I guess I knew that when I started studying occupational therapy, there would be certain topics that would be difficult in relation to mental health. This week’s lecture was on the topic of the Mental Health Act, followed by an OT from A St come as a guest lecturer. I decided not to attend this lecture, especially not at this time of the year when I’m just trying to push through. I figure if the Mental Health Act ever comes up in an exam, I’ll just say it’s when “You’re locked up and get your rights taken away from you.” That’s how doctors have put it to me when I’ve been threatened with it, surely it must be an acceptable answer then, right?
As for the OT from A St, well, I’m not particularly interested in anyone from A St at this point in time. Yeah, I’m generalising based on the two clinicians I’ve seen there, but oh well. Though I reckon the waiting room they have in the outpatients department is enough to put anyone off before they’ve even met a member of staff.
Because people with mental health issues are dangerous and all, glass is definitely needed to protect the reception staff from us.
The good news though is that because of my prior knowledge of issues related to mental health, certain topics are fairly easy for me to understand, and some of the content I already know. DSM IV, the difference between a hallucination and a delusion, the Mental Health Act and early intervention? I’m all over it! Doesn’t really make up for all that I don’t know in my three other units this semester though. Heh.
Such a familiar sight! Too many hours spent in that room :/
Considering some of the shit I’ve seen go on in there, I’d want to be behind glass too!
Ooh what sort of stuff? The only thing I’ve seen happen is someone get irritated because theyve been sitting in the waiting room for over an hour lol.