Crisis team - that do they do?

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Following on from a night in a and e speaking to psych team, I've now been referred to the crisis resolution and home treatment team.

Someone is coming out tomorrow. I've looked online at the information about it but I can't take it in properly. Could anyone tell me what they will say/do/ask etc.

I understand it's different for each person. I'm being treated for "an acute episode of severe depression"

Title is mean to say what do they do.

It's different for each area as well and in mine for each diagnosis. My personal experience hasn't been good, but I know people who have found it helpful.

What are your expectations of them visiting?

My experience was having medication given to me and being told to stop moping around the house and have a cup of tea we'll pop back tomorrow. Literally that was it. The next day they didn't bother, they rang to say I'd looked fine the day before so weren't coming to see me as too busy.

On the other hand I know others who have NOT been treated like that.

Also I should say it can, like most things, vary according to the people coming to see you, I add that because I have had helpful supportive responses as well, though those have been rare.

I'm not sure if that helps you or not. Sorry if it doesn't.

My experience was also quite poor. I saw them every day for about 2 weeks, then every other day for another 2 weeks. I was also assessed by a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Then I was given a leaflet to self-refer for a talking therapy.

Some of them were really nice, some not so much. They are continually assessing you to see if you are safe or need assessing under the MHA.

I've heard others really rate their experiences, but I found it a bit patronising really.

I want to have a number I can call when I'm feeling like I'm not safe and someone to talk to who can then do something practical to help (ie change meds, come round etc) rather than the listening of the samaritians.

I don't need talking therapy as have a private therapist.

Not much ime. Sorry.

You will get a number to call but I got ridiculous advice when I called them.

DH has had really good experiences with the crisis team. I agree a lot of what they do is hand holding and basic advice but just the feeling of having someone visiting was amazing tbh. Seeing them also meant we had quicker access to a psychiatrist appointment. TBH I don't think there were any mental health beds in the UK the last time DH had a crisis so that wasn't an option.

You will get a no to call if in a crisis after they have assessed you! Mine took a while to get assessed. Even when you get the no it also depends who you get on the phone some are better than others! They will ask you what brought it on, can you keep yourself busy, go and make a drink, have you any diazepam. Not anything you couldn't do yourself.

Only the psych or your doctor can change your meds! Not key worker, social worker they will bring it up at next group meeting.

They are there for short term help and very immdiate help hence the cup of tea suggestions. I have found them to be useful sometimes it is just nice to have someone to offload to. That said the crisis team sectioned me last night so be aware that they do deal with hospital admissions but ime they do everything to keep you home. Take care x

Thanks everyone.

Just to say in my area they do not give out their number to call. You must be referred via a gp or a&e. The general recommendation for telephone support is Samaritans and if that isn't enough visit gp/out of hours gp or a&e. That's the same even if you are seeing them. So yours won't necessarily give you their direct number.

Obviously some areas do going by what has been written here but in my area they absolutely refuse to do this, you already have been assessed as being in crisis by another medical doctor and meet their criteria first.

I've mentioned it in case your area is like mine so you aren't too shocked if they refuse to give out their number.

I've for the number, but I don't know what happens if I ring or anything

If you need support ring them like I said I have found them helpful

Its good you are in an area whereby you can phone them direct. I'm sure that makes the process much easier than repeatedly explaining. As you have it phone them and ask.

Have you seen a GP yet Caulkhead and if so are you on ADs. Or was this attack so acute you just went to A & E. Have you had depressive episodes before.

I haven't had much experience of the crisis team, only once when I was most definitely in crisis and I waited 3 hours in A & E by which time my anxiety had subsided a little and they sent me off with 2 (2 pills) of diazepam!! My DH had to go back the next morning and get enough to last me over the Easter weekend till the GP surgery was open. Mind they did refer me to a psychiatrist and he came out to see me a couple of days later and I went into hospital on the same day with a diagnosis of severe depression and anxiety.

I have though a wonderful CPN - she has been an enormous support to me and I know I'm very fortunate to have her, as mental health services are (as you may know) horrendously under resourced on a nationwide basis.

Hope you get the help and support you need. Depression is a torment for sure.

Anti depressants for a year following suicide attempt. Only intervention then was gp who said to ring if ever felt that way again. Rung yesterday, had an appointment and they spoke to crisis team who said go straight to a and e and see duty psych and rapid assessment team. I was there about five hours, with the agreement I would access support from crisis team at home rather than being in hospital.