"Journey to being sectioned"

The month of May saw me attend the University Hospital of Wales A&E 3 times after consuming far to much alcohol, and, on two occasions with a paracetamol overdose. Even though I ran away on one of these occasions the staff I met were professional and friendly.

I spent some time in the poisons unit in Llandough and if I am honest do not remember a great deal about it except that there is a smoking room. This room is disgusting and is a great advert to stop smoking...I now have and am on day 9 with no cigarettes thanks to a doctor on Newid ward writing me up patches.

After the 2nd overdose I was asked if I would spend some time in llanfair unit for assessment...I said 'no, not really' and was sectioned under s. 2 of the mental health act.

This trip to A&E which ended in me being detained was different in that I was very un-cooperative and had some very stern talkings to from a wonderful Canadian doctor/nurse who was very straight talking and I will always remember.

My time on Newid ward was rather unsettling but I was safe and I appreciate that.

It is a shame that to get the help I need(ed) with my problems with alcohol I ended up being detained. It should be easier. I refered to CAU, was assessed by EDAS, did not receive a letter detailing an appointment and this was then missed. When a psychiatric nurse in A&E advised me of this she tried to arrange another appointment but was unable to do so...it seems as though various services within the NHS are unable to link with each other on a patients behalf when the patient is clearly screaming for some help.

I am now attending the TDP run by adfer ward in Whitchurch as a day patient which is really good and have an appointment with CADT for counselling.

I am considering taking up study for a degree in mental health nursing as a result of my experiences.

My biggest suprise and disappointment was that it appears at some point confidentiality was breached...this has already been raised but was distressing and I shall never get over the shock that this would occur in a professional setting.