Worried about support ending

[Irishgirl1710]

Hi lovely people I had a good phone consultation with psychiatrist today and she doesn't want to see me for another six months. I told her I was worried about formal support ending, I just like knowing someone is there if I need help. Did anyone else feel this way? How did you manage when formal support ended?

[hgallo Volunteer]

Hi, I think it's not uncommon to feel that way. I certainly felt worried when my formal support ended after I had PP. But you can probably let her know your Psychiatrist know if you feel you need support before the 6 month marker. Also you can always contact your GP if needed.

If you start to feel your getting poorly again there are services that support people in a crisis nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-se...

Also, you can always talk to us ladies here at APP!

I find it helps me to have some structure in my day, a class, a walk, meeting a friend. You will cope better than you think, I promise. It's normal to feel apprehensive but you've come a long way and you can do this, x

[hgallo Volunteer]

Also, recognising you may need extra support in the early days as you've been very poorly. Could you touch base with your home start lady maybe? x

[Claire_griff Volunteer]

Hi there!

So good to hear that your psychiatrist consultation went well! I remember feeling exactly as you are now when my support started to phase out, It’s a scary feeling for sure. I’m not sure how it works where you are but I was still able to contact the team if I felt I was really struggling, then after my last consultation I have been able to be referred through my GP back to the psychiatrist quite easily when I needed to change things like my medication or when I was having difficulties with anxiety. You should be able to get support through your GP easily too.

It can feel very strange not having that support network available straight away but this shows that you are recovering well, and there’s got to be a process of discharging you from the service at some point. Please remember we on this forum are here too!

It’s very normal to Have these worries at this time but you can do this!

X

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hi Irishgirl1710,

so good to hear from you again,

there have been many cut off moments, either I wanted to let go of that specific support or the professional was time limited and had to finish after a specific time such as my health visitor. I was very fortunate that I have had her for 2 years as I was so extremely poorly and needed to re-gain skills again.

I remember that the 10 weeks group support was always a bit of me time where I could work on my confidence and learn to self-manage again. I repeated that course 3 times and then joined as volunteer for another 20 weeks. I believe it maybe useful to research what therapeutic avenues you could pick up on and something which is suitable for your needs.

It took 8 years to let go of my care coordinator, who actually helped me to search beyond regional support. We are still in touch, but on a different capacity. However, I know that if I get poorly I would be able to get support from this fabulous lady.

Sometimes our recovery journey leads us to different pointers in life in order to keep well. Of course APP has been a great contributor. Help is always available and I believe, if talking to other health professionals such as GP or maybe other type of community orgs and mind, could be very useful to still cushion your support.

We are always here for you...APP has been part of my recovery process, too.

Take care,

x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello Irishgirl 1710

I hope you are feeling a little more confident since your formal support ended. At the time it’s hard to see it as positive but it does mean that your psychiatrist must be pleased with your recovery? I remember how daunting it was many years ago.

I think as already suggested, if you are struggling, your GP should be able to support you ..... we are always here too. Take care.