Any experience with CPNs?

[LinaDee]

Hi
I just wondered if someone could tell me what to expect from CPNs?

I've been to the doctor today about my 'moods'. Myself and my family have had an awful year so far. My DH was in hospital for nearly 3 months after a heart op that went very wrong. We discovered we were pg very soon after he got out of hospital,had a very stressful house move not long after and then I suffered an MMC in June.

I've just not been myself since. Felt a lot of anger, frustration, sadness and emptiness. We have a DD who is 2 and I sometimes feel like I can't cope with her tantrums. Im always critisizing DH and I just don't want to go on like this.

My doc has referred me to the CPN and said I should hear from them soon. I don't want to take medication for this if I can avoid it but what can I expect from this referral?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

I have a CPN that I see every few weeks, she is very supportive and my experience of having a CPN has been very positive. They won't make you take medication but my CPN does support me with my medication.

The first time I met my CPN we covered how I was feeling there and then, what my goals were, and how she felt she could help me. Oh and we covered some of the basics of my life, where I lived, who I lived with etc.

I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks fluffy

So it's really an opportunity to speak to someone regularly?

If it is your first meeting they will be assessing the type of support you need, so it might be something other than a CPN but yes if you have one it is for regular support.

I'm not sure when my first meeting will be. The doc said they would write.
Didn't mention a timescale though...

Hi it depends if in your area they have a pathfinder type service where they assess you and see you for a set amount of time and then either discharge back to gp or refer to the adult mental health team or appropriate services or of they have just an adult mental health team and other similar services ( such as complex needs team, eating disorders team).

It may be an assessment of your needs and which services are best suited to you. So the more honest you are the more help may be offered ( rather than an " it is ok" approach). A cpn is a nurse or other similar professional whose role is usually as a care co-ordinator. They are not therapists or counsellors so they may suggest referring you for talking treatments. They may have counselling training as part of their job, but not all do and they are not psychologists. They do see people regularly and offer relevant support - frequency of visits vary, from once a week to once a month. They can see you in your home or at the clinic they are based in. They work in a team alongside psychiatrists who diagnose and monitor medication. You may or may not see a psychiatrist. Often people under a CMHT have a specific diagnosis. This varies from area to area.

Most people who are under an adult mental health team are on medication.

If you are allocated a cpn they will meet with you regularly until you are well enough for discharge, yes.

I hope it helps, the meeting. A referral in NHS for any help should be within the 18 week NHS guidelines from when your gp writes referral - this is the same for physical health issues. Often it is sooner but that is the maximum wait for initial appointment.

Sorry - should have said that sounds like a lot of stressful events this year and I am sorry to hear it. Can you ask your HV to support you with your 2yr olds tantrums etc. whilst they may be usual toddler tantrums That is what HV's are for and they may have some useful suggestions.