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Original poster

Confused by police

136 replies

Gettingbythanks · 04/09/2022 18:57

I had a situation where the police spoke to me. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, it was because of where I was, and it being very early morning. They said they were concerned for me, and it was odd for me to be there. Maybe it was, I was frightened at home though, there were people banging on the window waking me up. I wish I hadn’t given my real name, they wanted to take me to a&e to speak to someone. I managed to explain things a bit, I don’t want that, because people are so patronising. They drove me home when I promised I would speak to my GP this week. Will they speak to my GP about me?

OP posts:
ClumpingBambooIsALie · 13/09/2022 20:43

You haven't missed the queen's funeral, it's next Monday. They may let people watch it on the ward if you're still there by then.

I'm glad you're getting some rest between the disruptions.

XenoBitch · 13/09/2022 21:12

Am glad to see you update, OP.
I hope you begin to feel you are able to relax and feel safe soon.

You have not missed the funeral. It is next Monday, and I am sure a lot of other patients and staff will want to watch it too.

SkygardenTower · 14/09/2022 14:32

Even if you can't see many staff where you are is safe. He can't get to you. It is OK to relax and get some rest.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 14/09/2022 22:30

I got muddled about the funeral, I saw a bit of a procession on tv. Everything’s just messed up isn’t it. I didn’t know your body could replay pain like a tape recording. I don’t want to be here tonight, don’t know where I want to be, it’s not here.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 14/09/2022 22:30

Sorry

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 14/09/2022 22:33

The news is going to be wall to wall royal stuff until the funeral.

Is there a occupational therapist that visits the ward? They can give you some activities for you to do to make your stay a bit more bare able. Are there any jigsaw puzzles or board games?

ClumpingBambooIsALie · 14/09/2022 22:33

Yes, the queen's death seems to have put much of the media into an odd limbo state where the passage of time is a bit… stretchy. I don't blame you for getting mixed up about it, presumably you've only seen quick snatches of coverage here and there, and it's all very funereal in tone.

I know psychiatric wards aren't places I'd want to spend much time unless I had to — I hope you'll be feeling better enough for some leave soon. Meanwhile maybe you could focus on trying to get as much rest as you can while you're there… I know it's not easy.

PeterPomegranate · 15/09/2022 08:05

Gettingbythanks · 14/09/2022 22:30

Sorry

Hey. You don’t need to apologise here.

I’m pleased you’re safe and being looked after even though it might not be a pleasant surprise experience for you.

i hope things start to feel clearer soon.

PeterPomegranate · 15/09/2022 08:06

Surprise = experience

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 15/09/2022 13:25

There’s puzzle magazines and books around, and a tv room. It hurts to move about though, I stayed lying on my bed most of yesterday. I saw the psychiatrist again this morning, it took me ages to get from one end of the ward to the other. They need to discuss whether I can have painkillers, so I’m back to lying on my bed again!

OP posts:
Harrystylestutu · 17/09/2022 04:25

Thinking of you still @Gettingbythanks I hope they have managed your pain physically.
Do any of the books look good? My mum's started doing puzzles, she's making one at the minute of a home library with a fireplace and little dog. It looks so cozy.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 18/09/2022 20:33

I’m on painkillers now, so I can move about a bit. I have got a sudoku magazine, I can do the easy ones, I can’t focus to read a novel. Been listening to music and sleeping a lot too, feel mentally and physically exhausted. Some patients have leave at the weekend, so there’s not been as many people around, time is different here, everything’s a bit muddled. Nights are still difficult, I don’t know if people are laughing at me or not.

OP posts:
ClumpingBambooIsALie · 18/09/2022 21:10

It sounds like you're feeling a little better now, at least as far as the pain is concerned?

I don't think people are likely to be laughing at you.

ShaneTwane · 18/09/2022 21:18

Op glad you have gotten some painkillers finally. Recovery will take a little while so dont worry too much about how time feels, just sleep when you feel like it and eat when your able to.

People wont be laughing at you so try not to worry. Everyone else will be in there for similar reasons to you, their own trauma and crisis.

Has there been anyone to talk to about whats led to this crisis? Hopefully each day feels better and less scary then the last.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 18/09/2022 23:01

I’ve been a bit upset because they’ve detained me here, I didn’t really understand why, I did everything they asked. They didn’t think I was really in pain, only it feels the same as when my ribs were broken, so we’ve been trying to understand it’s like a memory of what happened. Sometimes I think it’s a warning of what will happen, then I remember it already happened, it’s so confusing! Painkillers help though. The nurses say it’s a delayed response to trauma. I’m not as jumpy as I was, I’m too burned out, sedating meds too.

OP posts:
ShaneTwane · 18/09/2022 23:50

Its ok to be upset and even confused and every other emotion you feel. Thats all good when it comes to healing.

Healing doesn't come in an instant unfortunately its a process and the good news is you have started that process and now you're on the journey to recovery.

What happened to you in the past was incredibly traumatizing. Its left deep wounds that haven't healed so sone days they may feel very fresh as if its happening all over again, but its not.

I know i dont know you but im so proud of you for getting this help you have been amazing.

SkygardenTower · 19/09/2022 08:43

Memory of pain is as painful as the injury itself. It is why most people can't really remember pain, just know that they had it. My daughter has a condition where she remembers the pain - it is just as painful and the pain is real.

All pain is generated in the brain. And after a traumatic experience it needs to heal. Which can take longer than the body.

You have been detained as your brain needs more time to heal, which you weren't able to do on your own. It won't be for long.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 19/09/2022 14:50

I didn’t do anything to be proud of, I feel embarrassed. I got into a state in the middle of the night, they thought I was hallucinating, and I was trying to leave the ward. I don’t really remember that, I doubt I would’ve got very far with this stupid rib pain. That is how I was detained, and I have to take there word for it, because I can’t remember. It’s humiliating, it feels like they’re laughing at me. At least on here nobody knows my real name.

OP posts:
SkygardenTower · 19/09/2022 20:08

No one is laughing at you but it is a very tricky time when your brain is playing tricks on you.

You will get better, it takes time but you will get better.

PeterPomegranate · 20/09/2022 10:09

Staff won’t be laughing at you. They will be very used to patients who are confused and upset. Other patients are unlikely to be laughing at you either, and if they are it will be linked to their own mental health, not really at you.

No one here is laughing at you. I can’t understand everything you’re going through but I can feel how deeply felt your experience is.

Try to rest. Try to do simple things that help direct your thoughts. Can you watch TV and do you have any favourite programmes? Great British Bake Off has started again. Strictly starts on Friday. I enjoy Homes Under The Hammer and The Repair Shop.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 20/09/2022 22:04

I’ve had a slightly better day, trying to distract myself a bit. I managed to get some clothes washed, and finished a couple of sudoku. I like the quiz shows at tea time, like Pointless or The Chase, although I’m a bit crapper than normal. My ribs are still very painful, it’s quite bizarre when you think about it, my brain’s telling me I’m injured when I’m not. I didn’t know that was possible. I realised earlier that for the first time in ages I didn’t feel terrified, I got used to feeling that so it was unfamiliar. And then the terror came back, I don’t know if he would come here - too risky maybe? I don’t know. Reading threads here is a distraction too.

OP posts:
ShaneTwane · 20/09/2022 22:49

Hi Op, im so glad you had a better day hopefully tomorrow will be better still.
Really the rib pain isnt that weird, its almost exactly like phantom limb pain after someones has a leg amputated yet they still feel pains when none exist. Its the same principal that you remember the rib pain so vividly its playing back on you.

He absolutely will not come near you especially in the unit. They have security there and he wouldn't even get close to you even if he tried so please try not to worry about that.

Glad you have some distractions and hopefully everything is easier each day.

Original poster
Gettingbythanks · 21/09/2022 18:43

I really appreciate the replies on this thread, it has been very difficult and you’ve helped me cope with your kindness. I was speaking with someone earlier about how I ended up here, I just sometimes can’t form the words to talk about what happened. My medical records show what happened to me physically, but I can’t find the right words, I don’t know how to explain it, my head doesn’t have the way to put it in to words.

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 21/09/2022 19:59

You have not been in the unit long, and it is not helpful to tie yourself up in knots working out how you ended up there. That is something for when you are back home, or even way beyond that.
For now, focus on the present. An hour at a time.

ShaneTwane · 21/09/2022 20:06

Hi op. Hope you are feeling a little better today you certainly sound a lot more coherent.

Dont worry about dragging up your past right now as @XenoBitch says. There is plenty of time to discuss that and work through it. Right now its all about getting yourself well and understanding that you are safe. Did you get to do anymore sudoku today? :)