Anyone working in mental health?

[LittleCloud]

Just wanted to say a huge Well Done!! It's not always a linear battle but to get to the stage where you are able to help others is amazing.
I work in disability support which has some overlap with mental health. I'm very open with people about my struggles with learning disabilities and have had clients say they trust me because I know what it's like. I'm also open to some extent about my mental health although I still struggle this. I've never felt so leveled in my life as when one client on noticing a recently healed scar from SI (I relapse every now and again) said "you got a hole in your wrist. Kiss it better" but I try to hold with the guys I support that everyone needs help sometimes. My guys are amazing and always make me smile. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I guess I'd say it's ok to be honest with clients/people you support but it's a very personal thing and while I can be honest about anxiety/depression as so many of the people I support experience these too and it helps to know they're not alone but I don't often talk about my struggles with eating. I guess we all have our weak places and disclosing anything is such a personal decision. Well done though, truly. I don't think it matters either way whether you disclose, but it's great you can be there for people. Must be amazing to be on the other side helping others

[Imperfect.Star]

Hi there, well done you!
I'm now a doctor, just starting my paediatric training. Although I'm not working in psychiatry I see a lot of MH problems at work - both acute and chronic. From 6 years of SH I have scars on both arms below the elbow which are visible at work. My feelings about my own problems vary but one of the most difficult things for me is the urge to 'over-share' with patients in order to try to help them realise that they aren't alone and that the problems they are facing don't have to ruin their lives. Although I get the thoughts about wanting to do this I actually say very little about my SH/depression. I have to disclose to occ health etc because otherwise I risk getting in trouble with the general medical council but I rarely speak to anyone about it apart from that. I do get asked sometimes, because of the scars but I usually clam up and still don't really know what to say. It's becoming a less frequent issue though as the scars fade and especially now that it's very rare for me to have fresh ones.

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

Imperfect.Star - I understand exactly what you mean; I do sometimes want to say to my patients 'look I was once in your postition and now I'm a nurse, good things can happen!'. I have on a couple of occasions told patients that I had a 'difficult time' as a teenager but have overcome this (as a way to show them there is hope), but it's rare that I do this and only do so when there's a really good therapeutic relationship. The disclosure never goes further than that and I never give specific details i.e. saying I self harmed or suffered from a mental illness.

Similarly to you with the GMC, I am obliged by the NMC to disclose, I do disclose to occupational health that I have had problems as a teen as these are on my medical record, though as I've not seen a professional recently, I keep current struggles to myself when it comes to employment.

The scars on my arms are over 10 years old now so I doubt they'll fade much more. I've recently bought some body make-up specifically designed for scars and it is quite good, but it doesn't cover raised scars, of which I have a few

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

Also, thanks for your kind words LittleCloud

[Eir]

I'm studying nursing (currently on placement), briefly considered mental health nursing for my major, but decided to focus on general to start, not wanting to get pegged too early in the one spot. Psych drugs are my pet subject.
I do find I share a bit more than wise, particularly with patients who I get to know well. Funnily enough, I'm more open about it on placementand during residential, which are both interstate, than at home
Well done all

[thescientist]

I was also here a good many years ago (not quite so long as you, though - impressive) and have now returned in a happier life too!
'Good' to see the same style of troll is still here... magically get better, yeah it was all so easy! Nah, I imagine most of us worked our arses off to get better; I know I did, and we shouldn't have to apologize or feel bad for that!

[visibleMemories]

Hey Parachick,

I quickly read some of the responses you received re: working in mental health field. I've been a member RYL for years...and I do believe I may be the oldest...currently 51 year old young minded woman. Does working in policing count??? I have been at my job for 25 yrs...and have struggled with SI for the entire time. I used to hide my arms etc and was ashamed...but after so many years of being exposed to young offenders self harming, or seeing the scars of adults, I am now able to share with some of them my experiences, and encourage them to seek help, provide some sort of guidance to them...and in fact, I have often recommended this site.
Mental health has been brought to the forefront in our society, in Canada anyway and better understanding of its causes can only help to deal with those who suffer from it. I still receive counselling, I still struggle with issues today however I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for the realization, that I'm not alone and that I am worth something.
People should never judge scars until they realize what caused them.
I admire you for working in the field that basically was responsible for creating who you are today. I too could work in a much easier environment however its the daily challenges that make me stronger today. take care

[Comatose.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthbound_misfit

it just doesnt make sense to me that someone can feel so bad/be so messed up they harm themselves badly enough to leave obvious scars, yet get better enough to go through uni and get a career by 25.

You having a laugh?

There's this thing called change, ya twit.

I know a mental health nurse who used to work as an overly aggressive nightclub owner and drug dealer. But he learnt from his past and helps teenage boys who have been labelled as early sex offenders.

I'm a student mental health nurse in my third year and I used to be so depressed. It changes your entire personality. I was 100% selfish. A prolific shop lifter/drug user and severely bulimic.

I am now none of those things and know I am outstanding at my academic work as well as placements.

Everyone on my course are slightly nutty, a couple have actually been inpatients and at least a third have disclosed their various mental health problems to me. I see it as an aid to help us see what others don't notice.

Interesting post OP, all the best

[talaiporia]

I think it's really nice to hear so many positive recovery stories, (in fact, we have a thread here for some!)

A bit different, but I work in teaching (so obviously don't really want kids/staff knowing for similar reasons). I do try to keep covered up because ultimately, I'd be worried about answer questions. I think in your field, there's a lot of professionals who don't keep covered up and use it as a talking point and ultimately it's up to you, but I guess a stepping stone would be not covering up when you're just with other professionals, just to test their reaction. I do think you've done amazingly though to not just survive, but succeed so well.

[ParanormalChickenGeek]

Thanks guys- it's so nice to hear from other professionals who are/have been in similar positions, it's really reassuring!
Thank you for your lovely words and well done to you all for succeeding despite life's struggles.

[Serendipity.]

Well done to you, too - I think it's always lovely to read stories like this.

I have finally decided to take the leap and apply to go back to uni to do mental health nursing. It's quite an exciting/terrifying thought :P

[random.swirls]

I'm applying for the doctorate in clinical psychology this year. I doubt I'll get anywhere but will give it a shot!

I spoke with occy health in my current job and she was very encouraging which was good as I was admitted over the summer.

[Serendipity.]

That is good Cam! Also shush. BE POSITIVE.

You would make an awesome psychologist!

[random.swirls]

I know! If I don't get on I won't be sad and will apply again in a year!

[Serendipity.]

Good plan! I hope you get in this year though! :)