I have very complex mental health already, I'm diagnosed BPD, BP 2 with depressive moods and generalized anxiety. I've been under my local CMHT for at least a decade. They've never been the best, the service is overstretched and underfunded and I've fallen through the cracks several times before.
But right now, they're as useful as a chocolate teapot.
I've been calling and emailing the team over and over asking for help and support and basically all they've done is sent links for breathing exercises, crisis lines and cancer charities that offer counselling. They even rejected my request for short term anxiety medication even though they gave me a week's worth in May for a holiday?!
I'm on the waiting list for counselling and in the meantime utilising all the skills I've learned in DBT but I'm still crumbling under the stress of it all.
I emailed them again yesterday morning (I've posted another rant in "the room" of this forum about the most recent cancer stress) and they haven't even replied yet.
Every outside organisation I talk to points me back to my CMHT saying I'm already supposed to be getting support from them...
I'm so fed up and don't know what else I can do.
Warm baths and herbal tea isn't cutting it.
Hi Granite wave
I have just popped a reply to your other post. I am sorry that you had to wait a while for a reply but sometimes it can just take a little longer for someone who has been through similar to see it and be able to offer support.
If you ever feel you need support more quickly the best way is to give the Support Line a call. There is someone there between 8am and 8pm everyday.
I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with your mental health at the moment and it is not surprising that this has been affected by your diagnosis. It does sound like you have contacted many people for support and that your CMHT is overstretched at the moment.
I wonder if it is worth contacting your GP and seeing if they can step in and offer some support or if they can chase up the CMHT for you.
Another option could be to talk to PALS. I will pop a link.
What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)? - NHS
Another thing would be to give NHS111 a call and go through to option 2 for mental health support.
Why not give the Macmillan Support Line a call today and talk things through. They are lovely on there and they can take a look to see what support is available in your local area.
Jane
Sometimes it can help to vent. I am sorry that you are having to deal with all this. I hope that your GP called back and offered support.
How frustrating. Fingers crossed they get back to you today.
Sorry to hear that, GraniteWave. It is so frustrating and disappointing when calls are not returned as promised.
I experienced this with a doctor's surgery for a prolonged period, and it was hard not to feel a sense of despair and worry that I just wasn't going to be cared-for. For me, it took repeated attempts to follow up and calmly explain the impact it was having each time. They did finally get it right and things were sorted.
I really hope that this is the time they get it right for you, and that they'll finally be able to get some meaningful support arranged. Don't give up, despite these awful setbacks. We're all here for you in the meantime.
All the best,
Matthew
Macmillan Online Community Team
