Mental Illness

[Woody1985]

I'm looking for some guidance on something...

If you know someone with mental illness and want to get them help what is the best way to go about it?

I think they accept that there is something wrong but not completely or fully explained the extent to their doctor. They've been provided pills by the doctor which basically put them in a vegetative state, I guess they've been provided without really having a real knowledge of what the person is experiencing at home. When taking the pills the person is helpless and it's horrible to see and they make no sense at all. The pills aren't helping and are probably making things worse.

Is it possible to contact their doctor to provide a more complete picture?

[CropleyWasGod]

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I'm looking for some guidance on something...

If you know someone with mental illness and want to get them help what is the best way to go about it?

I think they accept that there is something wrong but not completely or fully explained the extent to their doctor. They've been provided pills by the doctor which basically put them in a vegetative state, I guess they've been provided without really having a real knowledge of what the person is experiencing at home. When taking the pills the person is helpless and it's horrible to see and they make no sense at all. The pills aren't helping and are probably making things worse.

Is it possible to contact their doctor to provide a more complete picture?

I feel for you, Woody. Mental illness can often be a bigger strain on those around than on the patient.

Having had some experience, without being an expert, it's a criticism of doctors that they often give out pills without being overly aware of the whole picture. Not saying that's what's happened here, but it's a thought.

You don't say what the diagnosis is, and mental illness can mean many, many things. As a first step, try this lot. If that's not what you're looking for, they will probably be able to put you in the right direction.

http://www.dascot.org/

[s.a.m]

If you post on the Bounce, there are a couple of psychiatric nurses over there who might have some advice. (Although there may well be some here too - don't want to tread on anybody's toes....). Best wishes - sounds like a difficult situation you're having to deal with. I was once in a similar situation, and didn't make contact. With hindsight, this was probably the wrong choice. It was difficult at the time, though, to weigh up possible advantage against possible harm, and loss of trust etc...You have my sympathy.

[Woody1985]

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I feel for you, Woody. Mental illness can often be a bigger strain on those around than on the patient.

Having had some experience, without being an expert, it's a criticism of doctors that they often give out pills without being overly aware of the whole picture. Not saying that's what's happened here, but it's a thought.

You don't say what the diagnosis is, and mental illness can mean many, many things. As a first step, try this lot. If that's not what you're looking for, they will probably be able to put you in the right direction.

http://www.dascot.org/

Thanks.

I'm not really sure as they don't talk to me about it, probably to protect me more than anything.

However, it's at the stage now where they're having delusional thoughts. I had some strange texts when I woke up this morning that were sent around 6am telling me to be quiet cos all of the stuff I was saying was being transmitted to them via a monitor. I was like . I know it sounds funny but it's ****ed up.

[Woody1985]

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If you post on the Bounce, there are a couple of psychiatric nurses over there who might have some advice. (Although there may well be some here too - don't want to tread on anybody's toes....). Best wishes - sounds like a difficult situation you're having to deal with. I was once in a similar situation, and didn't make contact. With hindsight, this was probably the wrong choice. It was difficult at the time, though, to weigh up possible advantage against possible harm, and loss of trust etc...You have my sympathy.

Don't post over there but Filled Rolls posts here so might be able to point me in the right direction.

I've known for a long time but it's always been small things which I tended to just ignore and suspect that it may be too late to get any real help. Just need to wait and see.

[CropleyWasGod]

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Don't post over there but Filled Rolls posts here so might be able to point me in the right direction.

I've known for a long time but it's always been small things which I tended to just ignore and suspect that it may be too late to get any real help. Just need to wait and see.

<wagging finger smiley> never too late.

[Betty Boop]

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Don't post over there but Filled Rolls posts here so might be able to point me in the right direction.

I've known for a long time but it's always been small things which I tended to just ignore and suspect that it may be too late to get any real help. Just need to wait and see.

Hi Woody, Filled Rolls would be your man, but he is on placement at the moment and might not be around as much. You might want to try Breathing Space, they have a helpline.

http://www.breathingspacescotland.co.../111.3.22.html

[s.a.m]

Forgot about FR.

[Darth Hibbie]

Woody sent you a PM mate.

Also Dr will not tell you anything unless you are at the appointment with the patient and they give them permission to speak to you.

[Hibby D]

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I'm looking for some guidance on something...

If you know someone with mental illness and want to get them help what is the best way to go about it?

...........
Is it possible to contact their doctor to provide a more complete picture?

Absolutely Woody You're not asking the GP for info, you're providing it and the more info you can give, the more accurately your friend can be treated before things get worse - and left untreated they will get worse.

I attended a two-day NHS course in Mental Health First Aid and it taught me a lot; not least how to ask someone outright if they are "considering suicide". Initially I thought asking a question like that was a bit extreme but often people who are ill will not give away any clues that they're having suicidal thoughts, but will answer honestly when asked outright. That's when the first aid bit comes in. You won't be able to make them well again but you can be the link to them getting the right help.

Good luck in helping your friend - as some on here have already said it's those closest to the sufferer who often feel the strain the most.

[Phil D. Rolls]

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Don't post over there but Filled Rolls posts here so might be able to point me in the right direction.

I've known for a long time but it's always been small things which I tended to just ignore and suspect that it may be too late to get any real help. Just need to wait and see.

You have a PM.

There's been good advice on here already. I agree that Breathing Space or NHS 24 are the best route. The Police are also very good in these situations.

[Woody1985]

Thanks for the help. I'll get a look through my PMs tonight.

Thanks again.