#MentalHealth Issues - Where to go?

Alias_Omega

Hi all,

Family member is having "Mental Health" issues, and not showing normal behaviour. Was recently to invited to stay voluntary for a week (by Crisis Team via Police).

Fast forward a few weeks, its Christmas and now showing indications of "feeling down, pill overdose, negative thoughts".

Really unsure who do we call, or take advise from or just wait until "the Police are taking them down from a bridge, or A&E pumping the stomach".

Front door for the patient would be via the GP (non-crisis) or A&E (crisis), however what about family members who have to standby and watch them cycle through?

Any ideas?

sweetilemon

Not sure on the process but im sure social services could advise. They might be able to put in support.

suki1964

Ring NHS direct if it's a non emergency

If however you feel there is a serious risk as in right now, either take said person to A&E or dial 999

A&E will have access to the on call duty psychiatrist or CMHT and the said person will be assessed and if need be, admitted or sectioned, or sent home with a message to the GP and hopefully CMHT for follow up


Don't wait for the worse case scenario, it's this time of year when mental health problems can escalate very quickly

BrassicWoman

Is the family member capable of making any decisions?

Generally they will get a better outcome if it is their choce, with nudging, to call the crisis team. I would be going to A&E today and asking for a voluntary section, if the behaviours are that extreme.

As for family members - they can choose to watch or not. I am not sure what that question is about?

Alias_Omega

Thanks all for the responses, our question remains unanswered though.

We tend to find out "post event", and when they are feeling normal. At this point, we are stuck for where to look for / take advice from. Will they go in voluntary again? No, they are back to normal at this point of course...the last stay was because the police were involved.

Greta_Sharbo

https://www.bigwhitewall.com can be worthwhile if they find it difficult to talk to people that know them, or to talk face to face.