"Poor mental health support"

Over the last couple of years, I have come to A&E due to suicide attempts.

My overall experiences have been quite poor and left me feeling worse off than helped.

During my time at A&E i have

- had to deal with quite abrupt and rude triage nurses

- questioned as to why i had decided/bothered to come to A&E

- listened to loud conversations occuring close to my bed about  the incidents, my health and appearance adding to my shame.

- been guilt tripped..with a doctor making me promise not to overdose again if he discharged me as he would get into trouble

- discharged on more than one occasion without receiving mental health support. On one occasion my GP was sent a letter stating that that i had refused help at the hospital or later from the mental health services - this was untrue - no mental health team member available and no offsite support offered

I've been told to head to the hospital if I was feeling suicidal, but based on my experiences I dont feel able to. There have been a couple of times where the thought of how I'd be treated prevented me from going when I should have. I know that NHS staff are stressed and stretched but better support/training for dealing with mental health may save a life and reduce future burden on resources.

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