Relatives and patients: This is how mental health care can be improved
Her son had written a resignation letter and rated his suicidal thoughts at eight out of ten. But the doctor said he overestimated the suicidal thoughts and did not need specialist care.
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They sent Filip to the health center, who then took his own life.
– I wish they had connected us (relatives) then, says mother Camilla Andersson.
“I’m so tired”
Patients, relatives and doctors have contacted us from all over the country. Testimonies are pouring in from Skåne, Blekinge, Kronoberg, Västernorrland, Stockholm and Dalarna. Many are desperate and given up.
“My will is written and I am tired, so heartily tired.”
“The call to the appointment came weeks after my brother was already dead.”
“At BUP, they are canceling doctor’s appointments for the indefinite future due to a shortage of doctors. Either they refer to you having to wait for a possible appointment or you have to re-register at a reception in another municipality, so that you end up last in the queue and still have to wait a long time for an appointment.”
Doctors sit with tears in their throats
A specialist in general medicine in Västerbotten writes that it sometimes feels hopeless to have nowhere to refer patients in great need of psychiatric help.
“You have no idea how often people sit with tears in their throats about how young people have to wait several years for a real appointment at BUP. Until the patient gets an appointment, the district doctor is responsible for the patient – but without any tools.”
A senior doctor from Skaraborg wants a review of the regions’ finances. Where does all the money that the government pushed for psychiatry go?
A 30-year-old man from Karlstad stands in the queue:
“I repeatedly tell the counselor that I urgently need help and that it has been like this for over two years. I explain to the counselor that I think about suicide several times a day, and see it as a way out. I don’t want to end like that, but I have told them that if it takes months or a year, there is no one to call to visit.”