Don't know which type of support I need

[Unicorn34]

I am going through a really difficult time at the moment and I would like to know what type of help and support I should be looking for before I lose the plot (which I am very close to doing). I have just telephoned my Employee Support line and have been given a reference number and a 24/7 number to call to "talk to a counsellor" when I feel the need, but not sure if this is enough? Any pointers would be gratefully received. Here are the issues in quick summary:

I lost my beloved old cat 3 months ago (she was 18) and we were joined at the hip throughout her life - I miss her presence, noise, smell (!) EVERYTHING. I am guessing this is bereavement counselling? The next issue happened about 3 weeks after I lost her so I don't think I've had time to actually process the loss....

My son in law has been found guilty of a historical crime which he 110% didn't do - we are already going through the steps to prove this but he is in prison awaiting sentencing which could be anything up to life - I am totally thrown by all this as he is like a son to me, but also I am supporting my daughter and my grandchildren (6 and 22 mths) on a daily basis. My daughter has physical/medical issues and he was her support system, now she is basically a single mum. We are all heartbroken but are working with a good solicitor and some other people to get this conviction quashed - but in the meantime are stuck in the middle of a very difficult and emotive situation.

My own 22 yr old (who still lives at home) has been going downhill with their mental health for a few months - they have been on antidepressants and anti-psychotics since there were 15 yrs old - and yesterday took a nose-dive. We have been to the GP and an urgent referral to Mental Health services has been made, but I am at home dealing with a very upset child throughout the day and night (they are non-binary so I cannot put son or daughter) who also needs support from me.

I am a full time carer for my husband who has complex PTSD and some physical issues but he is being great and is trying his best to deal with his own stuff as he can see I'm not able to do what I usually do for him.

I feel like I am drowning - I have been off work for just over 2 weeks and am due to return on 27th Nov after a 4 week break - but I know I am going to go under if I don't get some sort of support myself..... what would I ask for?

Sorry for the long post - I think its quite obvious I need to offload some of this but don't have a clue what type of counselling I should look for which could tick all the boxes at the same time.

TIA

Hi, Im.so sorry noone has responded to you yet: I'm not sure how or if I can help but I fully understand that feeling of beimg overwhelmed and not knowing how to get help.

Have you been able to get a GP appointment? That could be a good start - let her know you aren't sure of the type of help you need and guide you to that help.

Here are a few resources that may help you (In particular order)

*https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/side-by-side-our-online-community where you can talk to other who may have ideas where tk get help that's right for you

• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/get-help lots of resources here

• https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

*https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/useful-contacts/ - mind also do activities, which means you could get time just for you to get out of the house and away from the problems?

"
I hope something here helps.

I am so sorry. You’ve got so much on your plate. I don’t know how to support you but didn’t want to read and run.
Vent here if you need.
x

Thank you for replying. I just don't know what to say to who! I have booked a GP appt for next Friday (had to wait to see my actual GP rather than a quicker appt with someone I don't know) so she may have some ideas. I feel guilty being off work but don't think I can work well at the moment.
Thanks again for replying.

Your gp can refer you to your local Talking Therapies (NHS) service. You could use your employee assistance counselling service while you wait for the NHS service to come through. The Talking Therapies service, which has different names in different areas of the country, will do an assessment to see which therapy would suit you best.

If you can afford private counselling, try the BACP register to find someone. Their site also explains different types of therapy.