Bella’s Story

The individual’s name has been replaced with the pseudonym “Bella”

“I work in both the mental health wards and emergency mental health settings, where the demands are never ending, and the resources are limited. Something that surprises most people is the overwhelming number of clients whose mental health crises are drug-induced. These cases often result diminishing empathy among nurses and clinicians, who I’ve seen become desensitized due to the repetitive and challenging nature of these particular clients.

It is rare to see new patients in my role, workers have labeled most of our clients as ‘frequent fliers’ because of their repeated presentations, and with each visit, its evident that it is harder for staff to offer them the compassion they deserve. Our workers are often completely desensitised, especially those perceived as drug-seeking or connection-seeking, they are met with frustration rather than care.

The threshold for admission is extraordinarily high, clients must present an imminent risk of suicide, complete with a specific plan and the means to carry it out. Even then, beds are not guaranteed. I have seen patients overdose on arrival and get discharged a few hours later. Patients sit screaming and crying without being seen for hours. Patients who become violent are immediately desated as its the only way to keep the staff safe as we don’t have enough resources to avoid it. Teens and young adults are often turned away because of the dangers our other patients pose.

The focus in our wards is not on therapy or long term recovery but on stabilizing clients through medication. The goal is to make them fit for discharge as soon as possible which is that they are not a danger to themselves or others.

It’s disheartening to see. Our system functions more as a crisis stabilization unit than a place for meaningful mental health care.

Likely over a third are seeking either drugs or connection. While their needs are valid in their own right, this massively strains resources and deter workers from providing attention to those in acute mental health crises.

Nurses and clinicians are overworked and underpaid and their patients suffer.

I’m not sure what the answer is but our current system is disgraceful and a change needs to happen.”