Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Rover]

Hi again. in my last post I relayed how my 20 year old daughter had been scheduled last week to a youth mental facility for drug induced psychosis. I found out today that under the mental health act (NSW) she will see a magistrate on Wednesday to plead her case to be released. Does anyone know what role I play in this? I've been told I don't even have to be there but of course I want to and can be but noone will tell me what to expect and wether I can have any input. Thanks

[NikNik]

Hi @Rover ,

Unfortunately I don't have first hand experience in this area. Have any other members?

While we're waiting for other members to jump in, I have some info about the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

The Mental Health Review Tribual website seems quite comprehensive. There is reference throughout the information to carers' involvement. One important point highlights:

- Inform any of the patient's relatives and other key people of the inquiry of review and encourage them to attend (unless patient objects). If family are unable to attend, facilitate alternative means for family and friends to participate (eg: by telephone) (more info here)

I suggest that you give the MH Review Tribunal a call, so you can find out exactly what your involvement is:

1800 815 511 (free call)

Does anyone have any experience attending these hearings?

[JT]

Each state is likely slightly different and I'm not in NSW but the consumer has the final say on whether or not you are allowed in the room.  Beyond that, yes you can attend and (I haven't read your earlier post) if you are involved in her care you will find it informative to attend.  The doctors will give their report on why she should/shouldn't be in care and she will be given the chance to plead her own case.  There will be someone representing her interests in the room with her.  

[-karma-]

I don't know if many of you caught the 'changing minds' doco's on ABC during mental health week?

I thought it was really great when they filmed a real tribunal case, providing a birdseye view of what occurs.

I guess what surprised me was how informal it was, and the consumers ability to be heard, (lol the woman still makes me smile, very fiery!).

Unfortunately, time has elapsed and it is not available on iview anymore, or you tube. Unless someone else is more resourceful than me, and can quickly put their hands on it? Worth a look.

[Hobbit]

Hi @Rover ,

I would recommend you call the Mental Health Advocacy Service They are in Burwood, Sydney. 

"The Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) is a statewide specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. We provide free legal information, advice and assistance about mental health law."

You can call them on 02 9745 4277 or visit their website here.

Hope this helps.

Hobbit.

[NikNik]

Hey @Rover 

Just checking in on how things are going.

Hope all is well.

Nik

[Rover]

Thankyou. Your message is very timely! We have a family meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 11am and I am really aprehensive. I know my daughter's so called 'friend' is not a good person for her to be around but she has listed him as her primary carer. At the tribunal the magistrate ruled a maximum confinement (for want of a better word) of 4 weeks. That was last Tuesday. We visit her every day and she is not getting better. Yesterday the nurse on duty said she is a 'smart cookie' playing a game with them and very much still in denial   about any illness she may have. Today when I visited she asked to look at my phone and then got very concerned because she believed it is 'tapped'. I go to work every day and 'function'  but I don't think I am coping. Suggestings at managing my strength at this stage would be more than welcome :

[Baboo]

Rover,

remember how important this whole process is going to be with YOU having support. You will be better able to support your daughter though out this journey if you have good support your self.

Can i suggest doing some window shopping on counsellors for your self- some one local to you who will be aware of the numerous health physicians and workers in the area- that way they may know of your daughters workers or staff members.

I hope todays results was a good as you wanted them to be.

[coffeegirl]

Hi Rover,

I loved how you phrased it 'managing my strength'.
I think we manage our strength is different ways. As @Baboo mentioned, speaking to an objective mental health care professional is something that can be useful. It helps me top up my resilience.
Other times just focusing on other areas of my life really work. It gives me a break. Sometimes simply seeing friends for coffee (hence my user name!) is so helpful. When I don't feel like being social, getting lost in a book or a game on my ipad really helps me. It shifts my brain away from the current issue and gives it a break.
What has worked for you in the past?