A&E if having suicidal thoughts?

[dontspendanothernightalone]

Had a long weekend and it’s built up to suicidal thoughts today, they’re very powerful and I’m getting myself stressed out and don’t know what to do. I’m about 5 mins from A&E. I rang my CMHT who said they’ll call back before 5 after 5 it switches to crisis.

is it OK to go to A&E?

sorry you’re feeling like this. Admitting you need help is a huge step, well done.

Do you think you need admitted to a psychiatric ward?

Do you have a support network - friends/ family you could speak to? A counsellor? GP?

No, I don’t think need admitted no, I just need to talk to someone face to face. I’ve got family and friends but they think I’m doing really well. I’ve got a CMHT with CPN, psychiatrist and psychologist and got a safety plan, on a lot of meds with the potential to increase two but I’m getting myself stressed out and panicked and unsure what to do next.

5 minutes from A&E? Yes, I'd go (but if your A&E is as busy as ours, take snacks, water, a thick book, some money and possibly a cushion). Good luck!

Ring up the general CMHT line and ask to speak to duty. They might be able to talk on the phone or get you in to see them.
Mind also have a crisis line, will try to find the number for you, and they can offer crisis support too that's more focused on talking/listening.

YES

Go to A&E if you're not getting any help from your regular providers. You could talk to Samaritans but they'll probably say to go to A&E.

Here is the general number for Mind, they can refer to your local Mind crisis team, and they also run drop-ins in some areas. 0300 123 3393
I found them really helpful last year when the CMHT crisis team were utterly useless and I didn't have a care co-ordinator due to a monumental admin cock up ("monumental admin cock up" describes my every experience with NHS MH services, to be fair).

If you feel unsafe though or start making plans definitely cut out all the middlemen and go straight to A+E.

If you don’t feel you can maintain your own safety then yes. As likely your CPN will just give you a phone call? But maybe call them again and let them know how much you’re struggling and that you’re going to attend a&e - they may allocate you a visit x

Can you ring Samaritans for support right now? Would that help?

Managed to get through to my CMHT and told them, they said to stay put, that A&E wouldn’t be a help other than it being a safe place - said someone will call me back at some point before 5. I don’t understand what’s got me so upset. I’m absolutely exhausted and don’t think I’m getting a good sleep at night, having nightmares. Woke up disorientated this morning.

Keep talking on here until they call OP, it'll keep your mind occupied. Did you wake early this morning?

About 9am I think. I didn’t get out of bed until later and can’t remember what time I showered for some reason; think I’ve spent most of the day dissociated.

Even if it's just while your waiting for the phonecall then yes go to a&e. It's a safe place. You can't leave without discharge and you won't be able to act on any thoughts there. Sending love, hope you get help quickly.

What part of the country do you live in? I'm in Scotland and it's FREEZING here today!

I'm sorry you're feeling confised and scared OP. Do you have an 'interim' med to calm you down that you can use atm just to give your head time to clear. Don't waste time trying to work out what the cause is, the fact is you are feeling this way now and need immediate action. I'd say take something like a Diazepam if you have it or just go to A&E you will be made safe. I've been in your shoes it's always best to reach out to a supporter even though you're ashamed and they all think you're doing great. They want to help. 💐

Another person here to hand-hold until you get your call, OP. Are you home alone today? What's a typical Monday for you?

CMHT rang - they said to stick to routine, I’ve got an appointment on Friday and they think it’s because I’ve been told I’m switching from seeing CPN to psychologist. That kind of makes sense. I’ve managed to stick some macaroni and chips in the oven, along with chicken nuggets as I’m hungry …

Yeah, I’ve got flatmates but we wouldn’t routinely talk about mental health … normal Monday would be placement (uni), would normally be out from 8-5ish but called in sick last night as just couldn’t face it. Have got two classes tomorrow, friends are saying we’ll go for lunch in between as well. Just shattered. Even doing simple stuff like taking the rubbish out is tiring.

I’m in Scotland as well (central belt), it’s freezing and been chucking it down all day!

Yes, they are unlikely to be able to give you ongoing care though. If you can, get someone to go with you.

Almost 2 months ago I was in a stressful job and getting very anxious and feeling suicidal (but wouldn’t do anything). I saw my GP who gave me some info including helplines and told me to check back in with him in a few weeks. I didn’t really want antidepressants.

About 2-3 weeks later at night I got anxious again, rang a mental health local helpline and the woman was really supportive and again flagged up support for me which she emailed me over.

Luckily about 2-3 weeks ago this all passed. I think I was overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted.

Definitely stick to routine and if you have friends/family you can see or talk to then do that.

That's good you're seeing friends tomorrow. Can you do something really relaxing for the evening, and have an early night? How is your sleep at the moment?

Evening. OP. Thanks for the report.

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