I am far too chaotic at the moment to have the responsibility of my own Elf on the Shelf but if you follow any elf’s journey, it has to be this one.
As you know I’ve been on a Psychiatric ward – and this elf (whilst he’s not based on any one person’s story) gives a funny, honest and stark look inside life on a unit.

I’ve been put on a section 3! I can’t stop crying. Being moved to a psychiatric ward now. I want my mummy

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Nov 30, 2016 at 1:07pm PST

I want to go home! I’m not poorly! Why won’t they let me out!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Nov 30, 2016 at 1:29pm PST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Been given a blue tablet, i don’t know what it is but it’s made me feel a little better

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Nov 30, 2016 at 2:56pm PST

It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted! Just hope I can sleep. I’m tired but having staff sat with me on 1-1 is unsettling and a little creepy ?

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Nov 30, 2016 at 3:43pm PST

Having a shower isn’t easy when you are on 1-1! Least I had the shower curtain to hide my rude bits

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 1, 2016 at 1:04am PST

Got to know more of the staff today and had my bloods taken. I was very brave and didn’t cry.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 1, 2016 at 9:26am PST

Stated talking to some of the other patients. Some are really scary and strange, but I’ve found one who seems pretty normal.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 1, 2016 at 10:46am PST

Not sure why, but everyone on the ward has blankets. Don’t want to be uncool so got mummy to bring me one up. Feeling pretty snug

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 1, 2016 at 12:25pm PST

Getting my washing done today. Everyone seems to get very angry about others stealing their wash slot. Hoping I don’t get shouted at, it’s just that I’ve ran out of socks so I need my washing

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 2, 2016 at 7:25am PST

Yesterday I posted about talking to another patient. Well today they brought me Pepsi Max ? Think we are going to be best friends

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 2, 2016 at 1:45pm PST

I’m on 1-1 hands on show and the nurse is SO annoying! Hiding under my duvet in an attempt to drown out her stupid positivity.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 2, 2016 at 2:42pm PST

 

 

I was struggling so staff told me to distract. That’s what they always say ? Well thought I’d start with a self portrait

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 3, 2016 at 3:35am PST

They stabbed me! The nurses stabbed me! Apparently they hate doing this more than I hate it, but I disagree! Their bums haven’t been stabbed! Not sure my bum will ever be the same again! I’m feeling really sleepy now. Maybe I will take a nap and try and forget about my poorly bottom.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 4, 2016 at 7:02am PST

Seriously don’t know why they won’t let me go home. Everyone’s completing overreacting! I think I’m perfectly fine. There’s people way worse than me! I mean it’s my body, surely I can do what i like. I better get to go home soon! I can’t be stuck in here for Christmas. I mean what if Santa can’t cope without me

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 4, 2016 at 12:27pm PST

Determined to have a better day. I want to be home for Christmas so I know I need to comply. Staff are constantly telling me the importance of a good diet to aid mental recovery so I’m trying really hard.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 5, 2016 at 5:23am PST

The nurses braided my hair to help me feel better, it’s working! I feel a lot calmer.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 5, 2016 at 9:14am PST

Staff were worried I wasn’t eating enough. So I tried eating more. Now they’re complaining that I use too much ketchup and salt. I can’t win! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my condiment usage. After all tomatoes are healthy. So that makes ketchup healthy right???

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 6, 2016 at 5:23am PST

They were right about nutrition. Now I’m eating better I have SO much energy! Helped decorate the ward. They started nagging me about elf and safety, but I always decorate the tree like this at home. So I know what I’m doing.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 6, 2016 at 7:45am PST

I feel great! I’ve been cartwheeling around the living room! I couldn’t feel any better! I should be home for Christmas! I’m happy! I’m fixed! The staff keep saying I’m elated. That I’m manic. They keep offering me pills. Why don’t they want me to be happy? I like being happy. Santas happy. I’m like Santa. It’s good to be happy. Everyone likes happiness!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 6, 2016 at 1:40pm PST

Thought I’d hide from my nurse. It’s funny. She doesn’t think so! She says this is a hospital not a playground and that I’m being childish! Well I didn’t choose to be here! I’d go to a playground if they let me. I’m sectioned. So what’s she gonna do about it! Nothingggggg! She can’t nerrr nerrrr nerrrr ? Catch me if you can!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 6, 2016 at 2:13pm PST

They’ve turned off the TV because it’s midnight! Apparently it’s the rules. It’s like prison here! I know it’s because they want me asleep so they can have a easy shift. Well mot happening! Not a chance! I will protest until they put the TV back on! Midnight isn’t bedtime! Santa is always awake at midnight! And rudolf! And Dasher! And Dancer! And Prancer! And Vixen! And Comet! And Cupid! And Donna! And Blitzen! So no I’m not sleeping! I will stand for what I believe in! They will no longer be allowed to withhold my basic human rights! No longer will I be another victim of institutional abuse! Join my campaign. Fight for what is right and fair I WON’T BE MOVED I WANT THE TV!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 6, 2016 at 4:08pm PST

Not feeling great today, the staff are saying its because I didn’t sleep AnywaysI’m watching Jezza! Always a good way to make yourself feel better about life

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 1:55am PST

I’ve been in hospital a week now. I feel I’ve doubled in size. They give us medications to make us hungry, they don’t let us out to go to the gym. They are making me fat! All I do is eat! My legs are getting especially chunky. I’ve nearly lost my thigh gap. Do I look fatter? Oh gosh I do.

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 1:50pm PST

I still have nurses watching me all the time but found a way to bath without them seeing me nudey rudey. Bubbles!!! However, I still really need a poo though! It’s been ages but it just won’t come out with them in the room. What if it smells. What if it plops. Why can’t they let me poo in peace

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

I still have nurses watching me all the time but found a way to bath without them seeing me nudey rudey. Bubbles!!! However, I still really need a poo though! It’s been ages but it just won’t come out with them in the room. What if it smells. What if it plops. Why can’t they let me poo in peace

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

I still have nurses watching me all the time but found a way to bath without them seeing me nudey rudey. Bubbles!!! However, I still really need a poo though! It’s been ages but it just won’t come out with them in the room. What if it smells. What if it plops. Why can’t they let me poo in peace

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

I still have nurses watching me all the time but found a way to bath without them seeing me nudey rudey. Bubbles!!! However, I still really need a poo though! It’s been ages but it just won’t come out with them in the room. What if it smells. What if it plops. Why can’t they let me poo in peace

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 7, 2016 at 2:54pm PST

The nurse called a meeting to discuss patients ‘triggering’ each other. I’m not entirely sure what triggering means. So I’m going to read up on it The staff always use funny words here IM : stabbing in the bum Elated : happy Peers : friends Very bizarre! Why don’t they just say what they mean

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 9, 2016 at 12:24pm PST

It’s great being off of the ward! Means I can have proper tea! On the ward it’s decaf ?

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 11, 2016 at 8:35am PST

So yesterday going off the ward gave me a taste for freedom. When I got back I managed to climb the fence and get our. The police found me a little time later. I tried pretending to be someone else but apparently the description matched me perfectly. They made me go in the back of the van. I felt like a criminal. I begged them not to take me back but they wouldn’t listen. Now all the staff are angry with me. I think mummy is too as she was woke at 3am by the police. I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I just don’t want to be here. I’ve got to see the doctor tomorrow. I bet he’s real angry. I bet he tells Santa to put me on the naughty list

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 13, 2016 at 9:54am PST

So after running off I’ve really been trying to redeem myself. Staff said they were worried so I’ve been doing my hair and makeup to try and look okay. I think they’re falling for it. They’ve all said I look a lot brighter

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 15, 2016 at 9:23am PST

Guys Santa came to the ward and said I no longer need to be on my section! I’m going home for Christmas!!!!! The staff have been lovely. Some patients are lovely and il miss them. But some patients I hate so I’m glad I don’t have to see them again. They’ve told me to keep safe and contact them if I need them. But I don’t need them. I’m freeeeeeeeew

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 25, 2016 at 6:08am PST

Went to church to tell my recovery testimony ??

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 25, 2016 at 8:23am PST

Lush bath stuff (no reindeer a were harmed in the making so I’m happy!), new boots, a DVD. It’s so exciting! I’m so glad I’m home for Christmas!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 25, 2016 at 10:09am PST

Oh how beautiful the real world is. I feel warm and fuzzy. And it’s not lorazepam! It’s the Christmas spirit

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 25, 2016 at 1:24pm PST

Well through sharing my journey I’ve made some amazing friends. Thanks for the support! The doctor hugged me in such a therapeutic way as I left the unit. He wished me well and passed on a little advice…. Mental elf is not a choice. But life choices can impact both positively and negatively on your mental elf. So make wise choices and live live to the fullest. So I’m taking that advice and making good choices. Hydrating myself, playing card games to bring the family together and engage the brain. I’m going to make my doctor proud and show him how well I’m doing. I want to change the world and help others. Just like Santa For now I’m doing well and therefore will no longer be posting. But I feel relieved to know if I did get ill again, such as in December never year, id have you guys here to support me So for how I bid you farewell. Eat well. Sleep well. Medicate well. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!

A post shared by Elf (@elfonthepsychward) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:43pm PST

Watch Elf’s 2017 journey