Social Services Outreach referral?

[BrianCoxReborn]

Hi,

I have a history of mental health illness. First a breakdown in 2011, and then pnd and anxiety 2013.

Currently on 20mg seroxat (paroxetine)

Been having (and have had in the past) mood swings that go from so low I can't get myself dressed or out of the house, to so high I'm a whirling ball of energy and excitement.

Family member is a MH nurse. She mooted the idea that I may be Bipolar Type 2. Have been going through a really bad time the last few months (never knowing what the day will hold, no concentration, exhausted, or excessive energy) so went to GP and he referred me to the mental health team for assessment.

Went today. I was there 15 minutes and in that time I couldn't get my thoughts across, I wasn't comfortable with opening up to a stranger and the outcome was that he doesn't believe I have Bipolar (no tests done, just from our 15 minute chat) and I am suffering with low mood.

He has referred me to the Social Services Mental Health Outreach team.

From what I am reading on my council's website, it's all about art therapy, life skills and similar and is actually short term and aimed at helping people transition away from MH services.

I'm gutted. I barely function as it is. I tried to convey this to him but it just wouldn't come out. I left in tears and have been in tears pretty much since. I slept 2-6 on the sofa, my 2 yo had the t.v. for.company Ffs. (I was responsive to him, getting him Drinks and food and cuddles, but I was sleeping in between).

Alphas anybody used an outreach team? What do they do? Are they any use?

I feel like I've been fobbed off. I'm so deluded and can't see a way forward.

Alphas = has

Bump

Can I ask how often your mood changes.

I don't have bipolar disorder but my mood can change from extremely high to extremely low with what I have, I've only every had one prolonged manic episode (cause unknown) and I needed help from the Crisis team there and then although I didn't see there was an issue.

Daily at the moment, although I can be 3 days low and 2 days high.

One undiagnosed manic episode back in 2011 where I met and got engaged to someone I barely knew, all seemed perfectly normal at the time

So sorry you were dismissed in 15 minutes. Who did you actually see at the CMHT - was it a psychiatrist - assume it must have been. The GP must have been concerned enough to refer you on to secondary care. I am no medic but it does sound like bipolar. Does anyone else in the family have this illness?

Are you on any meds to help you - sounds like you need ADs at the very least. I'm not sure about the MH outreach team because different trusts organise themselves differently. I see a psychiatrist (diagnosis of depression which can be severe at times) and I have a CPN (community psychiatric nurse) from the CMHT, who is incredibly supportive and I couldn't cope without her. So maybe you will get someone whose helpful about your diagnosis too. Might it have been an idea to take the relative with MH experience with you today (sorry I know it's too late now) but you could ask for another appointment and get her to go along with you.

Do hope you can get some help soon - do you have a supportive H or P, or any RL support.

My Dsis has bipolar and the extremes in her life are incredibly extreme. When you write you got engaged quickly that does not sound especially like risky behaviour just very naive.

If you have been offered support from an outreach team that is a good start as any support is quite hard to get. All treatments consist of a mixture of meds and therapy in varying degrees and different types.

Thank you for the replies.

I've made a timeline and notes I'm going to ask for a second opinion.

I'm happy for it to not be BP (the engagement was one example of extreme behaviour - out of character and I'm not a naive person at all IYSWIM) but I think a 15 min appointment in which no notes were taken and the questions asked where quite wishy washy, isn't acceptable when I'm at my wits end with trying to live with extreme mood swings.

I'm happy to go along to the outreach program but from what I can see it's similar to what I've had in the past (CBT)

I'm on the 'up' this last 2 days. I wrote the OP in tears and utter despair. I read it back to myself just now and can't recall the fuss, logically I can but emotionally I can't (normal for me to be detached which makes it hard to communicate my problems to MH/doctors if I'm on a good day )

All fun and games

Nana, I saw a MH nurse.

My relative came with me to the appointment and has said she's far from impressed (having initially tried to put a post spin on it)

Lots of family support and on AD's.

I'm planning to call the outreach team and discuss with them and see what they think is best to move forward - second opinion or can they actually help or pass me on to the right team (if it does transpire that they aren't the right people to see).

When you feel up to it write a list of symptoms, thoughts etc so that you have them with you.

The pressure to get stuff over in a short space of time will make you clam up even more.

Its an issue that is a major problem with fluctuating levels of peoples conditions. I carry a book round and jot things in it.

I am in the early stages of very long term, at least 18 months but more like 2 years of intense psychotherapy on an individual and also group basis and there is no way I will remember stuff.

One good thing about group stuff is you will meet other people with conditions and as in all life you will prefer the company of some to others but you realise you are not alone. Feeling not normal is one of the worst things for many.

Thanks Anxious. I'm now of the opinion "nothing's wrong with me" as I'm feeling fine. But I know it's not true, that in a day or 2 or next week, it will be downer time again

I have bought a little note book to carry around with me, to track my ups and downs.

Thanks for your advice