Previous Post -> sectioned Under the mental health act Aged 15 – a brief before and the process of being admitted

Introduction:

By the time I was checked into Kent and Medway Adolescent Unit Woodland House, and the carers left me the day had already gone. It was around 17:00 and I was given options for food, the first place I went was the lounge many very friendly and reassuring service users, and staff started to introduce themselves to me they were warm and gentle with there words. They could see I was very reserved and didn’t want to talk or do anything. I’m sure every one of them had gone through the same thing. It’s scary after all, new surroundings, new faces and new scenarios. It’s impossible for anyone to know what you’ve walked into.

The First Night

After eating what I was shocked to say a delicious meal, I remember spending some time once again in the lounge for the evening before it was time for us to go to bed, as much as I wanted to crawl straight into bed we had to follow strict guidelines. Everyone had to be awake, and out of bed by 10 AM and no one can return until 7 pm my bedroom was lovely, it had a double bed a desk and an ensuite but it still was not my bed from home which I missed a lot, I missed my phone my technology and the familiar faces from my foster home.

Daily Routines

My Daily Routine was very different Breakfast between 7 am, and 9 am everyone had to be out of bed by 10 am we had a few group sessions in the morning one being education Lunch between 12 and 1 pm 3 more activities before dinner between 5 pm and 6 pm and then free time.

Accessing the outside world

I was not allowed any technology on site, and the only time I could use my phone or the internet was when I was on my mobile phone outside of the unit even in the education sessions I was given special restrictions due to past incidents that occurred with my secondary school and me hacking into there system. So, for this reason, I was only allowed the internet on my mobile outside of the unit. (for someone who previously lived online it sucks!)

Getting Placed onto a Section 2

I was both homesick and just witnessed a small group of patients kick off and cause a riot. (Insert Link To Future Post) I was not enjoying my stay at Woodlands house, the therapy seemed unhelpful and the group sessions I refused. To make things worse, I was just put onto a 1:1 EyeSight, so I declared to discharge myself., and I was served a Section 2 Meaning I was now forcefully detained for 28 days. And now I couldn’t even use the internet in my free time. I was a prisoner of the system, scared and upset this just further pushed me away from getting my issues solved.

Being on section 2, meant I lost most of my rights. I was no longer allowed out to use my phone and a lot of the care decisions where now being made for me without my input; I was placed on 1:1 Eyesight as a precautionary measure. They were still unsure of a lot of things that was going on with me, due to 4 years prior trying to fight the system because I was too scared to let them know “The Thing” that caused me all this trauma and pain,

thankfully I had lots of likeminded people who shared their advice and looked out for each other. 1:1 Eyesight meant I now had someone follow me and was always within eyesight, even when sleeping. But there was a limitation to toilet/shower as long as I kept talking to them non-stop.

First Visit From my foster family

When I knew Carol and tomo were coming, I was exited. I couldn’t wait to see the familiar faces and receive some more clothes and items to keep me going I had missed the presence of Carol and John, it had only been a month. But they encouraged me to carry on with the treatment, and soon I will be home again getting back on with life. They were very encouraging and motivating, but I could tell it was hard for them as well as myself.

First Vist From Mum and Michael

This visit was long overdue. They had a very long train journey all the way from Margate to Staplehurst, but I was so happy to see them both we spoke for ages and caught up. The first time seeing them I was not able to do much being on section 2.

But I want care In the community!

This was something many people heard me say. And it all came with the same response “But we’ve been offering you this for years, why now?” it was a good question, but the shock of being in the hospital was enough for me to want to get my life on track as well as continue with my life and education in the community. But all the professionals had said the same thing. You won’t be released until you start co-operating with group sessions and therapy.

Therapy Sessions

Therapy sessions, we all hate them. They hurt and make us vulnerable. There was something stopping me from talking in person with anyone willing to help me. I could speak about everything apart from “the thing” I spoke about issues with family, school, emotional unbalances, depression and anxieties but in-depth details into self-harm I locked away from everyone. Including myself,

after a few sessions, I was told by Dr Oliver that my only chance of release was to talk of these areas and let them understand and advise for future treatment/help outside of work. And I explained although I want to talk, whenever I try I freeze up. I get scared, vulnerable. This is when for the first time I was recommended the following technique:

“When you’re in a bad place, take a pen and paper write your thoughts and feelings. and bring them back to me.” And when this worked, I was then tasked to do the same but to write about “the thing…” so I set out to do this….. To Be Continued.

Next Post -> Coming Soon.

Thanks for sticking by and reading through this story, it’s been a hard one to write, but the story is as it is… and the next part will be the conclusion to my stay at a mental health hospital. Thanks for everyone who has joined our Facebook community and groups both the motivational and inspiring quotes and the mental health awareness one we set up as it’s going very well. Next months blog has not been decided/finalized just yet. Stay in touch on facebook for more info.

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Post Revisions: September 25, 2019 @ 10:54:03 [Current Revision] by Li Jean-Luc Harris

September 25, 2019 @ 10:52:45 by Li Jean-Luc Harris