Self harm: Case study 3

This is the third of 3 case studies undertaken by Healthwatch Cornwall. Each case study focuses on an individual’s experience with self-harm and mental health services. This case study focused on a man, Mr X, who has a history of self-harm and attempted suicide and experienced homophobic insults while receiving care.

Mr X was admitted to hospital following an attempted suicide. He was seen by a doctor, and then by the psychiatric team. He felt that the team was disinterested. During his discharge conversation he became angry and he reported losing his temper with staff. On his way home, he attempted to jump in front of a vehicle. He intended to jump from a multi-storey car park, however, he was picked up by police and taken to the secure suite in Redruth.

After being taken to the suite, Mr X reported that he felt he was being taken seriously. He was taken to Harrow voluntarily to be assessed further. He felt he was treated well in Harrow.

Mr X said he was upset by a male nurse who made a homophobic comment while stitching up a cut. He added that he felt he had achieved something by not being admitted for self-harming for two years.