For twelve years, my rights have been violated in the system time and time again. I don't think that I'm alone in that. Things happened in the Emergency room, psych wards, outpatient, and clinic. Why? Because I'm mentally ill? My rights dont matter. Despite all of this I have been employed in psych in the same facility where most of these things happened for the last eight years. I love the job. I love helping people and having a feeling of giving back. Last weekend, I heard from a patient that my supervisor told them by name that I was a patient there. That is not public knowledge! I'm at a loss as for what to do. I very well might quit when I confront my supervisor Monday. So does anybody have any advice or want to share their "violations"?
I am sorry that you have had such experiences. *hug* Your right do matter, though I do understand how those with the power can make you feel as though they don't.
Can you put in a complaint about your supervisor? It is only my opinion, but I don't think that you should have to suffer for their indiscretion. *hug*
As for my violations, there have been a few. Once I was sectioned in London and guarded by a (male) security guard (including being escorted to the toilet) before being transported to my home town in secure transport. Once I got to my home town, I had to be re-sectioned as the social worker in London hadn't filled in the paperwork properly. It was all very traumatic.
My confidentiality has been breached on more than one occasion, with my parents being told by ward staff about my self-harm and other things that I have not wished them to be informed of. I had an apology once, which I appreciated, but I should have had more than one.
I've had some brilliant MH professionals and they're definitely not all bad (in my experience), but there have been mistakes that should not have happened.
“Our defeats are softened and our victories are sweetened because we did it together.” - Toby Ziegler.
You are right. I have certainly had a lot of support from good people but right now all I can see is the wrong. I might make a formal complaint which will start an investigation that will probably end in her getting fired. I'm not sure I want that on my shoulders.
Honestly is it a big deal or not if the people you work with know you were a patient once there too. I dont think its a big deal we all struggle in life that includes therapist too or any other mental health person no ones perfect.
If I were you I would say yes I was and tell the people you work with that you went through it and look you made it and they can too it will help them feel not so alone. Huggsss
I might make a formal complaint which will start an investigation that will probably end in her getting fired. I'm not sure I want that on my shoulders.
Why should you lose something you love (your job, if you quit) because of her thoughtless indiscretion? Lauri Lauri suggests that it's not a big deal, but to me it would be a huge deal, I would be extremely upset and absolutely furious. I think you should make a complaint - I'm pretty sure she knows how important patient confidentiality is, so if she's fired it will be her own fault.
And the illusion of love is the only promise of defence, and even that will crumble.
Thanks for the advice. I'm beside myself right now. Before this incident a week ago I was so motivated and doing very well in school. Now I am behind. I am trying to write a paper due tomorrow and I'm so distracted. My mind has wandered to a dark place. Will I ever be free of my past and will I ever have enough control over my symptoms so that I can do what I have to do? I feel trapped right now and the idea of suicide is creeping in. This whole ordeal sucks. Maybe I should get her fired.
Its your choice. But over that little thing I wouldnt get her fired. Just speak to her and tell her to please not tell patients about your past any more. You need to be stable yourself and in a healthy place to be working with patients. Hope you feel better.
Coming back to this thread. This whole situation is killing me. Last week I asked my supervisor to just give me ten minutes to talk something over with her. She did not know yet what was going on. When I finally got a hold of her a week and a half later she didn't care at all that I felt violated and turned on me saying that my behavior asking for her time was unacceptable. I have worked for her three years with no problems. I can't take it. I'm so anxious and depressed and I'm feeling suicidal again. My mother walked outside last night while I was on the phone with my therapist and said to get over it. I wasn't even talking to her. I'm at a loss. I don't know what to do.
Never feel bad about standing up for yourself. It was completely and utterly unacceptable for your supervisor to breach your confidence like that. Whatever licenses they have, they can and should be revoked for something like that.
You are doing absolutely nothing wrong here. What you are getting here is a lot of negativity, backlash, and just plain hate from people, but it's not your fault. They have a choice about what they say and do.
Take the time this weekend (if you're off work or in between) to take care of yourself. Eat healthy food, take soothing baths, go for a walk, anything you need to do to practice good self-care. You've had a very stressful time. I can't tell you what to about quitting (that's your decision), but being strong and well-rested on Monday will help you make that choice.
I'll send some happy dreams and good vibes to you from across the Atlantic :).
My name is Matt, and I am a boy. Feel free to PM me :)
I have learned that the world is not a safe place. Not at all. But there are so many people who love me and want to keep me safe. And that is enough.
You have time until then. What can you do to calm yourself and start the day off positively?
Could you wash your uniform, pack a yummy lunch, get all ready for work? You could clean your bedding or your room, make your house all lovely. You could finish that book or TV episode or game you've been meaning to finish. You could call someone you've been meaning to call.
You can only do something about now, and now is a good time to get in a good mental place before work.
Good luck :).
My name is Matt, and I am a boy. Feel free to PM me :)
I have learned that the world is not a safe place. Not at all. But there are so many people who love me and want to keep me safe. And that is enough.
So I did not quit my job and I am happy about that. I love this job but the politics are rediculous. The shift went well. I floated to the adult unit and actually had a good time. Now I am just worried about my next contact with my boss because I have to talk to her this week. I have decided not to go to human resources because I think that she will be fired without me. Apparently this week she spoke of a patient to another patient calling the first a whore. Turns out that the "whore" was in the next room and heard it and flipped out. I believe that this was documented and I hope the situation will warrant an investigation. I guess its just one day at a time at this point. Thanks for the support during this time. It has been very stressful for me.
people like that usually hang themselves if you just give them enough rope. have you ever considered filing recipient rights complaints? that's what i do at this point. i file a copy at the hospital and send it to the state level also. i appeal every decision that does not get upheld and if that doesn't work, i've found an attorney or legal aid to handle it for me. not sure where you are located in the US but pm if you want the names of a few of the agencies i've used that have been extremely helpful in situations like this.
