Confused .... Primary mental health team? Psychological therapies department?

[PaperView]

I have been seeing my GP for a fair few months now. Prob since December. I have had one or 2 threads on here but not really gone into detail.

(Long boring backstory coming up)

Controlling DH and i separated in October, he moved out in December (The day after my 30th) i nearly lost the rented house because of council tax/housing benefit issues, then was xmas which i find stressful anyway, i planned suicide for NYE but didn't go thru with it, then i nearly lost the house again because of rent arrears that DH had accrued that i had no idea about, my self harming is back, i have lost 2 stone and my ED is back, my BIL committed suicide in January and things with ExDH are really bad to the point that he is accusing me of purposely hurting my children (which i havent). I have an aunt with terminal cancer and one of my 3 DSs has SEN (similar to Autism but with bowel issues as well)

Sorry for rambling but it is relevant.

GP has referred me to PMHT and cannot put my dosage up (fluoxetine) as i don't weigh enough and he doesn't want me to OD. He did discuss admitting me for assessment but that isnt going to happen.

What is the PMHT? I think i may have asked this before but i can't find the thread.

I received a letter from the psychological therapies department saying i was on a waiting list - i don't even know what that dept is!

I am sorry to read you are having a really shitty time at the moment. Your gp has referred you to a mental health team who are equipped to help you work through your issues and have the power to tailor any medication to you taking into account your ed.

Do you have any support from family or friends? If not I think you should look into getting help with your ds to take some of the pressure off you.

I am not an expert but I have just received a referral letter from my cmht for reasons I won't go into on your thread but wanted to let you know you're not alone in this.

oh paperview - my heart really does go out to you - such a stressful time, I do hope you have some support around you.

May I ask why you are reluctant to be admitted for assesment - I know this may seem terrifying but it really is the best way forward and a more specialist doctor will be able to find what is best for you.

PMHT is a speacialist team who deal with short term psychological issues such as depression, stress and anxiety - they will assess you, over a period of time, test and find the best medication/support for you - this is usually the next step if a GP has tried all they can.

I found it really helpful and am now on the road to recovery.

Please keep us updated x

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. i've had a couple of health issues crop up.

I'm learning to be more open with people around me as well as myself, in fact i have learned who i can lean on its just letting myself do it!

I don't want to be admitted because i am a single parent and while i have weekends away from my DSs i don;t want to give ExDH any ammunition, he already throws enough at me as it is. Also, a friend in MH has said that it could be up to 28 days, i also have a house cat that needs fed and company etc.

Thank you for the explanation of what the CMHT/PMHT is for x

The fact that you are trying to get help shows you are being a better parent than alot of people with mental health issues.

I was never admitted more than 3 overnight stays and never consecutively at a time as I also have young children and this was worked around when my ex had the children. the specialist team will take into account your current responsiblities and not just 'lock' you up!

I know it may be difficult but taking that step really will help and what can exdh say - your a bad parent for trying to make yourself better!

It is important that you get well for the dcs sakes. Be open about the fact that you need help and don't try to keep up appearances. This will drain you even more. Learn to let go of some of your responsibilities with the dcs if it is necessary. Their wellbeing is essential and they can't be well if you are not coping.

Paperchase, just wanted to post to wish you well really. You sound like a good mum and a nice person, who is coping with difficult circumstances. No wonder it is rubbing off on how you are feeling. You're doing the right thing in engaging with the PMHT so don't give up, take one day at a time and gradually things will get better.

Hope your doing ok paperview?

It's the fear of 'being locked up' that keeps me from being 100% honest with everyone I think. I don't want people to think I'm a loony or a freak but I know now that it's not me, that I'm ill. It's been a particularly hard stressful week and it's just hit me how far away from "normal" I am and how long it has been since I was normal. I've had to seek someone else's approval in literally everything I have done for the last 12 years to the point of being told what I can do and when an its hard being strong enough to do that on my own. Even choosing what meals to make!

Sorry, I'm waffling now. Just a mixed up day today. Feels like someone's taken my brain out, shook it up and put it back

Manup2012 - I'm a single parent. I can't pass my responsibilities with the DCs on there is no one to pass it to! Keeping them 'well' and letting them adapt to the split and grieve for their uncle in their own way is one of my priorities. DS2 has Dyspraxia and autistic traits as well as a bowel condition that affects us all daily and that ExDH won't acknowledge so I HAVE to keep going.

I wouldn't still be here if I wasn't keeping them as my priority.

I understand how you are feeling but its the being honest that is keeping you from being labelled a 'loony'

Let me put it this way - how many people do you know who are 'loony' are totally honest it how they are feeling?

I will try not to sound harsh with this but - be honest, accept the help offered and be the best parent you can be because not accepting the help will - in the long term have devestating effects on your children and yourself. The help is being offered and if you refuse it it will give out a message you are in denial of the seriousness of the situation.