pointed it out it didn't seem to have any impact. It was their way or the highway. No matter how much ignorance it was based on or how much danger people would be put in. It didn't matter to them.

OP posts:
BeNavyCrab · 14/12/2024 21:39

The lack of care and organisation is staggering. Surely the police should have been given the name of who they were supposed to be seeing in the café! It's totally unacceptable for you to be put in the position of trying to manage his mood and outbursts all day, by yourself. I'm so sorry for you, and the other poster who had a similar experience. This is very frightening. As an insulin dependant diabetic I have experienced hypos, that to a lay person look similar to being very drunk or confused. I used to think that I would get help if it happens when I am out and about but now I don't feel confident in that at all!

Feelingsad1987 · 14/12/2024 22:53

BeNavyCrab · 14/12/2024 21:39

The lack of care and organisation is staggering. Surely the police should have been given the name of who they were supposed to be seeing in the café! It's totally unacceptable for you to be put in the position of trying to manage his mood and outbursts all day, by yourself. I'm so sorry for you, and the other poster who had a similar experience. This is very frightening. As an insulin dependant diabetic I have experienced hypos, that to a lay person look similar to being very drunk or confused. I used to think that I would get help if it happens when I am out and about but now I don't feel confident in that at all!

Oh, gosh, sorry I don't mean to frighten you! I think if you are alone you would probably be more likely to get help. If they know the person has someone I think they just leave you to it.

I just know it will probably be a repeat tomorrow. There needs to be a different number you can ring for help with mental health issues!

OP posts:
Cableknitdreams · 14/12/2024 23:08

Just want to send sympathy and support as I recognise everything you're describing from years going through similar with my ex.

It was back in the days before public services were decimated, but it was still almost as difficult. I used to call the crisis team only to be told they'd only come if my partner said he'd like them to...when of course someone in the middle of a psychotic episode is unlikely to do that, even if they weren't terrified of being sectioned.

I'm sorry I don't have any answers. I finally realised my own mental health needed priority as I had DC to look after and I split up with my ex.

On a brighter note, new medication (clozapine and now a very new medication with fewer side effects) made all the difference, along with now in his 40s managing symptoms much better, not been in hospital for 15 years, and he's a great dad to our DC, we coparent and are on good terms.

Changing the medication to one that actually worked was essential, but took years of intensive involvement and pushing for it, on my part.

Cableknitdreams · 14/12/2024 23:16

You probably know/tried all these already, but just in case there's anything you haven't seen:

www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/getting-help-for-someone-in-crisis/getting-help-for-someone-in-a-mental-health-crisis/

janeavrilavril · 15/12/2024 00:25

From experience, there is a not a single agency who wants to take control of a 'patient' in psychosis. And as there are many different psychotic states, the patient could answer any questions asked of them with completely normal responses, particularly if the patient is intelligent with a paranoid/delusional psychosis. Sadly you are going to have over egg the entire situation and attempt to get him signed in, which is not easy. He has to be a threat to his own life or someone else's life. Obviously you would know him and he possibly is a threat to himself and so you tell them he is suicidal and when he is brought in, you need to up the ante and get him put in, signed in. so family members should be involved all reading from the same sheet. It sounds horrible but it is the only way you will get any help.

CleverGreyDuck · 15/12/2024 00:55

I’m so sorry what a heart wrenching situation to be in. It does seem more and more that as services are stretched that “care” seems to not be there. Hoping for more positive things coming your way OP

Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 02:09

Cableknitdreams · 14/12/2024 23:08

Just want to send sympathy and support as I recognise everything you're describing from years going through similar with my ex.

It was back in the days before public services were decimated, but it was still almost as difficult. I used to call the crisis team only to be told they'd only come if my partner said he'd like them to...when of course someone in the middle of a psychotic episode is unlikely to do that, even if they weren't terrified of being sectioned.

I'm sorry I don't have any answers. I finally realised my own mental health needed priority as I had DC to look after and I split up with my ex.

On a brighter note, new medication (clozapine and now a very new medication with fewer side effects) made all the difference, along with now in his 40s managing symptoms much better, not been in hospital for 15 years, and he's a great dad to our DC, we coparent and are on good terms.

Changing the medication to one that actually worked was essential, but took years of intensive involvement and pushing for it, on my part.

You understand exactly!

My DP's MH is usually very well controlled. He's on clozapine. Just the house have lots of new staff who have not been making sure he takes it. From now on I'll keep his medication so this won't happen again.

I'm glad your children's dad is settled now and able to be a great dad. So lovely to hear.

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 02:09

Cableknitdreams · 14/12/2024 23:16

You probably know/tried all these already, but just in case there's anything you haven't seen:

www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/getting-help-for-someone-in-crisis/getting-help-for-someone-in-a-mental-health-crisis/

Thank you, I appreciate it.

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 02:12

CleverGreyDuck · 15/12/2024 00:55

I’m so sorry what a heart wrenching situation to be in. It does seem more and more that as services are stretched that “care” seems to not be there. Hoping for more positive things coming your way OP

Thank you so much

OP posts:
XWKD · 15/12/2024 02:36

You're such an amazing person to go through all that for him.

I hope things improve. It's shocking what you've had to go through.

Allthehorsesintheworld · 15/12/2024 02:44

This country has completely fallen apart, every single service is failing.
12 years ago the police were brilliant during a friend’s mental health crisis, went above and beyond to keep them safe and were kind and understanding to boot. Now it’s all gone to pot.
I think your partner’s SW might be your best hope. If you’re up to it you could contact your MP and complain to the police. There’ll be complaint procedure details online.
I also think ( but trying to remember this from 12 years ago) that the police could have detained your partner as a risk to himself or others , I think it’s called a section 136. Maybe you could ask the SW about this and include it in your complaint ?

Yes, remembered it correctly. https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/rights-laws-and-criminal-justice/mental-health-laws/section-136-of-the-mental-health-act-emergency-police-powers-to-take-you-from-a-public-place-to-a-place-of-safety/#:~:text=Section%20136%20is%20part%20of,mental%20health%20will%20be%20assessed.

falalalalaaaaaaaa · 15/12/2024 03:05

Just checking in to see how you're doing, OP. It sounds so stressful, and I'm so sorry no one was more supportive Flowers

Pat888 · 15/12/2024 06:18

I would write a letter detailing in brief what happened to the police, Mental health services, the home, your MP, maybe by email so you have a record or write a letter with an sae and send by recorded delivery. Then they can't pretend they didn't receive it.
This could have been resolved easily but if there are rules which give the mentally ill rights it's hard to expect people not to follow them, I would guess nowadays it could put their job at risk if they did.

Justsayit123 · 15/12/2024 06:23

What crime has your partner committed? The police arent there to deal with mental health issues….not their job and as they have do few resources, they need to deal with real emergencies. Sorry, yes the system is screwed, but don’t blame the police.

RedHelenB · 15/12/2024 06:46

DowntonCrabby · 14/12/2024 11:49

Honestly OP you need to put yourself, your DC and yours and their safety first.

A man mentally unwell enough to need to live in supported accommodation, who you feared would likely hurt you is not a partner in any sense of the word.

I absolutely appreciate he is very ill and this isn’t anyone’s fault but the services letting you all down but really really think about yourself and your DC. Flowers

This.

LoudSnoringDog · 15/12/2024 06:59

The police have very recently adopted a new process called RCRP ( right care, right person). They are no longer involving themselves in mental health issues UNLESS there are immediate and significant concerns to the persons life or public safety.
Lots on the internet about it.

THisbackwithavengeance · 15/12/2024 07:11

I do sympathise OP.

But it did seem like you were expecting the police and ambulance to drive around possibly for hours on end looking for a man who could've been anywhere.

Obviously not going to happen.

And the inspector was right, you didn't do your own checks. Why didn't you get a family member or friend to mind your kids and get looking for him yourself?

Apolloneuro · 15/12/2024 07:16

THisbackwithavengeance · 15/12/2024 07:11

I do sympathise OP.

But it did seem like you were expecting the police and ambulance to drive around possibly for hours on end looking for a man who could've been anywhere.

Obviously not going to happen.

And the inspector was right, you didn't do your own checks. Why didn't you get a family member or friend to mind your kids and get looking for him yourself?

What a spectacularly unkind post. What the hell is wrong with you?

Oh and also learn to read. The OP had checked all the people the poor bloke might have been with.

Fucking hell.

Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:41

XWKD · 15/12/2024 02:36

You're such an amazing person to go through all that for him.

I hope things improve. It's shocking what you've had to go through.

Thank you so much x

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:43

Allthehorsesintheworld · 15/12/2024 02:44

This country has completely fallen apart, every single service is failing.
12 years ago the police were brilliant during a friend’s mental health crisis, went above and beyond to keep them safe and were kind and understanding to boot. Now it’s all gone to pot.
I think your partner’s SW might be your best hope. If you’re up to it you could contact your MP and complain to the police. There’ll be complaint procedure details online.
I also think ( but trying to remember this from 12 years ago) that the police could have detained your partner as a risk to himself or others , I think it’s called a section 136. Maybe you could ask the SW about this and include it in your complaint ?

Yes, remembered it correctly. https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/rights-laws-and-criminal-justice/mental-health-laws/section-136-of-the-mental-health-act-emergency-police-powers-to-take-you-from-a-public-place-to-a-place-of-safety/#:~:text=Section%20136%20is%20part%20of,mental%20health%20will%20be%20assessed.

Edited

Thank you, I appreciate that.

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:45

falalalalaaaaaaaa · 15/12/2024 03:05

Just checking in to see how you're doing, OP. It sounds so stressful, and I'm so sorry no one was more supportive Flowers

Thank you. It's just been so awful dealing with the police. Never been shouted at or talked to so horribly in my life.

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:51

Justsayit123 · 15/12/2024 06:23

What crime has your partner committed? The police arent there to deal with mental health issues….not their job and as they have do few resources, they need to deal with real emergencies. Sorry, yes the system is screwed, but don’t blame the police.

Assault for a start.

Why did they accept it was their job when the ambulance told me the policy to quote to them?

How is people being hurt not a 'real emergency'?

Why do they have powers to take a person to a mental health hospital if they aren't there to deal with these situations?

If they aren't there to keep people safe in these situations, who is?

OP posts:
Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:53

RedHelenB · 15/12/2024 06:46

This.

As I already said my DC have been kept safe. Hence, me ignoring police advice to go out searching for him and let him in my house when my children were here.

OP posts:
Redwinedaze · 15/12/2024 09:58

Justsayit123 · 15/12/2024 06:23

What crime has your partner committed? The police arent there to deal with mental health issues….not their job and as they have do few resources, they need to deal with real emergencies. Sorry, yes the system is screwed, but don’t blame the police.

This and why didn’t you tell the Police who you was when they entered the cafe? They’re not going to announce the name of the person they are there to see to random strangers.

They’re can’t run around looking for someone when their support staff have said there isn’t a problem, and it’s normal for him to be out.

Taking him to A&E was all that could be done, they are not health professional, A&E can section him, Police can’t hold someone for their mental health, they can 136 him but can’t hold him it wouldn’t be fair on him, once sectioned he has to go to a medical facility.

Police seem to be used as a catch all service when others such as mental health services fail, that’s partly why they can no longer proactively Police.

That aside, why are you with him, do you want to be with him or are you trapped in a carer type role.

Feelingsad1987 · 15/12/2024 09:59

LoudSnoringDog · 15/12/2024 06:59

The police have very recently adopted a new process called RCRP ( right care, right person). They are no longer involving themselves in mental health issues UNLESS there are immediate and significant concerns to the persons life or public safety.
Lots on the internet about it.

This was the policy the ambulance crew got me to quote to them when they kept telling me they couldn't do anything. Seems they are not interested in dealing with mental health even with those concerns.

OP posts:
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