Get well soon....

Posted Thursday 15 October 2009

I've got a cold and am oscillating between coughing loudly in the hope of garnering sympathy, and pretending I'm fine due to the embarrassment at feeling so lousy with something so commonplace.

What then, to make of the recent report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists that half of people in hospital due to mental health problems do not receive any gifts or cards during their time in hospital, compared to a third of people in hospital due to physical health problems? If it is hard to admit to being laid low by the common cold, how much harder to try and explain about a mental health condition?

A British study found that psychiatric patients were significantly less likely than other patients to inform friends and family that they had been admitted to hospital, despite spending a significantly longer period of time in hospital.

The study found that the psychiatric patients received fewer cards and gifts. Further, patients with mental health diagnoses tended to receive toiletries, food and cigarettes as gifts, while other patients receive flowers, balloons, magazines and chocolates.

Another British study confirmed the finding of fewer greeting cards for patients admitted to psychiatric wards. There seems to be a combination of people in hospital due to acute mental distress being unwilling to tell people about their problems, and others not knowing what to say or do when people are admitted to hospital due to a mental health condition, so end up doing nothing. What could people need more during a time when they are on a hospital ward, feeling vulnerable and distressed, but to know that others are thinking of them?

It can be easy and inexpensive to show that you care. Some hospitals, such as the North West Wales Trust allow people to send an email to a patient that will be printed out and handed to the patient. The Royal College of Psychiatry has launched their own get well soon cards that are on sale via their website.

You could also make your own, and getting the family involved in creating or writing in a card could be a good way of having a conversation about why someone is in hospital and what they might be experiencing.

Bridget O'Connell, Head of Information

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6 Comments

• Sheila replied on 19 Oct 2009 at 12:03

  This story brought tears to my eyes. It is so true. I have spent over 2 years in psychiatric hospital (sectioned 5 times) and I can't remember ever receiving a get well card. I got visitors the first admission but hardly any after that. The only flowers i got were from other patients. Can't remember getting anyother gifts either. You feel like a forgotten person most of the time which hardly helps the self esteem. Friends did email me but there is only email access about tiwce a week if you win the fight to get to a pc.

• Anne Brian replied on 22 Oct 2009 at 08:57

  The first time I was in a psychiatric unit, I got lots of cards from family and friends. However, when I kept having to go in again, I did not get one single solitary card or message from anyone. They all just seemed to get bored with my illness, except for my Mum (who is now 84).

• Nick replied on 22 Oct 2009 at 08:57

  This story has made me cry. I've never been hospitalised before, but know all too well the isolation of mental illness. It seems, people's ignorance, knows no bounds. Just knowing that someone cares, can soften the blow, and help to stave off the awful loneliness. The 'get well card' scheme is a wonderful idea; I just hope the friends and families, of people in hospital agree.

• Shelley replied on 2 Nov 2009 at 09:30

  I felt so sad reading this story as I have been in hospital several times and know too well how frightening and confusing it can be and whilst being surrounded by other patients and staff, incredibly lonely. I was lucky enough to have a few close family members to ensure that I received messages and cards although did get negative messages from some who failed to understand mental illness and my feelings around my experience. For patients with mental health problems, the art of compassion and empathy seem long gone which is heartbreaking.

• mike replied on 3 Nov 2009 at 12:04

  Yes people in hospital need to be remembered by family and friends , it is no different than a general hospital ,where people send card telephone calls etc , Been in a few times and can get the feeling of know one cares
  Agree with lots of other letters

• florencechris replied on 29 Nov 2009 at 16:15

  yes i agree with the fact that most people dont care about those in the hospital but we should also know that is not only those in the hospital who need help even those in their housese are going through serious problems for intance have been maried for 3years without achild
  i need help iam going through alot