"Taught me how to conquer and not be afraid"

About: Sligo Leitrim Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services / Sligo Adult Community Mental Health Services

(as the patient),

Being now 30 years old and having spoken to numerous therapists, counsellor’s, been admitted to mental unit Sligo (which caused more problems than helped, and side note staff I met there were unhelpful.

Mental health unit, where you go to be pushed to the edge, so if you in a bad way, in my opinion, this is the last place you should go. I felt belittled, ignored and in case of one doctor laughed at.   Then to say sorry that wasn’t ok…and continue to do so as I cried and covered up marks and asked to go back to my room as this wasn’t helping but hurting.

Medication being forefront to “solving” everything. I felt at complete loss and was at the stage of giving up. I had saw no life ahead of me. I had lost faith in myself, family, and life. But then along came Rosie. 

This woman…not only gave me my life back but changed it in most positive way! For first time I spoke to someone who genuinely listened, understood, spoke to me as a human bean and didn’t judge or rush me.

She gave me time, consideration, empathy, understanding and most of all a safe place to speak freely, and know that I was listened to but also helped advice and see what potential I had and help me access it. I cannot thank Rosie enough for what she done for me! For first time in almost 30years I feel happy, less anxious, more confident in myself and I am more assertive. I’m making future plans when just months ago I couldn’t see any future or had any ambition to try.

I went in and at a low low point, I was mentally and physically tired. I didn’t want to look up, I didn’t want to talk…I gave away nothing as I just thought this would be another waste of time. How wrong I was. Rosie has changed and helped me in more ways than she or anyone could ever imagine. I was hopeless and had one way track train of thought on unloving myself…now I am more confident, making future plans and have been not only given help in a crisis but given advice for all the good days and bad.
The bad days will come but Rosie has helped me understand them and taught me how to conquer and not be afraid of them. Taken away power they once had and now given that to me.
Rosie saved my life. 
My family can’t thank you enough, I can’t thank you enough.
Thank you for everything Rosie
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Noel Heraghty, Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Adult Mental Health Unit, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service about a year and a half ago
Noel Heraghty
Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Adult Mental Health Unit,
Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service

Nurse Manager in the Adult Mental Health Unit

Submitted on 18/03/2023 at 17:22
Published on Care Opinion on 20/03/2023 at 12:48


Dear MentalHealthSligo,

Thank you for taking the time to write your story following your admission to our Acute Mental Health Unit. I am sorry to hear about your recent experience where you describe feeling belittled and ignored. It is our goal to provide a quality service with high standards of care and treat all service users with respect, dignity and empathy.

Your time on the unit did appear to to change in a positive way following engagement with Rosie where you describe feeling happy, less anxious and more confident in yourself. I am heartened to hear this as you continue on your journey of recovery.

I wish you well and thank you for taking the time to write your story. If I can be of further assistance, please contact me at the Adult Mental Health Unit in Sligo.

Kind Regards

Noel Heraghty

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k