Bridging the gap after a hospital stay

The most vulnerable time for a person who has been in the hospital for mental health or suicide concerns is the first 30-45 days after their discharge. 

During this time, they may be waiting for outpatient appointments or referrals to other community supports. They may also have lost a job or suffered some other central loss that they will need to begin navigating as they return to the community. 

Because of these large shifts in the person’s life, it is important to identify and fill any gaps in their care plan. There are numerous ways to increase support for a person during this period, including connecting them with a peer or other community organisation involving people with lived experience. 

These programs can help a person learn to navigate the mental health systems, find community in those who have “been there", and in some cases find support for their loved ones.

Here are a few examples of organisations that can provide this kind of help: 

Australia 

• Head to Health: www.headtohealth.gov.au 
• Carer Gateway: www.carergateway.gov.au 
• Roses in the Ocean: https://rosesintheocean.com.au 
• Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au