A&E for mental health?

[Beebaistired]

I feel quite embarrassed to be writing this but I have no idea where to turn. My mental health has been really horrendous this year, to the point that I can barely leave my bed. My mother is terminally ill and my marriage is falling apart, I’m also struggling so much with my autistic daughter and the daily screaming and abuse about going to school. I cry constantly and I’m drinking too much to try to cope but of course it only makes it worse.
Today I have hit a wall though and think I may need to go to hospital. I was sectioned briefly 15 years ago so know the process a bit, but I’m so scared it will affect my life moving forwards and just don’t know what to do. I feel like I just can’t cope anymore and want to disappear. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time though as I know the NHS is stretched as it is, but I just don’t see a way forwards and just need some help.
What is likely to happen if I present at A&E with a mental health crisis? I have a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar).

My sister in law went to a&e with a psychotic (i cant spell sorry) breakdown, she could hear god speaking to her. They just sent her home and said the crisis team will be in touch so not much I would imagine. So sorry your going through this x

Do you have a crisis team, can or any community support at the moment.

Unless you are in immediate danger and at the point of needing an ambulance, I would phone NHS24 and speak to them first. That will hopefully get you skipping the horrendous A&E queues that you would end up with if you just turn up.

Definitely time to reach out for help though, wishing you all the best.

No I haven’t had access to a crisis team for many years now as I’d been relatively stable.

Are you at home alone atm?

111 nhs 24 have an option for mental health, please call them, that all sounds really tough and your doing the right thing seeking support

No I’m not alone I have DH here who thinks I should wait until Monday and see the GP but I’m in such a bad state the idea of that is making me panic.

You should be able to get help in A&E but realistically you’ll wait many hours and then get sent home. You can access the crisis team though by ringing 111 and selecting the mental health option or calling your local number.

Could you get out of bed, have a long shower and go for a walk.

and if you still feel like going to A&E… ring 111

Hello OP, we are really sorry to hear you are feeling this way.
We hope you don't mind, but when these threads are flagged up to us we usually add a link to our Mental Health Resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website or email them on [email protected]. Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you will be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek RL help and support as well.
We also like to remind everyone that, although we're awed daily by the astonishing support our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns, we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare.
We are going to move this thread to the Mental Health section shortly.

I did once get taken in an ambulance to a&e when I was having a panic attack. I think I had to wait a couple of hours but then this doctor just garbled that he'd give me some diazapam and sent me away. I spoke to him for probably under three minutes. He didn't look very happy tbh. But then neither did I! He gave me some weak benzos enough for like two days max.

Same outcome I would've got for going to the GP really. But GP wouldn't probably sounded more concerned about my long term welfare.

I've known people to get admitted under psych team through a&e but they also had a serious physical injury so that was the primary reason for admission.

The general hospital often does not have a psych ward. And they wouldn't want to give you a bed that's for a different type of illness as then they block the bed and need to give you RMN 1:1. But psych beds are very limited indeed.

Last week I spent 11 hours waiting in A&E with a family member who was eventually diagnosed with cancer.

During that time, at least 4 people (that I knew of) presented with a mental health crisis.

I don't know what happened with them but they weren't turned away as far as I know.

You do have to be prepared for a very long wait though, especially at the weekend.

I would ring 111 and press option 2 for mental health issue.

Hi. So sorry you're feeling so bad. I think you can call a Crisis line even if you're not under MH services. I know the number for Surrey if you're in that area, if not please ask your DH to Google it for you. Things start to feel better with help. Take care and I hope you get what you need x

@Beebaistired, sorry to hear you are struggling.

The pathway through A&E for mental health patients is different, you should be referred to a MH Liaison team which is typically a nurse lead team who will offer you an assessment, we aim for within 4 hours for full assessment to be completed. I am an RMN working in liaison.

If you feel you can’t wait to see your Gp, please do attend A&E. Make them aware you have a BPAD diagnosis and they should be able to access your records unless you have moved area. Wishing you well💐

Sorry you are struggling so much OP. You have so much to deal with at the moment so you need to be kind to yourself and not expect too much of yourself.
Are you getting any support from your DH? If not, I’m wondering if it might help to ring the Samaritans so you can have a chat with someone who will listen and not judge.
The most important thing is to keep yourself safe so do go to A&E if you don’t feel that you will be able to do that until you can see your GP on Monday.
Are you on medication for your bipolar as that might need tweaking to help you deal with all the stress you are currently under.
Keep chatting on here too as there are lots of us who want to offer support and help xx

I had a mental health crisis last year. Called 111 and got a call back. Got offered the crisis team. Definitely call them - you shouldn’t need to go to a&e. Especially with bi polar.

Thank you all for being so kind. I genuinely feel quite frantic now. I am worried about leaving it until Monday because I really don’t feel myself but not sure what can be done to help. I just feel like I want to be put to sleep.

111 option 2. I hope you feel better soon

Hey op, how are you feeling today? I wanted to message as I can fully relate. I have an autistic ds and its so hard. I've just done a self referral to talking therapy, I've been told parents of sen kids should seek therapy to assist. Is this an option in your area?