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Original poster

Mental health

12 replies

Deathmetal · 27/04/2023 00:28

If you needed to speak to someone neutral about something very stressful such as bereavement or major life event, where would you go?

Eg I tried to call some of the free support services like Samaritans and I also texted Shout, but after waiting hours I’ve been unable to speak to someone as they’re too busy.

I live alone. I have friends but don’t feel comfortable disclosing this with them. Also don’t feel like harming myself so the urgent services aren’t appropriate. Just feeling like it’s hard to get support before your mental health dips to that extent.

OP posts:
teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 00:33

At my 6 week check with dd1 I broke down and blurted everything to my GP. She was the only neutral person I felt I could speak to and be completely honest with. She was amazing and so supportive. I was referred to the crisis team and for talking therapy. It's so hard saying it all out loud but it is the first step to get the right support. I'm so sorry you're going through this and I hope you get the help you need.

Original poster
Deathmetal · 27/04/2023 00:40

I’m glad you had a good experience. I am toying with the idea of calling my GP

OP posts:
teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 01:04

It's a really big, and scary, step to take. You should be proud of yourself for recognising that you need support. Be kind to yourself, if you broke your arm you'd get a cast, mental health should be thought of as being just as necessary as that cast would be.

Original poster
Deathmetal · 27/04/2023 01:07

I know, I don’t know why I’m so hesitant. How long did it take for you to start getting support once you saw your GP? Do you ever feel like your GP treated you differently afterwards?

OP posts:
teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 04:20

It's totally understandable to be hesitant, telling someone makes it real. My GP wrote me a prescription in the appointment. I was referred to the crisis team and they saw me the same day. They assessed me and put a plan in place of which mental health team I would be under. I saw that team within a couple of days.

I met with their psychiatrist about a week later. He went through my history and adjusted the medication I needed. My community psychiatric nurse saw me very regularly and I had therapy with the team's psychologist weekly.

At my GP practice you just get any doctor, it isn't the same person every time. Most of them were excellent and really listened to me. There was one doctor that told me I should think myself happy, and said I needed to realise that the snake in the road is actually just a rope- this was particularly bad because one of my symptoms was hallucinations. I don't feel like any of the other doctors treated me any differently.

I'm happy to answer any questions you have, I know how lonely it is trying to handle it on your own.

AceofPentacles · 27/04/2023 08:20

Do you have a local IAPT service ? You can self refer to them no need to see a GP first, just google IAPT and your location.

Original poster
Deathmetal · 27/04/2023 17:58

Thank you both - really appreciate it.

I tried to speak to my GP today but she was like we can only discuss one issue for this appointment so I bottled it and ended up talking about a physical issue. I’ll try again tomorrow

OP posts:
LeafHunter · 27/04/2023 18:01

I’ve arrange to see a therapist. If money was an object then I’d message all the ones near me who said they offered reduced fees.

teaandtoastplease · 29/04/2023 00:16

@Deathmetal how are you doing? It must have been really discouraging that your GP would only address one issue, and in that position I would have done exactly the same as you did. Did you manage to get another appointment?

SamuelJohns · 10/05/2023 20:31

It can be difficult to navigate the resources available, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. Consider contacting a national mental health helpline, where trained professionals can talk to you anytime. They can provide a listening ear and support and offer guidance or referrals to additional resources in your area. Remember, it's important to take care of yourself and seek help when you need it.

Original poster
Deathmetal · 10/05/2023 20:57

Oh thanks. I forgot I posted this. I feel much better now. I have had one session of counselling through work which was ok. They’re hopefully going to structure the next session a bit more.

I also finally spoke to my GP who said their mental health practitioner will contact me. They only work on Mondays though and we’ve had 2 back to back bank holidays so nothing has come of that

I’ve had a week of annual leave and that’s made me 100% better. Definitely need a new job.

OP posts:
Bitches · 22/12/2023 22:51

Why are NHS 24 mental health do shit, I’m crying out and told them I’m going to end my life I was told someone will be in touch

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