In hospital: 1-1 and 2-1 obs how to cope.

[Ballerina123]

I'm in hospital at the moment and I'm on 1-1 obs on while on the ward and 2-1 obs if I want to go In The garden.
Today I ran to my room and locked my door and sat on my bed crying because I was sick of being watched. Of course the staff just opened it again with there key. I have been on this level of obs for 5day (with one day on 15minute obs).
I feel really chlostraphobic. And it is starting to agitate me so much I'm considering running away. Even though I have been told that if I try to run away I will be put on a section.

I have been on obs like this during other admissions but I've never felt this tapped by them.

Does anyone have any advice on how to cope. I'm feeling really agitated.

[when.will.it.end]

I'm sorry but there is no way you will be able to run away.

1-2-1 obs are awful, I know. Try and remember that it is only for a short period of time (hopefully) and you will get your freedom back. The staff are there to keep you safe, they aren't trying to hurt you. Are you allowed to shower & things by yourself?

I would suggest just trying to ignore them as well. Do whatever you want to do (I don't mean anything unsafe, I mean activities and such) and try and not let their presence change what you want to do. Have they said when you might come off them or what you need to do to come off them?

It will get better x

[Ballerina123]

I'm not currently showering because I feel too depressed to do so, but they do have to watch me on the toilet. If I showered they would have to be there too.

[one_step_closer]

Can you let someone know how you're feeling? I know it won't change the fact that you're on obs but maybe it would help if people were aware of what you're going through.

[PassedExpectations]

perhaps you could ask them what you need to do to regain some privacy and get off the 1 to 1/ 2 to 1

[Mrs Sam]

I was on 1-2-1 for 5 days and it was awful so I know how you feel. Have you tired to chat to the staff your on obs with? I did that in the first hosp I was at and it made a difference as I felt more like I was there of my own choice.

[Jessy]

I can completely sympathise as I was on 1-2-1 obs for 7 weeks and then 2-2-1 for 5 weeks. I know it's hard, you feel as though you can't do anything 'normal' like go to the toilet, shower etc. I know it's horrible being watched but if you can show them that you're not going to try and do anything harmful, eat and drink properly, shower & go to the toilet etc.. the more you do that the quicker you'll be put back onto 15 min obs. I used to listen to a lot of music so that I blocked them out, do things like draw, write etc. It's embarrassing sometimes with them watching you but just think they will have seen 10x worse and they're just doing a job, they're not there to judge you.

Ask your dr or your named nurse to put a plan together to get off the obs, ask him/her what you have to do to be considered safe enough to be put back onto 15 min obs.

I do hope you're not on them for long, I was for 12 weeks so I know how awful it is. Chin up honey x

[Ballerina123]

Thank you so much for all your replies.
It's good to have some understanding.

I am feeling quite a bit brighter today and I'm going to try and shower. I spoke to the support waiter about it and she explained the she has to be there but reassured me that will be respect my privacy and dignity as much as possible. I'm not feeling to bad about it now.

I have a review tomorrow and I'm hoping that I will be ok to come off obs.

Thanks again guys xxx

[Snow White.]

Keep up the great work, you've done really well to speak with the worker and I am glad that it has helped you feel more positive about it. They sound very genuine in saying they will respect your dignity, so that is a good sign, and I'm proud of you for speaking about it. All the best for the review tomorrow x

[x-Silvermist-x]

Hi, I'm currently on 1-1 obs as well. I am finding it very hard especially going to the toilet and showering. I try my best to pretend they aren't there and basically just get on with it. I tell myself I'm sure they've seen it all before. I'm at a bit of a disadvantage because I have none of my belongings so I can't read or write to friends. There is also very limited activities that I can participate in. I also feel like crying and very often do. Sometimes I find chatting to the staff passes the time but very often I find myself getting angry and telling them where to go.

I can really sympathise with you and hope you aren't on obs for too long.

[[Luna]]

Oh god, I hate 1:1 obs. When I was in hospital last year for 3 months, I was on 1:1 on and off for the majority of my stay. I can totally understand feeling agitated and claustrophobic, but the best way to have your obs reduced is to work with the staff and work hard to keep yourself safe.

I really hope your review goes well tomorrow and you're given a bit more freedom xx

[Pi.R^2]

*hugs*
So sorry you're having such a rough time :( I hope the review goes well and you get some more freedom. I don't have any advice on 1-2-1s, but everyone else seems to have said some good stuff.

Thinking of you, and hope you're feeling better soon.

[makedamnsure]

I found it weird even visiting my brother when he was on 1-1 obs, since the staff member had to sit and watch our visits etc. But generally I'd agree with Mrs Sam, if you chat to the staff it goes quicker. My brother had a staff member that he liked to play card games with, so when that person was on his watch duty they'd play cards and the time went quicker. I also think that he was allowed to shower behind a curtain, even though a staff member had to be in the room, so that might be an option. Perhaps it might help to remember that the staff find it a drag as well. Co-operate and you'll get onto 15 min obs much quicker.

[Ballerina123]

Thanks for all the support guys. I had my review today and I managed to get discharged home to the crisis team which I'm really pleased about.
I can't wait to sleep in my own bed and not be worked up at 6am to the screams of one of the older patients.

It was a hard 7 days but it's all over for now.

Love lots x

[[Luna]]

Aww, that's brilliant you've been discharged! Well done.
Now you can put it behind you :) All the best xx

[one_step_closer]

That's good to hear, take care of yourself.