Any other mental health professionals on here?

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Psychiatrist here. Not finding it easy at the moment (understatement) and thinking of leaving. Difficult to work out if it's me, or the job. Just wondered how everyone else is finding it.

@Schmz
Yes I agree.

Part of the issue (imo) is that many of the current patients would have been offered significantly more, even 10 years ago.
So in the past they would have expected and been offered hospital admission, and on discharge a long term CPN for ‘support’. In many areas crisis houses were widely available. Local to me patients could practically ‘pre-book’ a 2 week stay several times a year for the cost literally just taking their own food.

There doesn’t seem to be a wider understanding (or maybe the issue is acceptance) by the general public of the major changes over recent years. Hence my suggestion above of some sort of government announcement!

Now admissions are far less accessible (which isn’t a bad thing in some ways) and as you say the treatment is evidence based (and time limited)

Also imo some people were misdiagnosed (typically as bipolar but then rediagnosed as eupd) with a corresponding reduction in ‘support’. And I suspect some of those patients have ASD instead of (or maybe as well as) eupd.

A much older colleague (now retired) reflected that many of the ‘social’ issues people present with would have been addressed in other ways, e.g. support through extended family, the local church, neighbours. But due in part to reduced ‘stigma’ we now find that a huge number of referrals aren’t strictly related to mental health but social stressors.

oh, just found this thread. Another Psychiatrist here. Been in NHS mental health for over 20 years. I am totally and absolutely burnt out just now.
I've just (4 months ago) moved jobs --new trust, new team, slightly new specialism. But just as awful, if not worse than where I was before. I've now been invited to apply for a different job, which on paper looks better in many ways, but in reality I know it will likely also be just as bad. I dont know what to do for the best and am going round in circles wth it.
I dread going into work every day - which I never used to. So fed up of offering a poor ineffective service for all my patients. Fed up of single handedly carrying all the risk. Fed up of all the complaints and anger from patients and their families - all directed at me, about decisions I have no control over.
Also just had my appraisal where I'm suposed to talk about my amazing quality improvement ideas, all the amazing CPD I've engaged in, what my "aspirations" are for the next 12 months. Wanted to just tell them its all a load of bollocks, and that my only aspirations are to win the lottery, pack in my job and open a lovely garden centre somewhere!
The negative effect my job is now having on my mental health is significant. My family suffer too. Its just rubbish. But I do feel trapped as I need to earn a living, and their is little else I am qualified to do, and couldnt afford to re-train.

Hi

I’m not the OP but I wanted to post a brief, positive update in the hope it might help and encourage others.

I made a recent-ish fairly big leap, (down one grade and over to a different Trust) and it IS different in a good way.
I’m feeling quite emotional still and am in a period of adjustment.

I spent too many years trying and trying to get everything done and not having proper down time. (Starting early, finishing late, working on days off even annual leave, never ever having a lunch break). Traumatised is too strong a word but it has definitely affected me - and the adjustment is tricky as I am used to doing everything full pelt (at home and work). I can now fully admit it has affected me mentally, physically and psychologically. I’m not actually sure how much longer I could have continued in the previous role. I kept trying to plug gaps but the gaps were too big and the problems was the system and I am one small human!

yes mental health work is hard but it does seem to vary in different posts and with different employers. I think I have been lucky with my new role and I am sorry for those who moved and found it much the same. My next plan was to go part time even if it meant dropping just one day but I am hopeful I might be able to continue full time.

best wishes to those who are still contemplating their current roles