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Imagine yourself at the peak of crisis or distress. How would you feel being locked in a small bare room? With windows people are staring at you through. Food etc coming through a hatch bc you’re too “dangerous” to hand to in person. Honestly think, how would that feel?
The following spring to my mind... terrified, paranoid, worthless, hopeless, confused, cold, uncomfortable, embarrassed, like a prisoner or criminal, traumatised, overwhelmed, angry, exposed, vulnerable, trapped, claustrophobic, small, inhuman...
Imagine being so proud of this “place of safety” aka prison cell, you’re happy to bring a BBC film crew in to include it in a documentary?
And by the by, that thick mattress used to be a tiny thing on the floor. I was too scared to lie there because I felt so vulnerable. But they decided to upgrade before a celeb came in.
The power dynamic in this place is ridiculously unbalanced & their respect for patients seems entirely absent.
I genuinely would love to know what was going through that trust & those HCPs as they showed Dooley around. It is nothing more than a criminal’s cell. Their treatment of highly distressed PEOPLE is inhumane in my opinion. Nothing to be proud of or to show off.
Some suggestions...
1.Paint the walls. I’d love to be involved in getting some artwork up there. Would have to consider what’s appropriate & least distressing etc, but I’m certain seeing a bit of colour would make people feel less like they’re in a prison cell.
1.Paint the walls. I’d love to be involved in getting some artwork up there. Would have to consider what’s appropriate & least distressing etc, but I’m certain seeing a bit of colour would make people feel less like they’re in a prison cell.
2.All those people staring at me? Come and talk to me! Or provide company, a listening ear. I’m not dangerous, I’m unwell. I need support not to be locked in a box and observed like an animal.
3.There are ways of keeping someone in one place for their own safety, other than an internal locked door. HCPs providing genuine support, an externally locked door (not the one to a tiny room), making the place feel far more appealing and comfortable and safe for the patient..
As I write this, I am shaking. My heart is racing, I’m sweating, my head is starting to throb.
Finally, 4. Do not underestimate the inevitable trauma for being under 136. HCPs must address this with patients.
Finally, 4. Do not underestimate the inevitable trauma for being under 136. HCPs must address this with patients.
Jeering police officers, locked in a police cage, HCPs that don’t talk to you, care for you or explain the situation, but stare & lock you in. Being trapped for hours on end, unable to rest even though your body & mind have been through enough but you are just too terrified.
Comments from HCPs like or “calm down” whilst making no effort to help calm, or seeming to laugh at you through the window, or saying nothing! No explanation of the situ, no introducing themselves, no comforting words. This is NOT care. You are a NURSE not a prison officer!!
My experiences have stayed with me and left a lasting scar of the trauma and distress I felt at those times. Being a “patient” even in role plays at nursing school I immediately associate with vulnerability, being overpowered, feeling small. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
This is a hard & deeply personal thread to post but unfortunately years on it’s still on my mind & I’m still hurting. I’m acutely aware as a Student MH nurse that my field is complex & not without controversy. I am not afraid to question or call out harmful practice.
