I didn't actually go The Cassel in the end because it wasn't the right place for me but I went for assessment and spent a couple of days there meeting people etc.
It's a really great place and certainly all the people I spoke to said fantastic things about it which gave me a lot of hope for it being a good place.
It's a therapeutic community as you probably know and I found it a very supportive atmosphere. You all support one and other and then there are staff there as well.
I hope it works out well for you. Are you going to have a look around the place?
I hope the referral comes through quickly for you.
They didn't think I was suitable because of my self harming but I also didn't feel I could cope because I have emetophobia and it was shared bathrooms. I feel really sad that I couldn't manage to share a bathroom because it was a great place.
Wishing you the best of luck and sorry I don't have more information,
I'm currently self-harming quite badly and suicidal so I don't know whether I will fit their criteria. Shared bathrooms puts me off a bit. However, it does seem much more relaxed than The Dene which is where I was for 11 months.
My mum has just been discharged from there. Do you have any specific questions?
Basically it's a TC that mainly deal with BPD. There is a lot of group work but you also get individual therapy twice a week. I think all the rooms are shared. There are doctors there too. By the sounds of it it is very challenging especially in terms of self harm but it's viewed as a good programme with good results. They've recently changed the structure of the hosp but I don't think that would make any difference. I think the main approach to SH is that you can do it but you have to be open and honest about it. Patients are strongly encouraged to help each other out along with the support of the nursing team. You cook and clean together. I think there can be a lot of drama and it's tough when you've got a number of people struggling at once but overall it's a good place to go.
I was there back in 2006/2007 but I can only assume it has changed since then (i think the families unit was shut down) but the main ethos is probably still the same.
It's a great place to make a change in life but the saying always was 'you get out as much as you put in'. Also, they loved to highlight people being uncommunicative, they want you to be very vocal. It's a good place, but i can't stress enough that you have to want to make a change. I regreat my time there, I was too young and lacked a lot of confidence and hence wasn't able to speak in groups, there are a LOT of groups. I liked the dance and movement therapy though.
You go home on the weekends as they like you to remain in touch with that aspect of life. When i was there they sent people on 'short leave' which is basically being sent home to think about what you have done that wasn't acceptable but they are very in touch with your needs. Some people were short leaved for self harm but that very rarely happened to me due to my very intense issues around rejection.
A lot of people acted out and I for one self harmed a fair bit whilst I was there. It helped me in the sense that I learnt how to communicate my needs and feelings and emotions, although I wasn't able to stop harming.
The patients take on a lot of responsibility and at night the (i can't remember what we were called :/) would hand over to the night staff. When I was there, there would be a member of staff sleeping at night and a night orderly awake.
Sorry I've rambled and it's been years since I was there! Feel free to ask any questions though.
sticks and stones may break your bones but words can tear your heart out.
The family unit has shut down and they still do the short leave thing. I think there is only one member of staff around at night now and they rely on patients supporting each other. I agree that you have to want to change but I think you do get pushed quite hard at the same time.
I'm not quite sure it's the kind of place that would suit me. I'm very quiet and shy and don't engage well in groups. Also my self-harm is said to be very high risk and they are considering sending me to a PICU prior to The Cassel.
That was the issue with me, that my self harm was considered very serious. However, perhaps you will find that once you have been to the PICU that will be somewhat resolved.
With the groups, I'm guessing that comes with time. Nobody will go there feeling very confident but as you get to know people it will become easier and you will begin to trust you. Obviously this isn't my experience of The Cassel as I didn't go but another unit where a big part of it was group work.
It's worth telling the staff you're with that. You may not always feel that way and it seems pointless to go somewhere as hopeful as The Cassel, not engage, not get better and not be able to use the opportunity a few years (or however long) down the line if you DO want to get better... if that makes sense?
^ I agree. From what my mum said I think it's the sort of place that if you went and didn't engage they would push you until you did or just get pissed off with you and if you weren't ready to respond it might just piss you off more and make you less likely to engage.
Aren't there places that deal with self harm but also do DBT on the wards? Maybe after PICU that would make more sense. Or perhaps just waiting until you're ready.
PM me if you want a PDF copy of the ICD-10or the Mental Health Act 1983/2007. I ALSO HAVE THE DSM-V BOOK and am a pharmacology student.
I have a visual impairment / neurological problems so I need people to type in clear text and no funny fonts. Also excuse any typos, my vision blocks things out.
I have autism and have problems communicating, PMs included.
Just becasue I type well doesn't mean I speak well. I am only part time verbal.
Well I guess a part of me would like to get better and have a different life than the one I have now but another part of me just wants to curl up and die.
Ah ok. I think you should keep trying to get all the help you can get. Things will get better.
PM me if you want a PDF copy of the ICD-10or the Mental Health Act 1983/2007. I ALSO HAVE THE DSM-V BOOK and am a pharmacology student.
I have a visual impairment / neurological problems so I need people to type in clear text and no funny fonts. Also excuse any typos, my vision blocks things out.
I have autism and have problems communicating, PMs included.
Just becasue I type well doesn't mean I speak well. I am only part time verbal.
