What helps make an ER visit for PTSD symptoms go well?

[Justmehere]

Wondering about anything that helps an ER visit go well and any positive or even neutral experienced getting emergency help for anything PTSD related.

 

[Sideways]

Auto pilot.

I run through in my head the quickest route I can think to explain why I’m there. And I do the exact opposite of sugar-coating it. Use the words that will get the help you need.

And then? Patience. Lots of it. Stay on auto-pilot if you can.

I usually take a small teddy. Fk looking insane, I need something of my own humanity with me.

ED’s usually aren’t about getting a good outcome, so try not to get frustrated by things. ED’s are more about avoiding the worst outcome. That’s enough for now though.

With you in a cyber way. You got this.

 

[Cypress]

Be direct, be consistent, use the same language and phrasing with everyone, focus on symptoms that can be measured, good luck

 

[EveHarrington]

Is the goal to be admitted?

Is the Er your only option? ie no private psych hospitals nearby?

 

[Fadeaway]

I will be honest, I am so confused on this topic now. I thought I used to know. Writing it down why I felt I needed to be seen used to work.

I am hinging my bets on the fact my current area may just be extremely odd, and that might work for you.

I write this with trepidation though. I really want it to go well for you, you have been struggling so much.

 

[The Albatross]

What makes it go well? Taking personal responsibility for managing your own behaviors without judgment or expectation from the normies.

 

[Freemartin]

Taking personal responsibility for managing your own behaviors

If I was in a mindset like this, I wouldn’t need emergency services. For me, it’s s real challenge to take responsibility for myself when I’m really dysregulated.

 

[The Albatross]

What controls @Freemartin or constraints or discipline do you assert before you avail yourself of emergency service(s). It is never in my opinion. a real challenge to take responsibility for my actions... reactive/emotive/triggering or otherwise. I do have responsibility for that. If I have a survival mechanism built in by necessity... why. Why would I cast my lot on those who don't have my experiences? Who can't give me hope when I don't have any? Emergency services became a non issue for me over about 20 years ago. They had/have nothing. I had to learn how to live with/be in concert with things. It was a choice.

 

[grit]

I truly hope Justmehere you are OK. But if you must go to emergency for PTSD, I have been to emergency (few times in my life for other reasons and same shit really) and every time I spent ridiculous amount of time without much of relief. I sometimes feel they just need to put a band-aid....you know ...not fix anything but just make you belief you are fine now that you spoke to the doc. I just wonder if you could take a little note that reminds you they do not know what is inside of you or your full history and hopefully they can help you momentarily but not a long term. Just wondering if a reminder would help. I remember visiting a friend in emergency one time and while we were waiting for her husband to show up, she was like, ooh yeah, I should be out by such and such time blahaha and I was like, girl, every emergency give it at least 12hrs cause they will take their time to make you feel you are being looked after.
Not sure if this is useful vantage point but hope you find the answer already.

 

[Cypress]

@Justmehere, as someone who used to work in an ED, it will also be helpful if you can verbalize how they can help you so they don't get stressed, overwhelmed, write you off as crazy or ignore you. So for example, I have X symptom, I am here because Y and Z are usually helpful for this and the ED is the only place I can get Y and Z right now. Hope you are Ok. I know it must be bad if you are willing to sit in a crowded ED for hours.

 

[ChildofGod]

Bring a friend along if you can, and I bring my phone charger. Is it possible to get a note from your doctor or therapist, basically that you have ptsd and ask for them to be understanding of that? If they have any concerns to call the phone number of doctor or therapist.

Also, maybe write yourself a positive note that you can read over and over. I know how you feel, it's terrifying for me too.

 

[blackemerald1]

getting emergency help for anything PTSD related.

The problem I see is that apart from active suicidal plans/thoughts/attempts etc., the ED staff are unlikely to see any part of ptsd as an emergency. That's generally their view. It's not acute.

So I'd not be surprised if you are asked by the Triage nurse/team if you have those plans and if you say no... they will triage you to the back of the line or show you the door with a recommendation to go see your gp or a mental health clinic.

ED are notorious for not treating mental health distress promptly or appropriately until someone freaks out right in front of them and then it becomes a 'security' issue.

ED staff are generally not trained in psych disorders or are slow to call the appropriate staff to come off the psych ward to help.

So if possible I'd avoid the ED unless you don't feel safe & get an urgent appt., with your gp instead.