Mental Health: Mrs Carr - Shite!!

As I type this post I am "shiting" myself - no apologies for the language: these are the most appropriate words. The last week had Mrs Carr taken to hospital by friends after a brief disappearance which still required police involvement. I don't need to go into the details other than to say that she was in a far from normal state and that, since the hospital visit, she hasn't been her normal self (or what passes for normality at the moment).

But tonight she was as angry as I have ever seen her, over an email from a relative. She has gone out for a drive somewhere. I don't imagine she knows where she'll go or perhaps not even remember where she's been. I know that many of us jump in the car and drive when we are angry or need time to think but we aren't ill; we aren't carrying the burden she has borne so bravely for a year now.

When will she come back? I don't know.

The only saving grace is that we have a safety plan which involves my phoning every hour with Mrs Carr returning the call but with neither of us answering. As long as my calls are returned I know she is OK even if I don't now where she is. If a call is not returned almost immediately I start panicking until the call is returned - possibly a few minutes later. If the call is not returned then I know she has a problem and that I may need to phone the police.

What kind of life is it that needs a plan like this? The life of one desperately in need of professional help.

So far I called at 22.00 and the return call came two minutes later. Phew! In a few minutes I will call at 23.00.

Ona brighter note we think we know what is the problem and the root cause of all the symptoms I have described elsewhere. Unfortunately, there are only a few centres in the UK skilled in the diagnosis and treatment and all are far outside our Health Board. I have spoken to several of them and each has said that Mrs Carr is the type of sufferer they would expect to treat. Therefore, I know I am not being unreasonable in pushing for a full assessment. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed - by non-experts - which can lead to the wrong or no treatment.

I have made my 23.00 call.

The next couple of weeks gives us two opportunities to get the local NHS to make the referral.

I have just now had my 23.00 call returned immediately. Relax a bit.

I hope the local NHS is more forthcoming than they have been to date. I am hopeful because all the evidence is on our side but yet I dare not hope.


Mrs Carr needs help now! I fear there is only so much one can handle. Why does she have to suffer so?

Please God, someone help her!

Now!


Update: 23.50 Back home - Huge phew!!!