How long do I wait?

[timeistight]

I am trying to access counselling for what may be PTSD. I haven't seen my GP about this because I try to avoid doctors wherever possible after they treated a physical illness as if it was anxiety/depression for forty years and basically ruined my life.

I had a telephone assessment with IAPTS on 1 December. That was horrible and sent me spiralling into the worst dissociation I had had for years. They referred me on to another organisation,which assessed me face to face on 23 January. I was told they would have a meeting and decide whether they can take me on, but I've heard nothing and it will be four weeks on Tuesday.

In the meantime I am trying to cope not on,y with the after effects of the IAPTS assessment, but also with the continual flashbacks to childhood abuse that led me to seek help in the first place.

Do things always take this long?

The quickest way forward is to see your GP. They can assess your need and include it in a referral.

I’m not sure how self referrals work for you in your area but here, if you have a child under the age of 1 you are prioritised and usually allocated a counsellor in 4 weeks.

Please press this with your GP though because if PTSD really takes hold, it can be devastating. X