Mental health

[Natalie1996]

Since covid 19 my mental health as gone down hill but every time I ring up the doctors about it they keeping on brushing it off, what should I do and who should I turn to?

[zperry4]

Hey, this is definitely really tough, that’s the run around that I’ve usually gotten too. I think that support groups are vital, of course in person is best and not possible right now, but there’s still options. So whether that’s a depression group, or twelve step or whatever, get other people involved.

I think getting a dedicated therapist is really key, of course depends on your issue, if you just want to go for pain stuff, there’s pain specialists. But definitely be going once a a week to a professional.

There’s also lots of penpal groups for people with Mh stuff, there’s nothing like having a person to be there. Hope this helps.

[Emma2017]

If you ring the doctor ask them to put you in touch with a psychologist or somebody that can give you counselling, alternatively you can go online to the NHS website and via there can ask for counselling which is easy and completely free. It will put you in touch with someone and you then can have telephone or video consultations.

[7774 in reply to Emma2017]

Hi Emma, I had a psychologist telephone appointment in 2016 but unfortunately they've stopped doing them but you can refer yourself to mental health but it's a long wait.

[Emma2017 in reply to 7774]

Yes it’s not instantly. But I know someone who did it this way and got to speak to someone in 8 weeks. It’s worth putting it in motion and if you get something else in the meantime you can always cancel it.

[Natalie1996 in reply to Emma2017]

I've managed to into a talk tepries place and I've now got my own place I honestly can't do another lockdown not been able to see my family and friends 😠 😭 government doesn't give a fuck as long as their still getting paid

[Emma2017 in reply to Natalie1996]

It’s hard indeed. Don’t talk to me about this sad government. Just hold on, it will get better.

[kenster1]

hi if your displaying symptoms you will be told to self isolate not unless its serious apart from that you won`t be entertained.

[Konagirl60]

Do you think it’s anxiety about Covid that is really bothering you? Ask yourself what am I feeling? Fear? Anger? Anxiety?

Can you try meditating and listening to calming Reiki YouTube videos?

Have you tried passionflower? It’s a natural anti anxiety.

I hope you find the support you need.

[Helpforu2]

You'll be fine sweetie, the doctors are so full of covid bullshit right now you need to be almost dead to get any attention!!!Thankfully, to good friends and family, I'm still here and kept out of hospital.

You can do this. Stay strong.

[emmy-loue]

I'm sorry you are struggling at the moment x. A lot of people are finding in hard to adjust, or that existing MH problems are being exacerbated due to lack of services. If you are on anti - depressants, have you asked for them to be reviewed?

Unfortunately, the waiting list for 'Talking Therapy' or CBT (referred by your GP or CMHT and via *telephone* only) was around a 3-6 month wait time minimum, and that was before the Pandemic...

Sadly, it really isn't as simple as phone a GP and they'll get you in touch with a Counseller (yet alone a Clinical Psychologist) within a few weeks. Your only option if you want to speak to someone soon (and by that I mean within the next year) is to go private. A session with a Counseller ranges from £60-£100 and with a fully qualified CP £100-£150 per session. Psychology.com has details on those in your area.

If you cannot afford that (It is a heck of a lot of money) and need to speak to someone, your best bet is to phone 111 (they have a dedicated MH line) or call the Samaritans, but getting actual treatment is a long long wait I'm afraid. Turning to support groups online can help. Mind have just started a new one. Or try guided meditation. Meditainment do some really good ones, which are free once you sign up. The Honest Guys on You Tube are also highly rated. Even getting out for a walk for 20 minutes at lunch will help. But if you really do feel bad (like don't want to go on bad) go to A&E. Have outlined roughly how the process works below.

As a bit of background on how MH services are operating....

Community Mental Health Teams only take on the most serious of cases. This has been the case for years, as they simply do not have the staff/resources. I used to have referrals sent back to me all the time.

You can go to A&E if you are in crisis, but be prepared for a long wait there. You will be assessed by a Psychologist, but not treated. Once you are discharged you will be seen by a member of a Crisis Team on a daily basis where they will pretty much ask if you can keep yourself safe. If no, they'll continue to visit. If yes, they'll discharge you and hopefully you'll be picked up by a CMHT. A Support Worker may see/speak to you every few weeks depending on your need and their case load, but again you won't get proper psychological input.

You will only get accepted for Psychological Assessment for actual treatment by a CMHT if your MH is severely impaired (as in, you are self neglecting, suicidal, suffering from psychosis etc and are at risk) and even then you are still looking at a 6 month plus wait to speak to a Clinical Psychologist, and even longer for any treatment to begin. If you are at immediate risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others you could of course be sectioned under the MH act, but the trend is towards community based intervention.

I know this because I used to work in MH Services in the South East of England. Plus I've been through the system multiple times. Technically, I should be in a Psych ward, but here I am...