Hello there,
I wondered if anyone knew any good available counselling services that can help in particular for RA or other conditions, maybe through your hospital? I am struggling at the moment with coming to terms with my diagnosis but also other things and general life. I am only 23 and being diagnosed so young does scare me. I feel like talking to someone could help
Any help will be appreciated.
X
Hi I accessed Cognitive behaviour Therapy through my GP. They gave me a leaflet and I self referred.? They ring you for assessment . , even pre COVID and assess whether you qualify . I have had 2 courses. The first when I was diagnosed with auto immune conditions and a lung disease. It helped me sort my head out and somehow to adapt the was I think about stuff. I had another course this year, due to worsening health and issues caused by lockdown and shielding.
Both were good, it helped me a lot. The last course. I found really hard, it did help in the end. I did both courses online, the first because of personal choice, the second because of the pandemic.?
GP is first point of call . I hope this helps a bit . Take care .
Definitely chat with your GP. You might also find it good to chat with people your age about their diagnosis, so try arthursplace.co.uk
I was 25 when I was diagnosed. Totally understand how tough it is. Sending you a big hug xx
NRAS have a helpline and may be able to point you to services for both newly and/ or diagnosed at a young age. May be worth giving them a call? Talking therapy services may be of help and wonder if there are any services in your locality that you could check out to see. I think Minds Matter is also one run by NHS. I hope some of our younger ones on this forum will be able to suggest any other services or resources that may be of help. Glad you have felt able to reach out and post this which is a positive step. Sending some warm supportive wishes your way xx
Good luck Jellybean. xx
I know my rhematology team includes a specialist psychologist (I've been referred as a newly diagnosed patient) but I was referred last year and am still on the waiting list so it seems its so slow. But maybe your team has one too?
I only got referred because I got upset on one of my assessments because I was so fed up of being in pain so I think you've got to ask.
I know you can also self refer to see a psychologist, it was an online application, or maybe you could ask your GP to point you in the direction.
It's a massive change, lots of different aspects to get your mind around and I think everyone who is diagnosed with this disease should get help with their mental health as well as their physical health.
Good idea mentioned above to maybe phone the NRAS helpline .
I really hope you get to speak to someone, I bet it would be really beneficial.
You take care and don't forget you're not alone you can come here too x
Hello there, I’m so sorry you have this awful disease at such a young age, it’s bad enough when you’re an old codger like myself.I eventually received some counselling through my GP, but I did have to wait quite a while, by that time I’d completely broken down and was off work, so do try and push for it, as some areas have long waiting lists. I found CBT didn’t really work for me, so I eventually saw a therapist for 12 weeks I think it was, arranged at our local hospice. I can’t speak highly enough of them and I found it incredibly helpful. I must say my issues were not only RA related, but when I was diagnosed it was just the straw that broke the camels back!
I hope you find something that works for you, helping you to come to terms with it, but talking to someone really does help, even if it’s people on here, as we are all understand what it’s like.
Take care
As others have said your GP or rheumatology team will be able to tell you what counselling services are available in your area. They usually are self-referral and you get about 6 weekly sessions. Some offer a paid service with more sessions, based on a sliding scale of how much you earn/can afford.
I had counselling about a year after diagnosis as I was really struggling to accept my illness. I'm not as young as you, (42 when diagnosed four years ago) but I was working full time and had an active lifestyle until the RA came along. Counselling helped me to come to terms with it all and taught me I still have a life but parts of it are different now. My counsellor had suffered from chronic illness growing up, which also really helped.
Good luck Jellybean. Counselling definitely helps, even if it's just to vent your frustrations to someone impartial.
Hi Jellybean,I know exactly where you are coming from here because I was diagnosed with RA when I was 22 years old and it was terrific shock to me as well. I am now 74 and getting on with my life and I always stay positive about my RA, it as its up and downs but hey its not the end of the world. When I was diagnosed there no treatments or meds like there is now, all I had was Aspirin to start with and over the years I have tried many new drugs and treatments. I reckon in your lifetime they will hopefully find some sort of cure.
My thoughts are with you.
Keep well and more importantly DONT let it get you down.
Ray
If you would like support, information or just someone to speak to, our helpline is open every week day from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650.
Hiya Jellybean45. You can self-refer counselling services or, if you prefer, do it through your GP or Rheumy who should have specific information to access the most suitable therapy for your needs.Also, when your Mum posted on your behalf quite a few members offered their help, maybe contacting one or more of them on the private messaging facility may be of some help to you. I'm not suggesting it will fix things but sometimes talking with someone who's had a similar experience, particularly being diagnosed young, can be of help. Knowing you're not alone can make such a difference even when talking remotely. Or, as has already been suggested, maybe call the NRAS helpline. They may be able to suggest specific professional help in your area.
I really hope you find the help you need. In the meantime we're all here to support you in any way we can.
Thank you for everyone’s lovely messages, you are all so kind! I will definitely take on board what you’ve all said. I have gone through my GP for counselling and finally I’m starting to get somewhere with it. Take care xxx
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