Posted by Fi on January 19, 2004, at 6:18:52
In reply to Re: re being asked if suicidal » Fi, posted by 8 Miles on January 15, 2004, at 16:41:39
Thank you so much for the replies. I dont get near the boards often- ironically, I have today as I am off sick again and the cybercafe is pretty empty, so no-one to see what I am doing.
I wish doctors could read what you have all written! I live in the UK and dont have a pdoc at the moment (I had a private therapist for a while), so I'm talking about a succession of GPS (family doctors?) who have never seen me before and have 6 minutes for the consultation that I am talking about. I am making an appointment with a more experienced doctor (tho still only get my 6 minutes...)
I agree its crucial that they do ask, and seems downright uncaring/unethical if they dont if they know you are, or have been, feeling really bad.
They could do with all asking say at least 3 questions, including the more subtle suicide ones but also how are you getting on, isnt it grim, does anything help etc type. Wouldnt need to take long.
In the UK there is also voluntary as well as compulsory hospital admission, by the way, and it is much more common than compulsory. The problem we have hear in many areas is a lack of beds, so there is the risk you have to be incredibly sick to be admitted, then are likely to be surrounded by other really ill (including very psychotic) patients without enough staff. And may be discharged a bit too soon as they have more really sick people needing your bed... Which is a bit scarey. Though hopefully there are more civilised wards which just dont hit the news.
How interesting that most of us (who replied) have plans.I feel pleased with myself today as I came across some old meds when visiting my mother at Christmas that needed throwing away (she's confused), but brought them home instead. They included some I know are a quick and painless way out, but I threw them away yesterday. I think its a good idea not to have too easy an option around, even if its never been a really serious plan.
But I find that its also crucial to feel that staying around is still a choice, even if its never one I choose to exercise (and I very much hope I never do, if only for the huge amount of distress I know it causes those left behind).
The 'coping with crisis' links at the top of the pages are something I put together as I also think its absolutely vital that when things get really bad, people do at least try talking to someone and getting over that particular awful time.
I'm now on episode 7 of depression in less than a year (fortunately they dont last longer than a week or two), so tho I feel pretty bad, I know I will feel better someday.
I also have an instruction to myself- WoW. Stands for 'waste of worry'. Some of the time, I am aware that my thinking is distorted by the depression/anxiety. Times like when I am seriously planning what I need to pack when I have to be admitted, or how I should give up my job as I cant possibly cope with it. When I catch myself doing that, its a WOW moment and I try to remind myself I am not thinking clearly, and to leave that particular worry aside.
Sorry- this turned into rather a long ramble. Thanks again everyone- its so good you are there, even if I cant chat often.
Fi
poster:Fi
thread:298988
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040109/msgs/302617.html