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Mental health

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Original poster

Surviving constant observations

31 replies

fluffydressinggown · 29/09/2014 17:37

I am IP on a S.2.

I have been on constant observations for 18 days now and it is open ended at the moment although they keep talking about reducing them.

Someone is with me 24/7 - in the toilet, in the shower, when I sleep. All the fucking time. I don't know how much longer I can stand this.

Can anyone suggest ways to get through it? Thanks. Oh and they change every hour and it is their specific job to be with me so they have nothing else to do but sit with me.

OP posts:

SnowyMouse · 29/09/2014 18:04

I don't know what to say, longest I've had them was just over a day. Do you think taking the meds would get them off your back?

MrsMinton · 29/09/2014 18:10

Have they said what your treatment plan should be or are they still deciding?

KeemaNaanAndCurryOn · 29/09/2014 18:58

I was on constants for about 5 days, which was bad enough. Are you on arms reach constants or in sight constants?

If you just have to be in sight, then can you ask them to sit away from you, or if your bedroom door has a low enough window, to sit outside where they can see you, but are not actually in your face so much. Maybe have an agreement that they can check you have no means of harming yourself so you can go to the loo alone.

I feel your pain, I really do x

thornbird123 · 29/09/2014 20:16

I have seen two people on constants. One was a manic who got into arguments with everyone, so she needed someone to prevent fights. Second one was gone... well very psychotic person who also got to fights with people. Former one got out of constants when the meds started to work, second one continued to talk to non-existing people/things.

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 29/09/2014 20:48

I'm on in sight constants. They have to be able to see my neck at all times though :( They specifically have to be in bathrooms with me.

They said until I start to work with the staff (ie take meds) I am too risky off them (because I will hang myself)

I am sure reading this you will think I am stupid and should take the meds and that I am stupid but I am not.

OP posts:

MrsMinton · 29/09/2014 21:03

Fluffy I don't think you are stupid. can I ask why you don't want to take the meds( if you don't mind, if it's nosey/rude then ignore it!)

Khalessi · 29/09/2014 21:04

You're not stupid, you're unwell. I feel for you being on constant obs, must be difficult. How are you spending your time?

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 29/09/2014 21:10

I am not unwell, they want me to take anti-psychotics.

I read, I watch TV, I smoke, I colour in, I do activities on the unit, I go on my laptop. All with someone with me.

OP posts:

SilverStars · 01/10/2014 19:23

How is it going now? best way to get off constants is to take any meds hey say when in here and keep safe. then they will give you peace more, especially in toilets!

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 01/10/2014 21:25

Still on constants.

No meds.

OP posts:

BelleateSebastian · 01/10/2014 21:30

Why do you not want to take medication? will you hang yourself if you are left unattended? ... I feel for you, it must be horrible but I suppose the staff just need to know you are safe

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 02/10/2014 22:08

I just don't feel I need it.

Yes I will hang myself.

Feel stuck.

OP posts:

LEMmingaround · 02/10/2014 22:13

Ah shit fluffy:( not been on village thread but have been thinking about you.

Constants sounds tough. Do they talk to you or just sit there?

MrsMinton · 02/10/2014 22:14

have you had anti psychotic meds before?

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 02/10/2014 22:35

Yes I have.

They sit there or talk to me, depends how I am.

OP posts:

MrsMinton · 02/10/2014 22:40

If they helped before is it worth taking them again? Or is that why you don't want to?

It must be exhausting being watched.

FannyFifer · 02/10/2014 22:45

Constant obs are hard going but the staff don't have a choice at the moment, they have to keep you safe.

You say you don't feel you need it but then say yes you will hang yourself, these two statements contradict each other.

Could you discuss taking a smaller dose of medication initially with the staff?

I hope you feel strong enough to move forward soon.

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 02/10/2014 23:49

I feel it is my destiny to hang myself so they are interfering in my destiny.

OP posts:

FannyFifer · 03/10/2014 00:14

There is nothing wrong with being strong enough to change your destiny.

Why not try the medication for a week, see how it goes, maybe you will feel you deserve a different destiny, it can be whatever you choose.

FannyFifer · 03/10/2014 00:19

I have to go to bed now, hope you manage to get some sleep. Keep safe.

LEMmingaround · 03/10/2014 07:09

If it is your destiny then taking the meds isn't going to change that. I wish you would give them a chance. You had been doing so well.

FannyFifer · 03/10/2014 10:45

How's things today?

Original poster

fluffydressinggown · 03/10/2014 11:39

Slept ok - woke up at 4am but I can live with that.

I don't want to talk about the meds anymore.

OP posts:

LEMmingaround · 03/10/2014 13:37

Sorry fluffy, wont mention it again i promise. I am glad you had a good sleep, i tend to wake early these days - doesn't help that i keep my phone next to my bed so am checking bloody mumsnet at 5am!

Are you having visitors today?

MrsMinton · 03/10/2014 16:37

Sorry Fluffy. Hope you've got things to keep you occupied.

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