Mental health social work referral

[LBNM19]

I had a mental health assesment yesterday I am very depressed and having suicidal thoughts.

I'm a single mum and have 3 children at home. I've been really struggling since the lock down as can't get out and I've felt really hopeless.

My oldest son died age 7 almost 1 year ago and I've been struggling since.

The mental health team rang last night and said would I be ok with a social worker referral I said yes as if I said no I felt it would of made me look like I have something to hide. My children are well looked after but I can't deny I'm struggling by myself but they aren't suffering because of this my house is clean, they are clean, fed, loved etc but now I can't help but worry has anybody had a referral to ss because of their mental health before?

Sorry I don't have any advice re the referral. I'm so sorry about your ds.

Social Services will be able to help you. They can refer to specialist support.

Don't worry, your children aren't neglected or anything like that. They may discuss a safety plan, so a plan for maybe if you were taken ill/sectioned. They will look in to your support network and help build one if need be.

Don't worry, they are there to help you and the children.

I am so sorry to hear of your bereavement OP, sending love and thoughts to you 💐

Yes, I have. If SS can see any areas where they could help you access support then they will put that in place. If not, they'll close down their assessment and you'll hear nothing more. Also, just because a SS referral has been put in doesn't necessarily mean you'll actually hear from a social worker - sometimes it's obvious from the initial referral that as long as you have MH support there is nothing further needed in which case you'll hear nothing, it can depend on how much detail's given in the initial report.

I think it's pretty normal to put in a referral when a mum says she's feeling suicidal, certainly that's what triggered mine. And after assessment my case was closed with no action.

I'm truly so very sorry to hear about your son and that you're in such a low place .

Thank you every one. I spoke with the social worker yesterday she was really nice and said they need to speak with school and gp and make sure everything has been ok there and will call me on monday. They told me to let my Mum come round for now and help out as although it's against the rules atm my mental health should come first.

I feel better for getting it all out and have actually not had suicidal thoughts the last 2 days I do feel down but at least that's a slight improvement I hope it continues.