Well that was a waste of f*****g time

[CarrieErbag]

Managed to get my 17 year old dd to GP today, she has terrible anxiety, is out of school and is thought to have ptsd after some serious surgery.
She is practically agorophobic, chews her knuckles until they bleed. GP suggested an app and he'd see her in 3 months.
I could cry.

Has she tried the app? It might be just what she needs.

Yes, she already had it.
She's also done Silver Cloud? and something else.
It all seems a bit basic, I think she feels she needs more specialised help.

Hmm, that doesnt seem very responsive at all. Has she ever been referred to CAMHS previously? If the GP won't refer, you could take her to see a different GP or discuss with school- they could also make a referral. When does she turn 18? As soon as she does she could also self-refer to IAPT.

Op can you check online to see if there is any self referral NHS talking services in your area.

They all have long waiting lists but might be worth a try.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/types-of-therapy/

She's out of school Thundercats, she was being bullied amongst other things.
She stopped eating, her hair was falling out.
What is IAPT?
She's had talking therapy, but she says she doesn't need to talk, she needs someone to help her?
She had a massive panic attack in Sainsbury's a few months ago after seeing some bananas . (Triggered a memory from time in Alder Hey.) Getting her out anywhere is a nightmare.

You can't self refer for a child.

What kind of therapy did she have, was that through CAMHS?

Therapy isn't just about talking, it can be about learning coping mechanisms.

Can you afford for her to see someone privately? You shouldn't have to, but with all the cuts it is often the only option. It's possible that the GP hasn't referred her on because they know she won't be accepted by CAMHS, in many areas referrals are only accepted where the child is actively suicidal.

Sorry I have no advice, but it is absolutely shocking how children’s mental health is dealt with.

2 years wait for an appointment with CAMHS here after the first assessment. 😡

I wholeheartedly recommend the DARE book. It's something you could buy your daughter now and offers practical advice in dealing with anxiety, panic attacks and specifically agoraphobic symptoms. It's not complicated reading, it's almost as if it is written knowing that people who are going through it may struggle to hold attention or motivation, so appropriate for a 17 year old.

Thank You, I shall have a look at DARE.
No CAHMS referral, I did wonder what she would have to do before she might be taken more seriously. We did look at seeing someone privately, £80 an hour and we had no idea how good they were? we would also struggle a bit tbh as we are already having to fund her home edding.