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Original poster

help me please!!! I am panicing........ mental health unit have just called......

100 replies

jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 09:27

They want to come and see me this afternoon.
At home,
I wasn't ready for their call,
am in a blind spin,
what am I supposed to do with the kids?
Dh doesn't think he is going to be able to come,
I am not ready
I want to call them back

My Mum has just arrived....

Fuck Fuck!!

OP posts:
Original poster
jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 10:02

HELP please...

OP posts:
TotalChaos · 16/05/2008 10:04

first - don't panic. if you can distract the kids by plonking them in front of TV, so much the better, but if they are doing home visit it is because they will be used to having kids etc underfoot.

serendippity · 16/05/2008 10:04

Jinglyjen you are in/near Cambs aren't you? As am i. Can i help at all?

TotalChaos · 16/05/2008 10:04

i mean in sense that they realise that it is inconvenient for people to get to the clinic etc where they operate from.

fluffyanimal · 16/05/2008 10:07

Ok calm down, take a deep breath. Presumably the fact that you are getting help with something is a good thing, right? How old are your kids? Can they not be there when the MHU talk to you? Why is your mum there, just for a visit? Can you make a polite excuse to her? or on the other hand, can you get her to take the kids to the park while you "clean the oven" or some other appropriate excuse?

Without knowing any of your history it's hard to know what to say. But presumably you are taking a step towards combatting a problem, and that is a brave and commendable thing. Be strong. You've taken the first step. Let the journey happen. Good luck!

Original poster
jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 11:34

OK,
Thanks, calmer now.
Been to GP appointment (planned) she has explained to me what is going to happen this afternoon.
The process of what is going to happen next
and I feel a little calmer
She has said the only meds that they would suggest I took were for anxiety caused by opening the can of worms that I have opened.

They are coming 1) to assess immediate suicide risk - well I feel better than I did and less likely to do that at the moment
2) assess which path of treatment is the right route.

They are NOT coming to see if I am a good mummy or if my house is tidy.

My Mother thinks I went to the GP for a smear test and I have lied and told her that Dh has a business meeting here at 3pm so she will make her way before that time. ( I hope they aren't early!)

I am calmer, sorry for ranting earlier, the phone call was unexpected and sent me into a tailspin.

Sorry & Thanks

OP posts:
Rubyrubyruby · 16/05/2008 11:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

iwillNOTletthisbeatme · 16/05/2008 11:38

jen you one brave lady.i hope you get all the help you need and want xx

Original poster
jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 14:08

I don't feel brave
the unit just called and said the doctor is going to be late..

OP posts:
onepieceoflollipop · 16/05/2008 14:18

I work in a mental health team and it is fairly common practice to offer a home visit to parents at home with children - as it can be tricky to sort out childcare and/or travel to the base with your children.

If they offer further home visits and you would prefer to be seen elsewhere then let them know.

Small children often stay in the room with the parent while we visit. We are very discreet about any questions we ask that may be tricky with a child in the room. If this is an issue in your case, the worker(s) may ask when would be a good time to chat without the children being there.

It sounds as if they will be doing a general assessment, which routinely includes questions about risk (such as any suicidal or self harming thoughts). At the end of the assessment it is likely that you and they will discuss what your needs are and how these can be addressed.

It may be that they will be bringing a psychiatrist with them, this is often to look at medication amongst other things. This should save you having a separate appt at the Out Patients' Clinic on another occasion, and going through everything all over again.

Hope this helps.

Original poster
jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 14:26

opl I feel like calling to cancel,
I am wasting their time.
I am not feeling as bad as I did and although I know there are things that need dealing with I am worried about taking time away from someone who needs it more.

The fact that they are coming to me makes me much more anxious. I can feel the blood pumping through my body...

I have told so many lies today, I hate it, Mum asking where I was going this morning, who was coming this afternoon, how am I, I hate not telling the truth but I can't tell her. Infact just thinking about telling her makes me feel physically sick at what her reaction will be.

Oh now I am rambling.
Sorry just in a bit of a flap.

OP posts:
foxythesnowfox · 16/05/2008 14:30

Isn't that always the way? You feel awful, wait for an appointment and always, always feel better when its due.

Do see them, please see them. If you are better, then they will be able to sign you off quicker. If you don't feel so good soon, you'll be able to get help much faster than having to start the process again.

Take some deep breaths. What time are you expecting them?

onepieceoflollipop · 16/05/2008 14:33

When they come explain that you are feeling anxious. Please don't cancel them.

I don't know your history or background, but if your GP felt you needed this appt then I am sure that you will not be wasting their time. You may feel marginally better (or are trying to convince yourself that you do) but if things still need dealing with it is better to try and do so.

Sorry if this is vague, it is meant to be supportive but as I don't know anything about you I don't want to risk being insensitive or saying anything that is inappropriate.

It is just unfortunate timing I think that your mum has turned up and you are having to try and keep this a secret from her.

You are not rambling, you just sound (understandably) anxious. When I meet a client for the first time I start off by acknowledging that it is quite a big thing to start telling a stranger (albeit a professional nurse or mental health worker) private and difficult things.

Try and distract yourself while you are waiting - cup of tea, mnet, whatever?

onepieceoflollipop · 16/05/2008 14:42

If it would help come back on here later and let us know how it all went.

TheHedgeWitch · 16/05/2008 14:50

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DorisIsAPinkDragon · 16/05/2008 14:52

you are not takng them away from someone who really needs.... them you need support and tbh the fact that you are feeling better today is a good thing, meeting when not at your lowest will make it (slightly) less stressful for you... just be honest don't tell them what you think they want to hear....

As for the little fibs you're getting what you need help.....if you choose to own up in your own time good for you if not no one's going to suffer.....

Good luck and I hope they are some help to you

Now go geta camomile tea ....or whatever works and distract yourself until the time..

lucyellensmum · 16/05/2008 19:37

hi jingley, ive only just seen this - will catch up with you later, hope all went well

Original poster
jingleyjen · 16/05/2008 20:37

Wow
the difference an afternoon makes.

So consulant psychiatrist comes this afternoon.
was very gentle, softly spoken
tells me what he would like to do.

Starts with my family who's who
then starting from birth, gets me to tell him about my life. he asks questions from time to time. offers for me to stop when I get upset.

asks a few more questions

2 hours later suggests I need a combination of drugs and CBT. and wants to see me next week.

in between time he wants me to decide if I want to go to the police about an incident from my early teenage years... He thinks it is a clear case, easy to trace the other people.

I feel amazing. tired. drained. believed.

thank you for all your support through my wibbles.

OP posts:
Psychomum5 · 16/05/2008 20:38

wow.....

missed this earlier, but am feeling all ((wow))

RubyRioja · 16/05/2008 20:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheMadHouse · 16/05/2008 20:43

Well done.

The first steps are always the hardest. We are here with you should you need us. Congratulations

lucyellensmum · 16/05/2008 20:50

oh jingley, i am so so pleased for you - you deserve this. You have a difficult journey ahead of you, but you have made the most difficult step - its going to get sorted now, you must feel very releived. Feel strangely proud of you

onepieceoflollipop · 16/05/2008 21:15

Jen I was so pleased to hear your update, and the fact that you were able to talk openly and the psychiatrist was able to listen and come up with some constructive solutions.

Hope you are able to relax this evening. Some people feel a bit vulnerable after talking through things so intensively, so try to keep positive and focus on the plans that are being made to help resolve stuff.

TotalChaos · 16/05/2008 21:17

glad it all seems to have been a helpful experience.

jes74 · 16/05/2008 21:20

so gladd to see this well done and hugs