Personally, I find injections insulting, degrading and controlling. It's a subject that has come up a lot the past 14 months I've been in hospital.

I find them insulting because I was told injections are a way for MH staff to be sure I'm taking medication - which assumes that I'm a LIAR. I have NEVER lied about whether I am/not taking my meds, so I told them straight all they have to do is ask me, not jab me in the arse to be sure!!

I find them degrading because, whilst there are loads of injections that can be given elsewhere on the body, all of the psych ones can apparently only be given in the backside! It makes me wonder if they didn't design it that way on purpose just to humiliate 'mental patients' even further! It is awful being held down by 5-6 people whilst your trousers and underwear are being taken down and your bum exposed for the whole room to see. Quite traumatic really.

And I find it controlling because I can't stop them whenever I choose like I can oral meds. You have to wait for it to wear off, which takes longer than with oral meds. And they dangle the threat of a Community Treatment Order over me whereby I would have to comply with the depot in the community or be hauled straight back into hospital for people to hold you down to give it. That is my biggest fear. I'd really rather disappear and be homeless than endure that hell!

However, I know not everyone feels as I do about them. They can be good for people who regularly forget to take meds, or for those who agree they need meds but sometimes struggle to take them for whatever reason. But it should be the patient's choice: I don't agree with it being forced.

Anyway, that's my 2p worth. Welcome to PC!

*Willow*