I recently saw something online where a family in America were getting divorced and everyone in the comments were saying to put their child in therapy before they’re even told of the divorce. So even though there was no current issues, being put into therapy as a preventative measure is a luxury that many don’t have access to due to finances.
Im in England and unfortunately 8 years ago I tried to end my own life. I got put into a mental ward for two days until I had a review and they said ‘do you feel better’ and I said ‘yes’ because I wanted to get out of there and they said nothing else and let me go. They followed me up with outpatient therapy. When I got to the therapy appointment they said I shouldn’t be entitled to it and let me go with no additional support.
Even as a child, I was as a SEVERELY unwell child who almost died numerous times due to my chronic illness. Throughout my childhood I had hundreds of surgeries and spent most of my time living at great ormond steeet. Despite being one of the best hospitals in the world, I got no mental health support due to what I was going through despite it being clear I was depressed because of it. I even had medications that caused me to hallucinate at 10 years old, very scary hallucinations and I still got no mental health support.
I’m not saying this as a ‘poor me’, I’m just giving an example how the system has failed me and so many others. Most of the people I know have had extreme lows yet have not got the support either. I had the 10 Councelling on the nhs and then she another 4 ‘extended ’ sessions due to ptsd from an abusive relationship and even though I was still struggling she said it was the max I could receive on the nhs and I would have to pay privately.
It’s just baffling that it revolves around cost and if you cannot afford it you have to continue struggling whilst the rich get to have therapy other any little minor inconvenience.