Is it an issue to cancel a MH appt?

[Noideawhyitsanissue]

If you feel better?

Got referred ages ago as was feeling anxious and a bit depressed after a loss. Finally got an appt and don’t need it anymore but tried to cancel and was told I couldn’t that it needed to be agreed by the referrer and MH team ?

Well i can see where they are coming from.

You might be certain you don't need the appointment but there will be people whose judgement about their mental health state is not accurate because of the very nature of their mental health issues.

And some people just don't want to engage with Mental Health practitioners because they think they can manage their own mental health.

So to safeguard you, and themselves, and to ensure there are no unwanted repercussions of cancelling I can see why the fact you say you no longer need the referral has to be verified.

But surely it’s optional or will they just put me down as a dna which looks worse ?

It’s one of those things where although they can’t physically force you to attend, they also have to make sure they are covering their own back thoroughly.

If they just immediately agreed all cancellations then you can see the headlines where someone sought help, got their appointment, rang to cancel it no questions asked and then is found dead days later. They have a duty of care essentially, if they just agree to cancel and something terrible happens they could have a case to defend.

Do I just expect a phone call or something then ? They didn’t tell me what the next steps were just put the phone down ! I really don’t need the appt as feel fine now that things have settled .

It might be worth going as they may give you information about access if you have a future change.

I really don’t want to , I feel absolutely fine now that my hormones have settled. No anxiety, obviously the loss still makes me sad but I don’t feel the need to have this MH appt . I’ve had a midwife de brief and feel that was the turning point plus general self care and trying relaxation. I don’t want to take an appt sometime else might desperately need. I want to move forwards not dwell on the past.

Send them an email explaining why you're cancelling. If you don't attend on the day, it won't be considered a DNA and they'll either discharge you or send you an opt-in letter.

Thanks I’ll do this

Who referred you to MH services? If it was your GP can you speak with them and ask the GP to tell the MH team you don't need the appointment any more? At least the GP can vouch for you rather than the MH team not taking your word for it on an email.