Pychosis - Trying To Help The Ex Get Well
Discussion
Around 10 months ago, a woman I was seeing was sectioned due to psychosis and released without medication. Every day, her delusions and paranoia persisted, and she blamed me for being part of a conspiracy against her.
I tried to be as supportive as possible, even though I never fully understood what was happening. I reached out to her CPNs many times, but each time she knew how to avoid raising red flags, and they simply left her without further intervention.
Her delusions are wide-ranging. She believes that people are following her, tracking her, stealing her money, using her for fraud, or even trying to poison her. She often thinks the TV is talking to her and that her phone is downloading random content.
In November, she completely cut me off, convinced that I was part of a larger project to destroy her. She has no family willing to help her and almost no real friends.
When this all began, her child was taken into care and is now being looked after by her sister under active social work supervision.
At first, she used to call me every week, but then she stopped in February. I had a psychiatrist review months of messages, and he said she might never come out of psychosis and needs treatment as soon as possible, or it will become chronic.
I started writing her letters after she changed her number. Shortly thereafter, she began calling delusional as ever. This week, she even called the police, who came to my home and documented the incident as a domestic matter, stating she wanted no contact. About three hours after they left, she started calling again, and now she is calling daily with the same delusional themes.
She remains unaware that she is unwell, believing instead that everyone is out to get her. In the past week, she has been to the police twice to report these “crimes,” and they merely tell her everything is okay and to call her CPN.
When I contacted the CPN, they informed me that she has been taken off their system and that there’s nothing more they can do. I also wrote to her GP to make him aware of the situation (although I do not expect a reply due to data protection). Social work mentioned that they spoke with her a few weeks ago, but she accused them of being part of a conspiracy and claimed they couldn’t help.
She is clearly very unwell. A private doctor told me that her case urgently needs NHS intervention, but without evidence that she is a danger to herself or others, there seems to be little that can be done.
Has anyone been in this situation and been able to get help? It feels like a case of “we’re sorry, but go away.”
I tried to be as supportive as possible, even though I never fully understood what was happening. I reached out to her CPNs many times, but each time she knew how to avoid raising red flags, and they simply left her without further intervention.
Her delusions are wide-ranging. She believes that people are following her, tracking her, stealing her money, using her for fraud, or even trying to poison her. She often thinks the TV is talking to her and that her phone is downloading random content.
In November, she completely cut me off, convinced that I was part of a larger project to destroy her. She has no family willing to help her and almost no real friends.
When this all began, her child was taken into care and is now being looked after by her sister under active social work supervision.
At first, she used to call me every week, but then she stopped in February. I had a psychiatrist review months of messages, and he said she might never come out of psychosis and needs treatment as soon as possible, or it will become chronic.
I started writing her letters after she changed her number. Shortly thereafter, she began calling delusional as ever. This week, she even called the police, who came to my home and documented the incident as a domestic matter, stating she wanted no contact. About three hours after they left, she started calling again, and now she is calling daily with the same delusional themes.
She remains unaware that she is unwell, believing instead that everyone is out to get her. In the past week, she has been to the police twice to report these “crimes,” and they merely tell her everything is okay and to call her CPN.
When I contacted the CPN, they informed me that she has been taken off their system and that there’s nothing more they can do. I also wrote to her GP to make him aware of the situation (although I do not expect a reply due to data protection). Social work mentioned that they spoke with her a few weeks ago, but she accused them of being part of a conspiracy and claimed they couldn’t help.
She is clearly very unwell. A private doctor told me that her case urgently needs NHS intervention, but without evidence that she is a danger to herself or others, there seems to be little that can be done.
Has anyone been in this situation and been able to get help? It feels like a case of “we’re sorry, but go away.”
smifffymoto said:
If you are truly concerned call 999,the call handler should point you in the right direction for an intervention there and then if she is in danger or others are in danger from her actions.
In my limited experience calling 999 sidesteps the GP and other gate keepers.
I have done this previously, one evening she told me she wanted to hang herself, I got there at the same time as the police, they refused to call a CPN and told me she was just acting up and she would not die if hung by a phone cord. When I told them it was a requirement to call the CPN they said its Friday, they were busy and if I didn't go I was getting arrested. I know the Police are overwhelmed with mental health issues but they don't seem to be of any help In my limited experience calling 999 sidesteps the GP and other gate keepers.
This would not be for police, it would be for the ambulance service. They would then involve police if they required assistance. Re sectioning for treatment, yes tricky to get if someone isn’t being violent/danger to others due to underfunding and lack of mh beds.
You will need to accumulate solid evidence & perhaps speak to gp for assistance
You will need to accumulate solid evidence & perhaps speak to gp for assistance
numtumfutunch said:
I have absolutely no idea of what to do however would like to say that you're a bl00dy good human being and anyone - especially your ex - who has you in their life is a very lucky person
Cheers - and good luck
I came to write the same thing, I can offer no help as I have no experience but you should be very proud of yourself OP. There needs to be more people like you in the world. I hope you can get the help your ex needs. You’re doing a wonderful thing. Cheers - and good luck
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