Referred by GP to mental health team

[Discombobulate48]

I've been on sertraline for years, my anxiety has gotten worse and after my MH review with the GP he has referred me to the MH team.

This has heightened my anxiety and worry, I'm a single Mum and it frightens me that they'll deem me unfit to care for them which is far from the truth as it's myself I'm struggling with.

Can anyone shed some light on what this means/how long until I hear from them please?

Sorry to hear you're having a difficult time.

Do you know who in the mental health team you're seeing?

They may be assessing you for some other treatment, e.g. therapy or a psychological intervention.

It sounds like the GP is trying to find other ways to help you.

It won't be to judge you as a parent. Hope you get to see someone soon.

I'm not sure, my GP just increased my dose as he said that it could be a while for them to contact me and hopefully that will help in the mean time.

Thank you for your kind words

They can help you access additional support like psychiatrists and psychologists. That can be really helpful in finding a treatment plan going forward. Try your see it as a positive x

Just like any other illness or condition a GP will prescribe medication and treat on a first line basis. If things don't improve or further deteriorate then they will make referrals to other medical colleagues who are best placed to further diagnose and support you through any specific treatment you may need, rather than the limited options that the GP will have. Please take this as a positive referral which will allow you greater insight into your condition and will give you new ways of coping with support. Good luck and hope things improve for you soon.

How old are you OP? If it's worsened, could be a side bonus to perimenopause?

It's likely because he's increased your dose but isn't a specialist in mental health.
GPs are basically a triage to provide short term basic care or refer on for longer term care. It's like for eczema my gp referred me to the dermatology team, he could have continued to prescribe the same treatment but thedermatology team had more experience, could recommend some things that weren't medication and also slightly tweaked my prescription.
It will be the same with the mental health team.

Hiya,

Sorry To hear you’re going through a hard time, my GP has done the same due to my increased anxiety. He suspects I have OCD and I am on a waiting list to see the mental health team. I understand it can be really worrying I definitely feel like I hold things back but I think your GP has done the right thing in trying to get more support for you, hope you find it helpful

It is excellent that you are being referred - maybe talking therapy etc could help . As for the unfit mother part, unless the children are at risk (neglect , abuse etc) then please do not worry.
My health visitor identified me as having PND after my second baby (he is 17 now) and was able to get me some child care provision for my daughter, just to give me a bit of a break/rest.

Please don't panic, my friend was referred and now receives a monthly talking therapy appointment, nobody is deeming you an unfit mum.
Plus you could wait some time before any appointment.

Im a mental health nurse with 20+ years in the community.

You should be seen within 28 days. Generally a mental health professional will carry out a thorough assessment lasting about an hour, taking on board your mental health, physical health, social situation etc. They will then come up with a plan of care. This could include a psychiatric review (for medication and/or diagnostic review) and also a consideration for therapy. This could be CBT or Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can sometimes be group therapy.

It's usually an informal meeting and you are welcome to bring a friend or family member if you want.

Ps the fact you are seeking help means you are very much a good mother. They may if concerned discuss your care with Children’s Services but this is to ensure you are getting support.

Hi I'm bipolar and have a daughter. Being a mum with mental health issues has meant that I have had more support.

My daughters HVs have been more involved and to support me navigating being a mum with issues and also a mum to a daughter with issues as she has reflux and allergies which are difficult at time.

I got acutely unwell after she was born, could barely get out of bed and was psychotic and ended up spending 10 weeks in a mother and baby unit. There was only one occasion when concern was raised and that was when I thought my daughter was evil. They asked my partner to WFH for a week and to not leave me alone for any length of time until they could get to assess me. I had to answer a lot for questions but they were happy that I was putting her needs first even whilst experiencing distress. For example during the time when I thought she was evil I put her down in a safe place and waited for it to pass. I also had thoughts where she had been swapped and wasn't mine despite this I provided her everything she needed at the detriment to my own wellbeing.

They want to see that you are able to meet any child's needs and beyond that what would make it easier to meet yours and your child's/children's needs.

How are you doing @Discombobulate48 ?

Doing ok, just full of anxiety and nerves.
Thank you so much to everyone, you've been really helpful and informative, I know I need help but the thought of opening up to people is so daunting to me.

Remember this is still something that lots of people don't discuss so you won't realise how common it is. Especially for mums as pregnancy and the life changes children bring can often be a trigger.

They're there to support you and spend all day every day dealing with a huge range of mental health issues ranging from moderate to severe depression, psychosis, OCD etc. Whatever you're feeling won't seem at all unusual or surprising to them so just be honest and get the support they can offer. Its just another one of many appointments per day for them.

I have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and anxiety. I was referred to the psychiatrist and had an in-depth discussion where they looked at what I was experiencing. They altered my medication. I was given my diagnosis within 8 months. I now have regular reviews and have access to the Home Treatment Team as well. They can also give you access to things like CBT etc.
Never once have they even hinted or suggested I can't care for my children, so please do not worry about that.

It's all in support of you, everything that is happening is in your interest, so just try and lean in. I know it's really, really hard when you are feeling so anxious and low, but try and hold in mind that people are just extending a hand out to you. They will hear you when you say you are doing everything you can as a Mum while still struggling. Try and go easy on yourself and remember that your mind is currently on very high alert so is seeing everything as a threat, hopefully in time that will quieten down again. That is what the support is coming in to try and help you with. Good luck.

This sounds like a good thing to be happening for you. This level of support isn't being offered to everyone. For example, it's virtually impossible to get referred to such services in my area. It's good care and I hope it is helpful for you even if it takes a while.