It's shocking. Absolutely shocking. The wait time for treatment is well over three years in my area and I'm sure it's the same across the country. The treatment we are able to offer is totally inadequate as we are stretched to our limits to see as many people as possible. Told not to do home or community visits as it takes up too much time with travel. Pressure to get children seen and discharged in as little time as possible. Pressure from the government to get the waiting times down. Every day I am dealing with parents begging me to do something to get their child seen and there's nothing I can do about it. Children putting themselves at risk on a daily basis and it's still going to be a three year wait? I've got parents telling me it'll be my fault if something happens to their child. I'm emotionally burned out. Children are being let down at every point in mental health, education, social services and they are still making more cuts! Three year waits but still not budget for more staff??
Of course there are great parts of the job as well. I get to meet some of the most incredible children but I don't even feel I'm able to do that part of my work properly now as I'm so stretched with how often I can see them.
What on earth happens now? Surely children's mental health services can't be left to continue like this?
Sorry I'm rambling now but it's been a long week.