Please please be gentle.

[nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut]

Ok I honestly don't know if I'm being unreasonable here but if I am then can you tell me so gently?

I'm in a really difficult place at the moment with depression, anxiety and suspected PTSD. I've been having therapy since just before Christmas with a therapist who works from a home office sort of thing, I suppose I'd describe it as an annex. He lives in Enfield which is about 45 minutes drive.

I am struggling with the lockdown but complying and am having almost constant thoughts of suicide. I have them usually anyway but I'm really starting to scare myself.

My therapist has been continuing seeing me and has been a huge support and stabilising influence. He is happy to carry on as neither of us are symptomatic and I am able to stay 2 metres away and not touch anything while there. I am also living with a vulnerable person which makes it more risky but I go to the supermarket once a week for food and have been to the pharmacy for our medications which imo is more risky than going to therapy.

I just dont know whether it is still permissible to go? On the one hand it IS a medical appointment of sorts and if I don't then I WILL end up at A&E where I'm at far more risk of coming into contact with the virus but on the other hand I don't know if the police will agree should I get stopped at a roadblock. What would you do? Phone/online support is not an option due to the nature of the trauma, it would do far more harm than good.

I think that you can still go. It sounds like you two are distancing well and you're right about it being a medical appointment.

Yes, you must go. It is about your mental health and that is very important.

I think it's okay as this counts as a medical appointment, especially given you are really struggling with suicidal thoughts. Take all the precautions as advised and I hope it goes well for you.
If you are stopped by police just tell them it's a medical appointment.

It's a medical appointment with a qualified professional. But, can't you do it by phone/Skype? That would make more sense

Just go follow all of the hygiene rules and concentrate in getting better. Don’t think there are any roadblocks yet, we don’t live in a police state.

Its definitely okay.

The Government has stated that a "medical need" is one of the exemptions. You're not doing anything wrong.

But, can't you do it by phone/Skype? That would make more sense

OP has already explained that due to the nature of her trauma this isn't possible.

@tootired sorry I missed that. I used to have sessions by phone myself as I was rural. Apologies

I think given phone isn’t an option then you still going is a must.

Yes perfectly fine - it's a medical need.

You should absolutely still go. Looking after your mental health is essential, especially as you are struggling so much at the moment. Sorry you are having a difficult time.

Please keep going OP. Your health should not be compromised by the social distancing.

Don't feel guilty. There are a lot of people having medical care for non CV conditions and this is how you should view it.

Just take precautions and follow hygiene rules.

Medical need OP so you’re all good as long as you continue with distancing/hygiene

It’s a medical appointment, I’m still going to mine (when my SI is over), Covid-19 is unlikely to kill me, if not well managed my mental health will.

Absolutely keep going as long as it's working the way it is for you both. Therapy isn't going to your mates house for a cuppa sitting beside each other, it's as you said a medical appointment.

I think this is the sort of thing that should be deferred if possible - and in your case your need is such that it isn't possible to defer. Hope that makes sense and stay well x

could you get your therapist to write you a letter sdaying that your appointments to see him or her are medical appointments that way if police do stop you the letter is an exemption form

If it helps you feel more relaxed, ask your therapist to write a letter with his credentials explaining that it is a necessary appointment and keep it with you.

That way, if you get stopped by the police you can just give them the letter rather than having to explain things to them which might make you feel more anxious.

They can always contact the therapist and they will be understanding.

@isseywith4vampirecats
X post!

Go. I went for physio. It counts as medical. Go for the sake of your mental health

I think it’s about managing risk and the greater and more immediate risk is if you don’t go.

Absolutely fine.

Please be kind to yourself.

Go to see your therapist. It's essential to your health. No-one wants you to end up in A&E or worse, your life is precious. Just sanitise your hands before you go in and when you leave.

Yes, it's vital to your well-being, please keep going. Getting a letter is a good idea.