I am diagnosed OCD. Had CBT 2009-11 and then SSRI’s for about 4 months after that as I didn’t find the CBT v helpful. SSRI’s + distraction worked well and although the OCD is still beneath the surface, it’s not all consuming as before I sought my treatment. Now I am divorcing my husband because of abuse and the finically side of it has upset my son and brought Children’s Services into our lives. CS have referred me to a CS/NHS/county council joint run scheme for a mental health assessment with a mental health nurse (ex social work manager I think). Should I attend the assessment or make an appointment with a professional psychiatrist? Is an assessment really necessary (considering my treatment was so long ago/I am ‘better’, or are CS discriminating against me? Should I refuse their referral and go independent? Has anyone else been referred by CS? What was the outcome?
CS Mental Health Assessment Referral - OCD Support
OCD Support
CS Mental Health Assessment Referral
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That is very difficult for you. Divorce brings upheaval into your life, and is bound to affect both you and your son, however much you try to protect him. However traumatic, though, it is better than staying in an abusive relationship.
I think that you really must go to the assessment. It may count against you if you don't. Just because you have been referred it doesn't mean that they are going to take your son away from you. Always remember that social services have a duty of care in the case of children, and if they overreact in some cases, it is better than not reacting when there is a real problem.
Just because you have OCD doesn't mean they automatically think you're a bad parent or incapable of caring for your child. They just want to make sure your son is safe, and may be as much concerned about your husband's abusive behaviour as they are about OCD.
It sounds as though you have the OCD pretty much under control, which is a real achievement. It might make sense to take the opportunity of a referral as a means of making sure you and your son have all the support you need.
It can't be nice to have Children's Services brought into your life, but they are, I'm sure, just reassuring themselves that your son is safe.
Thank you for your input Sallyskins. If Children’s Services hadn’t already treated me so disrespectfully as if I was the perpetrator instead of the victim and if they hadn’t perpetuated lies and mistruths like they have, I’d be more trusting of their intentions. They’ve been on our case for 6 months now and have brought more pain, stress and misery into our lives whilst offering nothing in the way of help and support.
I'm sorry that you have had such a rotten experience. I still think you should go to the assessment, so they can't hold that against you, but if they continue to harass you instead of helping you, then by all means get another opinion on your mental health to back you up. And consider making a formal complaint, though I am sure you could do without that hassle.
Many sufferers of OCD are parents, and good parents too. There is no need for Children's Services to assume that such children are vulnerable, and if they get involved, they should be offering support, not condemnation.
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