I've only seen them once and I wouldn't use them again. If I'm at rock bottom it's extremely traumatic for me to speak to people I don't know. - When they assessed me there were 3 of them, and they would've had a student as well if I hadn't said no. I found the experience humiliating and patronising. (By the way I was over 30 at the time so the patronising bit isn't just about age!)
Basically what I need when I get to that stage is to be admitted + kept physically safe - but there aren't enough beds. Being asked lots of questions by strangers just makes everything worse - particularly when it's different workers each time, and I have to keep going over the history.
I know some people find it helpful but I feel quite bitter and let down by what has happened when I have been in a crisis. I have now realised that the NHS doesn't have anything to offer. All I have is an "emergency box" in my room. (food, novels, kettle, can opener etc) so I can lock myself in on my own for a few days if I need to.
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