Trying to self refer for mental health support -- help!

[ConfusedCatsAreNotAThing]

So I have name changed for this because I already promised someone else that I have already done this but I am trying to fill in a self referral form for counselling.

Basically I have been having panic attacks several times a week and they are making me suicidal. I keep trying to get this form filled out but then I get panicked because I keep thinking they will think I am being silly and wasting their time.

I'm guessing any form of counselling will take place over the phone or via zoom now?

Also there is a bit on the form that asks me what I think have caused these feelings but I don't know what to say because I don't know! There is also a bit about whether I feel suicidal but am scared to fill it in because I don't know how honest I should be.

Sorry for rambling but my head is a mes right now.

*Mess.

Just be honest.
Nothing is silly, and if you don’t know just write that.

Ok was thinking about just writing that but like i said it sounds so silly because I don't know what is going on.

They just want information to work out the best way to help you.

So if you said the feelings were caused by domestic violence they might use a particular specialist to support you.

If you're not aware of a specific cause that's fine. They can then explore that with you potentially.

Likewise the question on feeling suicidal is about risk (how urgently might you need support) and severity of distress. So again that is information to help them work out how to help.

They won't be using it to make personal judgements or call in the coastguard or whatever because you have some suicidal feelings/thoughts. Things would have to be very extreme before mental health services would even blink about mentioning suicidal feelings.

Ok thank you that is reassuring.

They will not think you are silly or wasting their time. The information will aid them in pre-assessment of your needs and who is bet to contact you.

Take care💐

If you put don't know on every field, even that is information for them. This is just a starting point and what you say won't matter as they will talk to you and get a true reading of your thoughts then. Just get the form in. You can do it.

I'm a mental health nurse - I guarantee they will not think you are being silly. I think you are being brave.

In case you don't know - on referral forms always describe your situation on your worst day (rather than your best day).

@Stompythedinosaur

I'm a mental health nurse - I guarantee they will not think you are being silly. I think you are being brave.

In case you don't know - on referral forms always describe your situation on your worst day (rather than your best day).

Yes I was a bit torn between downplaying it and describing my worst day. Because on my worst day I just want to throw myself off a bridge but I keep panicking about admitting that in case they lock me away...even though I have been reasurred plenty of times over the past week on here that it won't happen. There is still a little voice asking "but what if...?"

Believe you me saying you want to kill yourself is not enough to get yourself an in patient bed. Some suicide attempts are taken more seriously than others depending on what has been done or what is planned. It is very hard to shock MH professionals they have will have heard and seen things that are beyond the scope of most people’s understanding. Just be 100% honest.

Yes I am starting to think that not being honest enough is one of the reasons I never get better completely and I relapse.

Please be honest. Suicidal thoughts are more common than you might think, and isn't going to lead to an admission on its own.