#7 BP Series: Lessons Learnt

  • Never include staff in your plans to run or self-harm. You have no idea how long you'll be working with them for. And they take it personally; the good staff (the ones who care) will be upset and hurt by it

  • If you're an inpatient then it's fine to speak to some of the other patients but be conscious of who you'd keep in touch with when you are discharged. In other words, who will aid your recovery and who will hinder it?

  • If you feel impulsive try not to do something that'll affect your next years e.g. getting an overdraft.

  • Have faith, just because one professional might seem useless, it doesn't mean they all are.

  • If you're having psychology and the psychologist or counsellor isn't benefitting you then try suggesting they work in another way using a different method or asking if there's someone else available who works differently. They won't be offended. It takes different ways for different people.

  • No matter how bad things are or how often you self-harm, do not keep a self-harm kit at home. Most professionals recommend some kind of cheer-up/safe/self-soothe kit. If you don't want to do that, then don't. But do not make the alternative. I used to keep a handbag in my bedroom stuff with sharps, plasters, steri-strips, dressings, alcohol wipes, water and tablets. And it didn't help me. I thought it did at the time but really, looking back, it just made all of my self-harm either easier or more acceptable or more of a secret. It'd be easier as I'd not even have to leave the house to cut or overdose, it was more acceptable because it was just sat there waiting for me and it caused secrets because it meant that most bad cuts could be easily dressed by myself and so professionals wouldn't have to be made aware of it. When I came to this hospital I had my Mum throw out the entire contents of the bag!

  • If the police become involved in your care, either through detentions under 136 or transferring you between units/hospitals keep in mind that they have little to no training in the area and that they will regularly experience people calling 999 and making threats or occasions when they've spent hours trying to get a poorly person hospitalized. It isn't personal. It's wrong for them to take past experiences out on you but don't let it bring you even further down. Confront them if you feel like you should.

  • If one medication doesn't seem to work; don't give up on all of them. There are many different types because they don't all work for the same person or in the same ways. Follow professional advice and always read the possible side effects
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