One week on from a and e: no psych support but social workers and clinicians on case

[Sleeplessinnorthlondon]

Went to a and e last week at lowest ebb and came out so much more optimistic following promised care plan was given. Only it's not worked out like that. Been called by uclh psych team but no appt given, had daily calls from Barnet but again no actual offer of support and today social worker called and insisted on appt this week at home will need to miss work for. 100% all this is b responsible and needed in that of course part of the role of mental health services is to check on my safety and of course the baby's and so far everyone v nice etc but feeling far far more inspected than supported. At the home visit was asked if felt could control people's minds, if I knew what year it was etc and of course appreciate they need to check for everything but basically just very unhappy and anxious and want support as can't afford private sessions any more and been told that that is coming but in mean time feeling weird combo of scrutinised and abandoned. Wonder if Barnet and uclh each think the other leading on support? Does this sound like normal follow up?

I'm not sure about normal follow up but it doesn't sound great.

Have you been assigned a lead psychiatrist or perinatal midwife? If not I'd request one and have them as your point of contact. If you've been seen by a psychiatrist she/he should have been able to filter down the assessment to the people 'supporting' you so your not asked stupid questions.

I'm guessing the controlling others minds and the years questions are related to a worry you may become manic, which is more likely ante and post natally. My psychiatrist used to ask me the same kinds of things for my post natal check up. They made me laugh but then I was in a much better place that you are.

It is worth contacting your community mental health nurse (or whoever has been given charge of your case) MH is stretched way beyond its capabilities atm. Not that it makes it any easy for you though.

That's the thing... No idea who is in charge of my case really and not been assigned anyone or sure who to ask for someone to be assigned - all bit confusing at present just feel exposed and frightened

Gosh that is upsetting. I understand why you are feeling that way.

I would try finding the contact details for the mental health team in your area and call them to ask. Either that or ask who is your point of contact next time one of the mental health team call you.

You've taken a huge step in looking after yourself and your baby. Keep going with that.

Thanks kitty. I think my fear is that I've said enough to get checked up on but not enough for support but if I say more they might judge me unsafe and put me in hospital or not let me keep baby. I don't think I'm not safe, I'm just so often so so frightened and really want some help. I don't know how to get it without being treated as a risk to myself or the baby which I'm not.

Oh no I'm sorry you're not getting the support you need. Can you call the Crisis team for someone to talk to?

I'm someone who had been through extensive nhs psychiatry and mental health services. It isn't always provided straight away there is a waiting list that is y u have people phoning you everyday to see his you are as there are many people needing mental health support and not enough physicians to help, you will have been referred to psychiatrist who will be your lead but it takes time to get an appointment all be it you need one urgently but so does many people you will be a priority but could take a week or so to put in place. It's a good thing you have those people cAlling you everyday it shows that u are on the system. Your midwife should be able to set up support within themselves aswell. As for the questions they are normal questions that get asked to assess the state of mental health you have, some people's mental health means they don't know what year it is and some people feel they can read people's minds others feel they are being stalked and watched etc those questions are necessary for them to diagnose and eagerly treat your illness.

Keep taking those calls everyday and all the support you can get and constantly ask gp ss mw etc about your psych consultant referral so they chase it up x

Thank you that is helpful. Going to see gp tomorrow and will do my best to follow whatever advice she has. Frightened about what the social worker will think or do on Friday but suppose all can do is tell the truth and hope they are understanding. Feeling pretty low this morning. Thought dh was home when went back last night, couldn't reach him on the phone then ended up unable to sleep. Poor bloke had just been for a drink but by the time he was home had driven self even more crazy so had to take a diazepam. He can't be a full time nurse and hold down a job and have any kind of life. Going to try very best to have good day today and early night tonight to maybe get back some sort of normal. On one hand so pleased to be at work on other hand terrified will have to let people down v soon if all goes too far. This morning dh saw colleague on tube so just said would sit somewhere else as so embarrassing explaining tearful mad wife and he looked relieved. Didn't even wave when got off. An embarrassment and burden and desperate but no idea where to go.

Hi, I'm sorry that you aren't getting the support you need.

This leaflet talks about mental health problems during pregnancy, and the support you should receive.
www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/mentalhealthinpregnancy.aspx

Here is a link to mental health services in Barnet (or if it's the wrong area for you google perinatal mental health services for your area). Ask what perinatal services are available in your area, and if there's any support groups. Also in some areas have a mother and baby unit that can support you once you've had baby. (Peri natal means around birth, and covers during and after pregnancy).

www.barnet.gov.uk/citizen-home/adult-social-care/mental-health.html

If you get no joy from your local mental health team try calling PANDAS to see what support they can offer.

www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-help/support-groups/join-a-group/north-london-pandas-support-group.html#.VeagqYqkrCQ

Sorry I forgot to say that I suffer from anxiety and depression. I understand how horrible it makes you feel - and how difficult it can be to get people to understand how you're feeling and access/receive the right support.

You've done the right thing seeking help, hopefully the links I've added help and you get the support you need during your pregnancy and following birth.

Take one day at a time

These links are so kind and helpful, thank you. I just need to get the latest ongoing intrustive thought that the anxiety has harmed the baby out of my mind because it's driving me insane. I know the answer is to acknowledge not fight or seek reassurance, I know the evidence on the impact is inconclusive and there cannot be certainty but many babies are born to women who feel as bad for as long and worse who are perfectly happy but just feel like genuinely going slowly mad. Want to be responsible and take care of baby but no idea what best way to do this is and just feel like going round in circles. Seeing UCLH mental health manager today and going to ask about psychiatrist and also what the role of the social worker visit this friday is as am frightened about that. Hoping if can get throyugh this week things will look up x

Please give PANDAS a call, they'll be able to put you in touch with support groups in your area

Will do, thank you :) xxx

It is most likely that the social worker will work for the mental health team rather than childcare. The roles of community psychiatric nurses and social workers in mental health teams are largely the same-just a few differences. It doesn't mean that you are being more checked up on than helped. They would both be similar. Many teams do have a specialist nurse or psychologist for mental health issues in pregnancy though.