Awake and up all night

That's terrible so no wonder you're depressed, hon. But at least you're on the waiting list, which is a good step forward.

Really hoping yourself and OH get some help sooner rather than later, my lovely.

Just got the washing up to do and I'll be right back hon xxx 

Hello everyone, Hope you are all well? I wasn’t feeling great, then my husband and I have had a couple of nights away which was lovely and much needed. 
Thank You for the message Ukiboy. Much appreciated. 

I have been loving all the photos of the flowers, holidays, and lovely Pippin. Sending love to you all. xx

Sorry to hear you are not feeling great. Hope you feel better soon. Uki does some great photos.xxx

Great to know you're feeling more like yourself, Kez. Long may it last sweetheart.

Hugs and love xxx

Hello, and I would like to give you a warm welcome to the group. xx

Sorry to hear you weren't feeling great. I think it's really good to get away for a few days to give yourself a new perspective and a change of scenery. Went into Bradford today with my eldest and her husband for an Italian and then saw Odyssey at the IMAX. Good to feel alive and doing nice things.

Hi again Hun. I don't understand why your Trade Union isn't helping you to access reports.

What is it the Union is going to do for you? Please get them to be very clear. You need to know that they believe your dismissal did not follow due process and are going to challenge this. 

What is it that you want? There are rules around the sort of challenge you can pursue through an Employment Tribunal and the amount of time you have within which you can lodge a complaint. 

Please don't pursue private reports you have to pay for without a definite agreement that someone has taken on your case and is going to fight it for you. A general chat on the phone or a couple of email responses does not mean that someone has looked carefully at your circumstances, documents and evidence and has agreed that you have a case to fight.

I would assume if your Union has, they would be pursuing additional reports, not leaving you floundering.

Good luck.

Good evening folks. Today was a bit sizzly temperature wise  

I feel wiped out. Went to BnQ with Stressy, that was HOT! Picked wild blackberries on way back 

When I had recovered popped into town. Looked for shoes with ankle support. I always was better with those but definitely need it for duff one. Only winter boots had this so will look at hightop trainers next.

Planned to go visit a pal but was too tired and hot.

Ok down to business

Oops! I was hoping to reply to our lovely former bus driver but that has become a separate post... I hope.

So on to counselling. Ok separate post too.

Cheers

Evening Shimmer  

When you're ready lovey, but if you're feeling whacked don't be hanging around too long.

When you mentioned boots I got an image of you sporting those big furry things from the 80s in sizzling temperatures xxx

ETA Yeti boots 

Counselling. Availability -Woeful. Access-Confusing.

Type and Intensity- Minefield (or is that cinder toffee or Swiss cheese?)

Err probably not what you want to hear or surprising.

Firstly, any counselling you manage to secure will probably be 6 sessions. This is nothing to do with clinical need, your need, it is what funding provides. I liken it to a box of size 6 shoes. Great if you are a size 6, just what you need. If you are not...

Anyway, sadly mental and emotional needs have not kept pace with physical health needs' provision so the pathways are murky and patchy and full of wrong turns and dead ends.

Physical health - you and your granny and your pharmacist will have a go first and then it's on to the GP who will have a stab at it and then refer you on to appropriate specialists if necessary... or they will take one look and have completed an urgent e referral before you've put your bag down and cleared your throat.

Mental/emotional health ... it is not always clear initially how unwell we are and therefore what sort and level of treatment is appropriate. 'Talking Therapy' covers a wide spectrum and can be delivered by therapists with basic qualifications through to specialist psychiatrists and psychologists.

 Entry level support is offered by a number of different organisations so it can vary depending on where you live. Talking therapy may be in person, by phone or video call.

Some specialise so for example, veterans and ex service personnel.

Accessing services has fluctuated between self referral, GP referral etc. Sometimes areas have been divided up geographically with different providers covering specific catchment areas linked to GPs.

You will probably find now that there is a talking therapies hub in your area with a central contact point. Simply look up 'Self referral counselling in Bogswattle' or whatever.

There may well be the same wait time or even be the same wait list as GP referral.

There may be services linked specifically to cancer with shorter lists in your area.

Our hospital based Macmillan hub used to offer counselling support though unsure if this is still available.

Some providers like Mind offer other types of support you might find helpful if not immediately appropriate. Group activities like art, drop in cupper and chat with others, films etc 

Some offer support groups, so people with similar experiences meet and chat whist a member of staff  keeps the session safe.

Other wellbeing organisations may offer free or reduced cost therapies to cancer patients such as massage, acupuncture etc. You need to ferret out what is in your area.

And don't forget, if your GP offers Social Prescribing, find out what it covers. Some may be support with activities, some form filling to access services and to co-ordinate life... you know the stuff that is just too much when you can barely make a brew.

Anyone still awake?

Cheers