Lived Experience Forum

[utopia]

@Atalanta. That's a great area of study. I often feel - mental health workers would do a much better job if they have some experience of mental illness. The same with science and research into mental health. Re: promises. I remember the first time my sister attempted suicide. I'm in the ED & the mental health worker came and asked her a few questions - eg: work, friends, religion. Then he asked my sister to promise not to attempt suicide herself by 'that method' again. Seriously. My sister looked at me, smirked &; then promised. Her next attempt - where she did actually die, but was resuscitated. But she kept her promise. She didn't use the same method. I really hate that question.

[NikNik]

That seems like a great balance @Atalanta
I did a few subjects online to try to get back into study. However, I really missed the face to face elements, especially tutorials. I found talking through concepts and new information at tuts as the main way to develop my understand. So online didn't really do it for me.

Hmmm cafe and gyms... I bet you get student prices on these things too!?

[Atalanta]

Actually, it's expensive. There's no competition. I buy the odd coffee and that is it.

[Phoenix_Rising]

Hi @Atalanta,

I agree that the whole promise thing is unhelpful. In years gone by, I've signed many "no suicide contracts." My understanding is that there is now a lot of research showing they don't work and I think they've gone out of vogue. However, a lot of mental health professionals will still ask for a verbal promise. I always say I promise simply because there is a strong chance they will call emergency services if I don't. But really, a promise to a counsellor will not stop me suiciding if I choose that I want to do that. I mean seriously, what are they going to do if I suicide, sue me??? In all honesty, I think it is as much about them covering themselves legally, as it is about genuinely thinking it will make a difference to the decision a person might make.

[Phoenix_Rising]

@NikNik I did my entire degree by distance. Avoiding having to talk to other human beings was a definite perk for me!!! @Atalanta is right about the cost of cafes/gym etc on campus. They are now really expensive compared to years gone by. In a lot of unis these things have been outsourced and they are just as expensive as anywhere else.