I called up the crisis cafe in my city as I was feeling desperate. Over the phone I was struggling to get my words out and the staff member who answered rushed me and said she didn’t understand. We did get there eventually and made an appointment for 5:30pm
I arrived on time and showed the staff member a note on my phone expressing my need to communicate via written text because I literally couldn’t speak.
We then went to a room and she said that I needed to talk to her otherwise she would need to rearrange my appointment.
I expressed really trying and she just kept saying that I needed to speak. I then reminded her of my stammer and autism spectrum disorder as I also said this when asked about any diagnosis when arranging the visit
She then went onto say that I can’t expect staff to read my notes (very short, 4 or 5 words only) and I need to speak.
She then just tutted and said she can’t read it. I then decided to leave as it was clear the support would not be made assessable to me.
I felt really unsafe, distressed, hopeless and suicidal which was my need to use the crisis cafe as an alternative to A&E.
She did not ask how I was feeling or whether I was safe and it wasn’t what I thought would be acceptable and usual practice.
is it normal to be unsupported if you have different needs that need small adjustments? I think a lot of people in mental health distress, which is what they are there for, might struggle to communicate 😓