A month till I see CMHT

[nethunsreject]

I've been off work for a few months with a hideous depressive episode. I am currently doing a phased return to work, mainly as they are so good that they have found me really easy stuff to do so that I have something vaguely therapeutic to do. Work have been amazingly helpful. I'm doing 8 hrs a week and it's a struggle but I do find it helpful.

I'm on 200mg sertraline which is causing unpleasant effects but I am functioning a little better, ie I am able to type this!! can get dressed, make and eat food etc. However, I am pretty bloody ill and struggling. GP is doing his best and is good. Got my referral today to see community mental health team and it's another MONTH. I know how stretched they are but it seems so long when I am so desperate. ALso, I will be assessed by a CPN before I see anyone else and I know our local CPN and he is not terribly good. I really need to see a psychiatrist with whom I can discuss medication etc. I feel there may be something far more suitable and my GP himself says this.

I feel so disappointed and not sure what to do next

I was referred to a psychiatrist as my first point of contact with CMHT, it was a wait of 4 months rather than 1. I got so bad waiting that I was sectioned at first contact, hopefully the CPN will be able to expedite contact with the psychiatrist to discuss meds.

Hi, although it sounds a long wait 4 weeks may be a quick way into getting psychiatric advice as the nurse can liaise with a psychiatrist when they see you. Psychiatrist waiting times can be up to the maximum waiting time so hopefully the nurse can liaise. Do ask the nurse for a referral to the psychiatrist when you see them.

Or can you ask your gp for a direct referral to a psychiatrist if they do them? And wait on both lists?

It is a long wait but once you get there you can start on your road to recovery.

I have a CPN and she organises all of my meetings with the psychiatrist for me so you may find that to be the case for you so don't worry too much about who you see for the initial assessment.

I hope these next few weeks go quickly for you.

Thanks for the replies. I'm seeing my GP next week anyway. I guess in the scheme of things it's not long but I've been waiting months to get to this stage
I've seen this cpn before and he is crap I'm afraid.

But if you ask the cpn for referral to a psychiatrist or assessment then he has to assess it and pass your case on to the team who decides if you can be seen - well that is what happens where I live.

Yes, hopefully that will be the case here too

take each day as it comes nethunsreject it sounds like you are doing your best despite having a difficult time. You're on max dose of sertraline surely...and you're still struggling...so surely CPN would be able to refer you on to psychiatrist. Do you have anyone to support you at the appointment?

Thanks
Yes my Dh is coming. We managed to sort things out after a difficult weekend together there.
200 mg is the maximum dose, yes. I've been on 100mg for years with no ill effects and stayed well, really well in fact. It all fell apart a few months ago, almost from nowhere

feeling really crap, I'm basically just trying to get through each day without killing myself. Sorry that sounds terribly melodramatic, but that is essentially how I feel.
Can't get GP appointment till next week.
I am dreading kids getting home and struggling through to bedtime again then same again and again. I feel very pessimistic, as if things are not going to improve.

Hi do your gp surgery not do emergency appointments for the day? If so taking one may be good. We phone at 8 and get a slot that day but not always with a dr we ask for.

The gp could change the sertraline to a different drug themselves as an option whilst you wait. I found after a while I needed to switch for some reason.

Thanks silver, I will do that. Not sure I'll get to see my doc but anything worth a try. Yes, it's the max dose, still feel awful, worse in some ways

op thats sounds rubbish

my gp referred me to my MHT,i had an episode at the doctors which prompted it,when i got back from the gp's within an hour the MHT had phoned me and gave me an appointment 3days later

there i saw a psychiatrist for 2hrs and discussed everything and then made me an appointment to see 2wks later,god i must have been very lucky to of had such a fast response

is it viable that you can go back to your gp soon and maybe ask to see if you can be seen earlier,maybe as mine did can see how bad you are and maybe he will make that call, ,be totally honest with your gp it will all help for him to get the real picture( i really did give mine a fright)

i really feel for you it must seem like an eternity

wish you well and hope it all gets brought forward

You could try ringing the CMHT. They may have a duty person who you can speak to and say how bad you are feeling. Up until now they will have triaged the referral from what the GP has written.
They may be able to offer a cancellation .
Also if you didn't gel with the CPN before you can ask to see someone else. This does happen as we don't all gel with everyone.

Thanks for the messages