"Concerns, Consideration and Future Engagement"

Firstly I must state and address with the utmost importance that patient-staff engagement is crucial. And although I did provide recommendations on this on a separate story, I must communicate what happened while I was in on the Brontë ward in 2022. I was unfortunately mistaken and misunderstood for what happened as circumstances arose which caused me significant issues.

A vital traumatic reaction/effect known as akathisia which I have addressed to for separate services to help. This was downplayed when I was engaging with certain staff but I do feel because it is a bigger issue in a wider context across regions of being misdiagnosed and underreported. It is a mentally challenging condition/disorder to endure and I do feel that my experiences in particular were observed but were wrongly mistaken. I feel I was pressurised to take one specific medication which already caused me to experience akathisia in the past which was a traumatic experience. Akathisia is dangerously underreported and mistaken for other conditions.

Also withdrawals from medication eg antidepressants can cause symptoms like hyperarousal which are mistaken for a new illness/progression. I did not feel at various stages during my time that I was included as decisions were not taken with my consideration or allowing me to properly address my issues to provide context. Context and the nature of experiences is vital and representing the person via acknowledgement. At times jumping ahead to conclusions without reviewing all of the necessary facts.

During one occasion on the Brontë ward I did not get the help I requested for unfortunately for whatever reason which was unclear even though I spoke to a staff member about the importance meaning I had insight. I am not sure if this was due to staffing issues (numbers) or not but I was determined to speak with a doctor even though it was later on at night. This was a preventative measure I had taken to address my concerns without having further action(s) taken but unfortunately other action was taken without my input at a later stage.

This led to me being transferred to another unit/ward which I was alarmed as understanding the patient's points of view is significant to prevent assumptions being made. I feel I had my rights taken off me, which was unethical. I did address this with a consultant and they did apologise when I did explain my concerns but I am uncertain that information I have discussed has been reflected in the documentation. Going forward as long as all parties are considered/represented this is important. If I could understand others' views with them opening up and staff allowing me to help them understand things would've been different but now I have to focus on moving forwards.

Whilst my other experiences were reasonably constructive (even when switching wards) and considered my input this was not always consistent and I did not have the opportunity to explore other options in relation to treatment etc. At present I have a new doctor and will continue to engage but have expressed my concerns about previous decisions and my lack of consideration for being included in discussions and being informed about outcomes etc. This is considered the control aspect of the health plan particularly decision making and considerations. I did not feel part of my treatment plan at various points before. Nevertheless, I must continue to work in a partnership arrangement which my new doctor now stated. I don't agree with my previous diagnosis but was told diagnosis can change.