My business phone rang about 15 minutes ago. The woman on the other end of the line sounded like she was in acute distress. I could tell she was having trouble keeping her breath. Her voice was muffled and hard to understand having her sinuses filled with mucus from crying. I felt myself instantly alert. Is this someone with a psychosis? Is this person suicidal? Is this person going to be OK? Then practical thought, 'Does this person have insurance?' Often, people with history of mental illness have SSI of which I am not a provider. That means I'm going to have to refer a distressed person either to someone who is. ('And who is?', I asked myself. Ah yes, I know someone.')
My next thoughts, 'What if she is psychotic? All the beds, of which there are very few, are filled. How can I help her? Think. Think!'
"My name is (muffled). I was referred to you by (previous client). I need help. I've been feeling like I need to check myself into DePaul." For over 150 years, DePaul was the recognized free-standing psychiatric facility in New Orleans. It was hit by a tornado during Katrina. It's still there but HCA didn't reopen it after the storm. LSU and Children's Hospital bought it. I believe they might have a unit open but I haven't heard much about it. I wondered how awful it would have been for her to go there only to find out that she can't get in. I've had to send people all the way to Houston to get help as all the beds from New Orleans to Lake Charles are filled due to the overflow of Katrina and Rita survivors.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. Could you give it to me again?" I asked.
"Jane.", she responded. I've changed her name for this story.
"OK. Jane. Tell me what's going on."
"Well, I'm just not myself. I feel panicky all the time. It's just not me," she sobbed. "I can't do anything I used to do. It's been like this since Katrina. Mimi (name changed) said she saw you and she thought you could help me. I can't stop crying and it's getting worse. I'm scared for myself."
I wondered if she was feeling suicidal and was about to ask if she was feeling like doing something to end it when she said, "That's why I was going to check myself into DePaul." I decided to avoid the question for now. It seemed that Jane probably wasn't suicidal if she was thinking about going to DePaul. Besides, her voice was becoming more even as we spoke.
Jane interrupted my thoughts. "I was in the water. I was rescued from the water. I saw a little boy drown."
Uhh. That sinking feeling. I felt my stomach knot as I caught my breath. Stop. Stay even. But I still thought, 'Oh my God. She needs someone right away.'
She continued, "And since then, my life has fallen apart, nothing is in place. I'm having difficulty putting it back together. I don't go to church anymore. Don't read my bible. I used to walk 8 blocks everyday. I don't even leave the house anymore. I know me. THIS IS NOT ME." I wondered how many more were like Jane. Too many, I thought.
"I'm on Lexipro and Klonopin."
"How're they working for you?"
"Not too good right now."
"Who prescribed them for you?"
"Chartres Mental Health."
What do I do? I knew I was sticking my neck out but she needs to see someone right away. I wonder if she has the means to pay. I'm going to see her anyway for now, but I might have to refer her out. I am having trouble getting paid. Last month I skipped paying a bunch of bills and my mortgage payment just went up almost a thousand dollars amonth. So many people are strapped for cash. There's the Red Cross....and as if lightening had struck at that very minute, Jane said, "I've contacted the Red Cross." Phew. That was lucky for me but more lucky for Jane.
"How about tomorrow? Can you see me at 2pm?"
"I'll be there." Jane was already sounding better.
"OK. And, Jane, give my regards to Mimi."
"I will...and thank you." Then, Jane hung up.