To think this is unacceptable?

[Desperatemum010]

It took me months, and a horrific breakdown, to find the courage to seek help with post natal depression. This was over three months ago. In the appointment I was given a prescription for anti depressants to 'tide me through until the mental health services got in touch" (my doctors words) but told ideally before I start taking them to stop breastfeeding. I tried to stop breastfeeding but my son won't take bottles, so instead I haven't taken the antidepressants. Today, nearly four months later I've received a letter saying

"We have received your referral. However I must advise you that due to staff re-organisation we are unable to see you at this time. Should there be an escalation in your symptoms your contingency plan should be:
• Out of hours - contact your GP, there will be a recording on your surgery phone line giving details of how to access support
• Attend your local Accident and Emergency and ask for a psychiatric assessment"

I get the NHS is understaffed, underfunded, but seriously? I've tried to cope without support (besides DH) for months waiting for my referral. And this is what I get? Nothing?

Please look up Wendy Jones and Drugs in Breastmilk. Doctors have no idea what is and isn’t safe to take and therefore just say don’t. These resources properly look into what can be taken safely and will be able to advise you re the anti depressants

Ok. I will. I just feel so let down that this is what I've waited months for. I really needed someone to talk to and was holding out for that. It doesn't seem right to tell people they've been referred and have them sit at home twiddling their thumbs just to receive letters like this.

The most you get on the NHS is a 6 appointment courses of basic CBT that doesn't even touch the sides. I could have provided it myself, having read a few books. It was really very bare bones coping mechanisms, as opposed to someone to talk to.

If you can afford it then go private. I did, I had to sacrifice many other things, but it was so worth it.

The NHS is completely overwhelmed, there's just no resource unfortunately.