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Mental health

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Original poster

Crisis team were supposed to call, but they haven't

29 replies

BisleyBoy · 25/02/2015 20:25

I went to see my gp this morning about suicidal thoughts and plans I've been having. Also, I seem to have symptoms of PTSD. She seemed pretty worried about the amount of thought that had gone into my planning and even talked about me being admitted into hospital. However, I said I didn't want that so she suggested the crisis team instead. I've got a couple of weeks until my next psych appointment, but gp said she was worried I wouldn't be here in 2 weeks. She said the crisis team would contact me today. But they haven't. Is this normal that it takes so long, when my GP seemed so concerned?

OP posts:

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 25/02/2015 20:45

The fact that they haven't called makes me feel like I'm not important and makes me feel worse about myself, which is something I really don't need right now

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oddconference · 25/02/2015 21:35

I had almost the same experience, my GP seemed quite worried and the crisis team took 4 days to call (I'm in the North West). Oddly when someone did call they too seemed worried so I'm not sure what the delay was in the middle, I think it must be normal.

It's not because you are not important though, that I know for sure.

MagpieCursedTea · 25/02/2015 21:44

Do you have a contact number for them? There may have been a miscommunication and it could be worth calling them to speak to someone. Alternatively, phone your out of hours GP to see if they can chase them up?
I think crisis services can often be very busy which may also explain the delay.
I hope you manage to speak to them and get some support soon.

SilverStars · 25/02/2015 22:10

Crisis Team generally phone within 24 hours. They may be out on visits so not able to ring straight away - but they work 24 hours.
Crisis team can admit to hospital themselves, as well as support people at home.

Patients cannot always call crisis team direct but can if referred. Can you phone your nearest hospital and ask for number of crisis team if you do not have it, or your partner can, and chase it up - in case they got your number/details wrong?

If you need support and cannot access them directly if you phone 111, tell them your gp referred you to crisis services but you not heard from them and need to any out of hours Gp can contact crisis tea, for you and speed things up.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 25/02/2015 22:13

No I don't have a contact number for them. This might sound silly, but I'm a bit afraid to chase it up in case they say something like 'we didn't call you because we didn't think you were important, so we certainly don't want you to call us

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SilverStars · 25/02/2015 22:18

Can you look up their number, or phone the hospital or 111 to get it. It will likely be an admin person that answers so you can check they got your referral. They open 24/7 so you can call or see them anytime.

Being proactive is good. And if they not got referral through from gp, due to admin error inside you can either:

call 111 to get immediate referral
wait until 8am tomorrow and get gp to do it and confirm it is done
contact your psych team tomorrow and get them to do it.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 12:49

Thing is, when you are referred to the crisis team, are they meant to ring you the same day?

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Downtownmonkeyi · 26/02/2015 13:39

Have you tried to contact them?

shggg245 · 26/02/2015 13:47

I would call the GP and ask for an assessment with a mental health professional. The GP can make this happen. You know that you're not in a good place right now so go easy on yourself and get some help - a short stay in hospital on a voluntary basis may be really helpful right now.

Don't be frightened and you do matter. Seriously make the call.

SilverStars · 26/02/2015 14:34

There are the odd admin errors so they may not have right details or number for you, or it may have not been passed on my gp practice? You can contact your gp practice and ask them today and get them to chase!

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 14:47

Thanks for all your messages. I do appreciate them
Turns out my GP just asked the recovery team to give me a call. They've asked to see me at 3:30pm today.

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SilverStars · 26/02/2015 17:50

Hope helpful.
Often delays are from gp to point of referral.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 18:48

Unfortunately it wasn't helpful at all. I actually burst out crying because of what the woman said to me. And now I feel worse than I did before

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MagpieCursedTea · 26/02/2015 18:53

What did she say to you? Do you have a follow up?
I've asked to change practitioners before because I've found them more upsetting than helpful. Is there someone else in the team you can see?

Downtownmonkeyi · 26/02/2015 19:30

That's a pity. I have had similar experiences recently, too. Unhelpful professionals.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 19:36

No I have no follow-up. I've spoken to 2-3 people there before and I've come away feeling worse. I thought maybe this time would be different.
When we were discussing my suicidal thoughts she said 'why would you want to do that' in a very dismissive/judgemental way. Also, when talking about my childhood sexual abuse, she asked why I hadn't gone to the police about it. She then said that because I hadn't gone to the police then I was allowing him to go on to abuse others. I really felt blamed, even though the blame should be on the man that abused me.

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Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 19:38

I'm really sorry that other people have experienced unhelpful people when they're feeling so awful. It can really feel like they're kicking you when you're down can't it?

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MagpieCursedTea · 26/02/2015 19:57

That's really dreadful, I'm sorry you had someone so unhelpful. Maybe go back to your GP? Keep pushing until you get the help you need. I know how exhausting it can be though, do you have anyone to make phone calls for you and go along to appointments with you?

JoanHickson · 26/02/2015 20:04

When you are better, please complain about the way you were spoken to when vulnerable.

You're right, it is not your fault you were abused.

Please have these and make for yourself knowing someone cares. If you can get a blanket wrap it around yourself. That blanket is a virtual hug from me.

Take care.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 26/02/2015 21:28

Thank you for your messages. It really means a lot.
I have an appointment with my GP early next week so I will mention what was said. I can't believe that someone would say that. What kind of 'help' was that?

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SilverStars · 26/02/2015 22:51

Personally I have never found the crisis/recovery team useful. They assess you, check risk status in reality and are a gateway for hospital beds. They ensure you see a different person each Time if they do take you on for a week or so - to prevent building a relationship. Nor are they interested in your past as they do not do therapy, just assess safety and so on here.

Once I realised that and accepted they were not of help to me ( my view) I stopped having expectations and refused to see them if offered.

When you see your psych can you ask for some prn medication of you/they think it will help in difficult patches if you do not have any?

Phoning the Samaritans is what my psych told me to do - at least all the do is listen!!

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 27/02/2015 09:46

Sorry, what is prn medication?

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Carbonel · 27/02/2015 10:40

What a shame the CT were so unhelpful and that others have found the same. Mine have been really good and actively try to send someone I have seen before. It's true tho that they are a short term measure to keep you safe and there is very little they can actually do to stop you doing anything. You could ask to see someone else or see the physciatrist attached to the CT. I found my CPN, although lovely, was just going to fast and I needed the space and safety of the CT who check on me daily.
Hope you get to see someone who can help soon.

MagpieCursedTea · 27/02/2015 10:53

PRN medication is something you take as and when required. Something something like paracetamol is a PRN because it's not something that you would take regularly but only when you needed it.
In this case, I imagine the poster was referring to something that would help with anxiety like a benzo.

The last time I had the crisis team involved they gave me diazepam to take the edge off. Unlike the PP I had the same people come and see me mostly. There was one person who was quite unkind but my DH complained about them and she didn't come again.

Original poster

BisleyBoy · 27/02/2015 10:55

The psychiatrist attached to the CT is actually my psychiatrist who I'll be seeing soon. He's generally very nice, but has trouble talking about suicide/suicidal thoughts to me so not sure how that appointment will go

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