"Crisis Team"

Depending on who you speak to the Crisis Team is either very supportive, or at worst, hostile, rude, impatient and making you feel you don’t deserve their time. Given that the people ringing them will be feeling distressed, possibly suicide, in a lot of emotional pain, there isn’t a lot of understanding that we may be finding it difficult to find the words we need. A little bit of patience and gentleness can make all the difference. I have now had two encounters with staff who are so pushy and rude and have no concept of how difficult it is and how much courage it has needed to ring up. I suffer from social anxiety and will go to extreme lengths to avoid making phone calls. To be met with the impatience of some of the staff makes me think they need training in how to talk to people in distress. 

Some of the team both at Bassetlaw and Mansfield have been just what I needed. They’ve spoken to me respectfully and gently, with kindness and great understanding. Why can’t all the Crisis team members be as helpful as them? A patient shouldn’t self harm or experience even lower self esteem as a result of speaking to someone who is meant to help them but has made them feel like dirt. 

Thank you to those of you who are caring and compassionate. I hope the others of you come to realise.