By msizziec - 14/12/2015 23:09 - United Kingdom - Tiverton

Today, I got a concussion at work. Our resident schizophrenic decided to test how gravity worked by dropping a torch over the bannister directly onto my head. I'm still seeing stars. FML
I agree, your life sucks 20 702
You deserved it 1 380

msizziec tells us more.

Hello, OP here! I work in a mental health and learning disability care home, so when I say resident I mean in the sense they live there. He's normally absolutely lovely, very quiet and calm, however something clearly snapped that day. I'll never know whether it was on purpose or not unfortunately! It was only a small torch (flashlight) but it was dropped about 10 ft directly onto my temple which was incredible aim if nothing else. It's not a locked unit so he's allowed stuff like that, however I did "misplace" it after the incident. A trip to the hospital emergency department after my shift proved there's no long lasting damage other than a mild concussion. After that though I've kept my distance from him... just in case!

Top comments

Before you ask, a "torch" is a flashlight in the UK. You're welcome.

Comments

rinnybell210 16

"Our resident schizophrenic?" Where the heck do you work?

OP's reply: "In a mental health and learning disability care home" which includes long-term patients.

Do they have workmans compensation in the UK? If so, take some time off to recuperate and file a claim.

22munk26 13

You're seeing stars and yet you're able to write this FML

I really commend you for your line of work. Mental health is a tough field to be in.

OP's reply: "In a mental health and learning disability care home" @ UK.

If you are seeing stars, you need to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) - it can be a warning sign for a detached retina.

Hello, OP here! I work in a mental health and learning disability care home, so when I say resident I mean in the sense they live there. He's normally absolutely lovely, very quiet and calm, however something clearly snapped that day. I'll never know whether it was on purpose or not unfortunately! It was only a small torch (flashlight) but it was dropped about 10 ft directly onto my temple which was incredible aim if nothing else. It's not a locked unit so he's allowed stuff like that, however I did "misplace" it after the incident. A trip to the hospital emergency department after my shift proved there's no long lasting damage other than a mild concussion. After that though I've kept my distance from him... just in case!

Thank goodness! A blow to the temple can be very dangerous.

Hope you get better OP, is it strange that someone is always in the exact spot to have something happen to them? Like how the flashlight landed right on your temple?

How did he drop it 10 ft also? from a shelf or what

I'm imagining a balcony, like a floor up in a large foyer, or just first floor second type of deal.

Hey there, I supervise a group home in the US for DD adults. I would strongly encourage you to speak with your supervisor regarding your level of apprehension dealing with this individual. Most likely they feel really bad for hurting you, even if at the time they did it purposefully. It's important for both yourself and the resident to get closure on this event. I would also encourage you to talk to your fellow staff and let them know you may need a "tag out" if you become overwhelmed with a behavior they are having. Feelings of emotional burnout and fear can eat away at your ability to do your job and be effective. It can also lead to unintended neglect or abuse. Keep your head up, it can be a very challenging job, but the end of your shift will come, another staff will relieve you, and tomorrow is a new day.

@#73 It took me a minute to figure out what you meant by DD. That's a tough crowd. I've worked in addiction treatment for the past year & 1/2 and dual diagnosed clients can be some of the toughest ones. And you are right, OP needs to follow up with the client. If the client wasn't already feeling some way about him before dropping the light, he might be now. Plus, we don't know the category of schizophrenia the client is diagnosed with or if he might be having active delusions. For all OP knows, the client could think that he is out to get him, and was trying to keep OP away from him in what ever way possible.

I thought DD meant Developmentally Delayed?

Ive had concussions they arent fun. Im so sorry that happened to you

Glad you're okay! Totally off topic comment, but I love your profile pic. I have two boxers so any picture I see of one I love! One of them is actually cuddling with me as I write this, lol :)

It does. Most people with developmental disabilities are co-morbidly diagnosed. All 4 of my individuals have some sort of delay and a psych diagnosis. It is incredibly common.

I worked at a group home for emotionally disturbed children for two years before switching focus. Believe me, I get it. Some days you wonder how you made it. But remembering that you get to go home, and they live that life full time can be eye opening. It's some of the toughest work there is.

#66: Technically, if "someone is ALWAYS [this user's emphasis] in the exact spot to have something happen to them" per getting hit by a falling object, then it would happen to EVERYbody - including yourself - multiple times. Instead, this type of unfortunate event is only ever made known - by and large - when it occurs & usually never in the opposite case (non-contact event) except per very large objects witnessed by the general public et. al. However, since it - in fact - rarely happens (though more often likely at building construction sites due to the very nature of the work) to anyone, it's called a coincidence, which - by definition - includes the property of being highly improbable of occurring in the first place - unless it's a Road Runner cartoon or 3 Stooges Movie, of course! lol

moo77_fml 20

Oh man!!! Hazards in the workplace... Hope you're ok

Did it have ACME written on it anywhere? (You'll need to be old to get this joke)

Was a "Beep! Beep!" heard just before impact? ;-)

Or maybe he was trying to kill you. Keep one eye on that one.