How Has anyone successfully had mental health support?

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Abaddononon@reddit

Keep on with the GP , they will prescribe something for the anxiety. In regards to the long term stuff.... best google psychologists in your area, pay £100 an hour twice a month and you'll find yourself in a better situation.

The mental health stuff does suck in the UK , for adhd diagnosis and treatment it's a 10 year waiting list......

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I take propanalol and sertraline, I’ll try a private psych. Thank you. I’ve never been more ashamed of my country in my life.

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tasteslikepurple6@reddit

Who is monitoring your meds? You probably don't have the right dosage. It's completely normal to try different dosages before finding the right balance.

Get a medication review.

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libbsibbs@reddit

Different dosages or different types of meds. My gp told me (about ten years ago?) that I’d need to try a fourth type before she’d be able to refer me to a psychiatrist.

I joined a study that gave me access to one, as well as some heavier meds.

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fionakitty21@reddit

I've been on pretty much every type over 20 years,but been on mirtazapine the last 5 years and it's worked the best for me! Upped dosage about 2 years ago.

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tall_building@reddit

Sertraline made my problems a million times worse

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OmnipresentAnnoyance@reddit

That stuff made me suicidal for about one year, and gave me seizures. Tapered off it after 3 months because the effect was so awful. Supposedly works for many people, but mindfulness, exercise and healthy diet are underrated for their impact.

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Comfortable-mouse05@reddit

I think this is important to point out. The realities of peoples experiences with SSRIs. I recently have come off Setraline after many, many years.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

Sertraline does help me, but it feels like it’s temporary and I’ll have to keep upping forever. I won’t stop taking my medication unless the doctor tells me to.

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Gatitoflojo@reddit

Sertraline is not a temporary solution, it is a long term one. Keep taking it, the effects of those kind of medications are shown after several months (4-6 months you can start to feel some changes) and can take years for you to reach a stable state. I have been taking it for around 20 years, with some periods of break to rest my body. The propanolol is a short term solution, it acts very fast and the effect does not last longterm

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Specimen_E-351@reddit

Keep taking it, the effects of those kind of medications are shown after several months (4-6 months you can start to feel some changes) and can take years for you to reach a stable state.

Are you basing this advice on any kind of science given that most trials last 8-12 weeks?

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Tigertotz_411@reddit

I would not say sertraline is a long-term solution at all. Its potentially helpful for a sudden traumatic event as it numbs your emotions like intense grief and despair so you can function (though it taking a while to work negates this somewhat). If you're so overcome with emotional pain then it does definitely take the edge off.

The trade-off is that numbing of positive as well as negative emotions and emotions are a big part of our creativity and for many people creativity is a key part of recovery. Everyone is different though. Also recognising emotions and acting on them is a huge motivation for some people.

What SSRIs don't do is help you develop emotional regulation skills. Long term I'd say there are more cons than pros. A change in environment and routine to integrate emotional regulation skills is really the only solution for most people but that is difficult and often impractical in the modern world.

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Gatitoflojo@reddit

It depends of the person as you say, but for me at least, sertraline helps me to unlock my emotions as naturally I don’t feel them. Taking sertraline is the only way I have been able to do therapy for example and make it work. Otherwise for me is impossible. When I say long term solution I meant that antidepressants works in that way, they have to be use for long term to see the effects, opposite to other medications like psychotropics or other anxiolytic medications of short effects. And of course all those medications have different effects in people. For me for example, all the Prozac stuff never worked, I took the maximum recommended doses and I didn’t feel any effect, while one of my friends felt it was the best thing ever happened to her because it helped her a lot. On the opposite, sertraline worked the best for my issues but it took me years of trying different stuff to arrive to that. If sertraline is working for this person, it’s good, just give it time while you continue trying with therapies and other things. Medication is just a help, it doesn’t solve the issues and everyone must look for the one that it is the best for them. There is still a lot of personal work to get better.

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ApprehensiveMove4031@reddit

You can't write that

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FeedFrequent1334@reddit

You can't write that

Im aware you most likely mean that it's not the right message to be sending to a person who might be at breaking point and doesn't know where to turn, but the reality is that SSRI's won't work for everyone. Different people will experience different side effects and to varying degrees. For some, those side effects can be so severe they outweigh any potential benefit from the medication.

Personally I found Sertraline to be the least bad of the SSRI's I was on in terms of extreme side effects. For my partner it was a complete game-changer and mostly positive in helping her through a pretty rough time with post-natal depression. I know plenty other people who have had mixed experiences.

Taking of course of drugs that affects brain chemistry every single day for an extended period of time can have serious adverse effects, and people shouldn't be silenced from talking about them.

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Trace6x@reddit

I would suggest stronger medication tbh

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minmega@reddit (OP)

They just upped my dose, I’ll ask if I can take more ig. The question is, what if I take so much that I’m not even me anymore, I’m not even living. Is that a dub for me or a dub for the illness? Does it matter if I don’t feel pain?

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hzl@reddit

Upping my dose of sertraline temporarily exacerbated my symptoms. It settled after a few weeks.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

yeah i feel a lot better now, it kinda goes up and down. Ill try and hold out.

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Nonbinary_Cryptid@reddit

Hey friend. See an increased dose as a temporary support until they get you the help you need. Ask to see a different GP, take someone with you if you have someone. Ask for an urgent psych referral. My old GP told me that they would be able to retire early if 'they had a tenner for every neurotic person thinking they had something worse than anxiety' that they saw. I repeated that I wanted a psych referral and they made it. Turns out I have bipolar and with time, patience, new meds and some mindfulness therapy, I'm doing okay. Point of the essay is to say that even if your GP is horrible, you have to be firm with what you need. Check your local NHS pages, because some offer a self-referral, and if you're in immediate danger and crisis, ask a friend to take you to A&E, which is a scary experience but can help kick-start the process. Keep reaching out for support and good luck.

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Trace6x@reddit

That's a question I've been through too. Ultimatley you have to decide what is worse, how you're currently feeling or how you might feel when medicated.

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SeahorseQueen1985@reddit

I know how you feel. I was very close to a mental health breakdown Aug last year. Went to my GP who prescribed medication and booked me some appts with a mental health community nurse. Who went through a depression & anxiety quiz about 8 weeks after starting meds; which would have been much more useful when I attended the GP in the first place. And that's it. No review with the GP, nothing.

I saught some private counselling but it made things worse rather than better. So I stopped. Still feel pretty angry that I begged my GP for help & they prescribed meds and that's it. Waiting list for counselling on the NHS is 2-3 years. So looks like I'll be funding private sessions again, which isn't cheap. The NHS sucks with mental health. The funding & awareness just isn't there.

It's been like this for decades. My sister suffered a full on mental health breakdown 2 decades ago & was placed in a mental health hospital, where you would think they would be treated. Nope. Strongly medicated & saw a doctor once a week. Yes, weekly. Not daily. My sister eventually got through it & when I asked her about her experiences, she said 'I was the lowest of the low and thought the hospital would help, but they did nothing, I realised if I was going to get out of there, I'd have to do it myself'.

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FeedFrequent1334@reddit

Thank you. I’ve never been more ashamed of my country in my life.

If you're referring to the state of mental health services here I felt exactly the same way 15 years ago. They threw SSRI's at the prblem but I was lucky enough to get an appointment for counselling which I naively thought would be a great help but instead was a crushing experience.

Today it also seems pretty grim, but mostly because the nhs services are completely overwhelmed and underfunded. Thankfully today we least have more resources and a lot more awareness.

I'm sorry that I don't have any answers for you. I hope you find something that works for you, or at least something that makes it easier to navigate this period of your life. Know that feeling the way you do is nothing to be ashamed about and remember that you absolutely are not alone.

Feel free to reach out to me on here if you need to vent. I can't promise to be of any real help but I can lend a sympathetic ear. I'm nearly 40 now and still haven't managed to completely shake that dog off my back, but it definitely doesn't rear it's ugly head quite as often, and when it does it doesn't hang around for nearly as long as it used to.

All the best, random Reddit stranger.

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Abaddononon@reddit

Yeah, that's the basic plaster over a wound stuff they gave me. I'll drop you a PM

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changhyun@reddit

Yes to all of this. Also, ask therapists in your area if they have a lower rate for people in low incomes. It's not uncommon for them to offer this, so long as you can provide proof of income.

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AdditionalDonut8706@reddit

1) Talk to GP, get pills. Accept side effects as this will make it easier to fix other problems. Pills don't fix anything but they give you sight of light at the end of the tunnel - then you can get to work. 2) Get in a pattern of regular exercise. Starting is hard, but it will make a huge difference. If you can't afford a gym, go running. If your body won't let you run, start walking everywhere. Bonus for getting out in daylight. 3) Get in a regular schedule and avoid late nights, early mornings. Set evening limits on caffeine and screens. 4) Take stock. Do you want a new job, more friends, new hobbies? Set aside regular admin time to look for clubs, apply for jobs or learn. Make realistic and practical choices to improve your situation day by day, week by week. 5) Reassess your medication, reduce doses until you find the right balance for you. If you had negative side effects, now is the time to talk to you GP about trying alternatives.

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LateralLimey@reddit

Nope. I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression. Was referred to the CMHT, who made it worse, I ended up refusing further treatment from them. Went back to my GP, who put me in touch with the Trust Mental Health Outreach worker, having repeated everything that I had told the CMHT they said that I should have been immediately medicated.

Back to the GP who prescribed Citalopram. After six months it wasn't really working so the there increased the dose. When I came to get a repeat prescription I found the GP Practice had cancelled it. I left it as that.

Months later I was getting worse again so I went back to the GP who couldn't find out why the prescription had been cancelled. So they prescribed me Sertoline. Several months later they crashed me off that by delaying the repeat prescription by three weeks.

May only choices are going back to the CMHT team (I'd rather have a cactus shoved up my arse) or hoping that the GP Practice can handle timely repeat prescriptions which they have proved they can't. There are no other avenues of referrals.

So I have given up.

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secretlondon@reddit

The army won’t take you if you are that unwell

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thereisalwaysrescue@reddit

I had a stillbirth and then a few weeks later my dad died. I decided I wanted to take my own life, and I made plans for my pension, for my son, my husband etc.

I had therapy for approx 18 months which included grief counselling, trauma exposure, peri natal counselling, EDMR therapy and finally, CBT. It saved my life.

I won’t lie and I say I’m cured. I have bad days even though I have a baby girl now who is amazing and a job I love. Some days I lie on the floor and I cry that so many bad things happened to me. Some days I look in the mirror and I have aged so much. But I am here, I am alive and I am grateful.

Please OP, seek help. Even if you arrive at your GP with a letter and they read it. Even if you take someone with you and they do the talking.

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hotdamn_1988@reddit

sorry to go off topic but i believe in joe hendry

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thereisalwaysrescue@reddit

👏🏻 👏🏻 😔

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Natural-Confusion885@reddit

Hey OP. You should make an emergency appointment with your GP. Ask to see someone different than last time and if you have someone that supports you, like your parents or a friend, you could ask them to go with you. Write down everything that you're feeling and experiencing. Stress that it's urgent and you need support immediately.

You should look at these pages, too: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/getting-help-in-a-crisis/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

This isn't relevant to your condition, but some of the advice from this Crisis Resources pack I put together may help: https://www.reddit.com/r/PMDD/s/SAVp89xmWP

Above all else, know that you're not alone and that there is absolutely help available to you. It's not your fault that your experience so far has been so poor and I'm genuinely sorry for the lack of help you've received. It's not OK and you deserve better.

Here is a link to helplines, if you'd like to talk to someone: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines/

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I appreciate the large response. I puked up cause I’ve been to all these sites before and I just can’t figure out how I’m supposed to get better from it. My GP is so useless I can’t think about it without my entire body having a reaction. Sat here crying. I’ll go through the links to see if there’s something I missed. I appreciate your response.

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malmikea@reddit

Can you change surgery’s?

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minmega@reddit (OP)

Hi yes, im in a more rational state of mind now. This is probably also a good idea amongst the other good ideas. Its nice to know I have options that i didnt really consider before. Thank you

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Natural-Confusion885@reddit

You could also consider online counselling services, private therapy/psychiatry (if you're struggling to pay, look into low-cost options), and mental health services that accept self-referrals. It's difficult, I know. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling to navigate any of these options and would like a hand.

This is maybe something for further down the line but you may also consider reaching out to PALS or the manager of your GP surgery to share your experience.

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jonewer@reddit

Two things that really helped me were taking a fairly large does of Vitamin B12 daily, and also getting on the creatine

The B12 had a noticeable impact within a few days but the creatine took a month or so of daily dosing to become very apparent

I know it sounds like mumbo jumbo but there's actually quite a lot of literature about the effect of creatine on cognitive function and mental health. Trust me, it's not just for gym bros.

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mediocrityindepth@reddit

At the insistence of my (NHS employed) partner, I have been taking Vit B12 daily. I'd be infuriated at how much difference it has made were it not for the fact I've enjoyed the difference.

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AttunedtoSymmetry@reddit

Is there a particular kind to take or are any of them effective? What sort of dosage do you take?

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IndicationVast5152@reddit

as above but if you have a mostly plant-based / dairy-free diet go for cyanocobalamin https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin

The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate.

Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results

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jonewer@reddit

I just get mine from Sainsburys. 100ug a day.

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jonewer@reddit

I don't understand why its not more widely recommended by GP's. Its cheap and widely available and Dear Lord its got less problematic side effects than Sertraline

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DarkStreamDweller@reddit

Not really. The most help therapy-wise I got was when I went to A&E after a mental health emergency or when I was a minor. Where I currently live, the NHS mental health services are terrible and I am too unwell to work a full-time job so I have no access to private healthcare.

Medication has helped stabilise me though. Instead of constantly being suicidal, I just feel numb. I saw in another comment you said you were on sertraline, maybe ask the GP if you can try another. I had to test out several different medications before I found one that worked.

Being out of work for a while has given me the time to work on my mental health. I've been slowly building up things that benefit my wellbeing. I started using HelloFresh a few months ago and it has helped massively with eating enough food & eating healthier, also has made me enjoy cooking again and it's quite a mindful activity for me. You could maybe try making a meal plan of some sort if that is not in your price range - eating good really does help you mentally. I also take multivitamins every day, I started doing this initially because I am vegetarian but they definitely help make me feel less exhausted. Exercise is another thing - I started the gym recently, only go once a week and do a bit of cardio but it has helped me feel a lot better in myself. You could try going for a walk, doesn't have to be every day and doesn't have to be super long, just some minutes of exercise can really help. I've also deleted a bunch of social media to stop me doom scrolling & to avoid seeing things that make me miserable. I got into a good habit of reading before bed too, but I had a bit of a blip recently and stopped, trying to get back into it again as it is nice to get lost in a book instead of being alone with your thoughts. Also have been trying to do volunteering to find some form of purpose.

Not sure if any of the above will help you (or if you're already doing them), just thought I'd mention them because I completely understand what you're going through, I've been where you are.

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Traderdiscretionary@reddit

The NHS is good for physical issues but not for mental issues. When I told my GP about my mental health, I was offered anxiety tablets (which I refused).

I did my own research and found out that most of the mental health issues we develop, they come from some sort of trauma (not always but mostly) and mostly it will be from childhood. And most support offered is short term (some counselling sessions, anxiety tablets, etc.), which is not to say it can't help short ter. but it's not a long term solution.

Currently i am doing EMDR, still too early to tell how it's going as I only had a few sessions, but there is also other forms of therapy available like somatic experiencing, IFS, CBT, etc.

A good book to read is 'The body keeps the score' of Bessel van der kolk.

Hope that helps

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Xenna11@reddit

With you there! I was extremely lucky that a lovely GP called me before she left work tonight. I am going in tomorrow. She told me about the NHS resources for tonight if I needed it but a lovely Reddit user actually helped me. I am watching David Attenborough for some reason he calms me and with animals. I see the doctor tomorrow. Maybe next week we will feel a bit better?

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lepan_53@reddit

lol i just had to learn to suppress it, nhs is crap

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IndividualCurious322@reddit

I only managed to get it when actively suicidal.

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Ownit2022@reddit

B12 methylcobalamin stopped me from feeling like that.

Try Deva B12 2500mcg brand - works within 5 minutes as it is a sublingual

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FilmFanatic1066@reddit

I got my gp to prescribe me medication but self funded private therapy

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Guilty_Question_8925@reddit

I know how hard it is to ask for help and then feel totally let down. I got 'lucky' in that I have regular hopsital visits for another issue and I was referred to counselling and put on citalopram. I'm not sure i ever would've found it in me to go to the GP or any health professional of my own will. A lot of my doctors at my GP practice are absolutely useless but a couple of them are really good, so it may be worth asking for a different doctor. I don't want to generalise but I find younger doctors actually listen and are more helpful especially women. I don't know your experience exactly but I think if there's a doctor you have had any good experience with in the past, even if it was related to another issue then to request them for an appointment.

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kestrelita@reddit

I'm going to share my experience, hopefully it will help. I had a mental breakdown a couple of years ago, went to my GP and was told that it was likely to be depression and OCD. I was given a website to use to get myself on a waiting list for CBT, and was put on anti depressants in the meantime to stabilise me.

I received a phone call where I completed a survey, I guess this was a triage? I was then contacted by a therapist and we started online sessions. We decided that what I needed was exposure therapy to try and get the OCD under control. I hated every second of it, but I completed the sessions. I didn't get to the top of the ladder, but I made progress that I'm still appreciating years later.

Please go and see your GP to start the ball rolling, I'm happy to chat more if that would help.

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LEVI_TROUTS@reddit

Could I ask... What is a mental breakdown? My uncle 'had one', when his marriage broke down. This was late 80s and I was never sure if it was just a cover for their split, but I think it was far more serious. I'm sure he was in hospital for a while.

Anyway, fast-forward about 37 years and I'm going through a really tough period. I feel fine at the moment, although I feel physically 'gutted', like I have no strength or anything. But I'm doing what needs to be done to sort out our current mess. But I do worry something might just flip and that'll be that.

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kestrelita@reddit

I've had two in my life. The first one was more traditional depression - couldn't face work, getting out of bed... Just lost interest in everything for months. The second one was more linked to my OCD - I stopped sleeping and started cleaning everything obsessively, I was doing 10 loads of laundry a day, I completely trashed my skin by washing my hands with bleach. It wasn't a good time.

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling, hopefully a chat to your GP will be helpful.

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SeahorseQueen1985@reddit

Not OP but I felt very close to a breakdown a few months ago. Felt like my brain had stopped working and instead every emotion overtook. I didn't feel safe to be at work. I felt an intense rollercoaster of ups and downs. I think if I'd continued I would have had a mental health breakdown, in the sense my brain was ceasing to work due to my mental health.

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DangerousCalm@reddit

It's different for everyone. For me, it was the physical inability to get into work. Absolutely could not face it.

Like u/kestrelita said, get to the GP. I was signed off for 4 weeks and given a phone appointment for triage. Once that appointment was done I was offered the online sessions - but I am an awful procrastinator and didn't do that very well, so they shifted me to regular phone appointments to ensure I was accountable. It really did help. It was an incredibly helpful service and I'm glad I was able to access it relatively quickly.

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Jomato_Soup@reddit

Not OP, firstly I’m glad you were able to get the help you needed! I’m totally prying here but were you able to come off the antidepressants?

I’m going through postpartum depression/OCD and looking at all my options. Currently doing CBT and some exposure therapy. Tablets have been mentioned but I’m worried I would need them forever.

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kestrelita@reddit

I'm still taking sertraline, but that's because I'm still finding it helpful for both mental health reasons and pmt - I'm less full of rage which is doing wonders for family life and work security! I took fluoxetine in my 20s and came off it without any issues.

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sweetcecily@reddit

Have you tried hubofhope.co.uk it might be of use but don’t think a lot of people know about it.

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postvolta@reddit

Got meds on NHS and therapy private. I want gonna wait 8 weeks for therapy. I needed to talk to someone right away.

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AS24300@reddit

I really wouldn't recommend joining the army for the healthcare as it's a tough job. It would be extremely difficult to get through training with those kind of mental health problems as it's very demanding and you have to deal with being shouted at which would all just make the problem worse, also If they realised that you concealed your mental health problems, they might discharge you. It is unfortunate that there are not enough mental health resources. I am dealing with the same thing, I am waiting for CBT therapy. Maybe try to change doctors if you can. I have found mental health support groups to be helpful, also there is NHS Recovery College who do lots of online webinars and workshops. I have used them and found them helpful.

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Several_Jello2893@reddit

Mental health nurse here, I work in the South East so sorry if some of my advice is specific to the area.

The problem is that the NHS is so underfunded and overloaded that mental health patients are triaged by level of risk, leaving so many people on endless waiting lists. A&E can only deal with emergencies, and community services are at breaking point. Inpatient services are not much better, we are all so overwhelmed and are not functioning in many areas. Currently most community mental health teams will only take on patients who are considered ‘high risk’ which doesn’t help matters.

There are many helplines- I wouldn’t suggest Samaritans as they are run by volunteers and aren’t mental health professionals. You can call 111 and select the mental health option, Saneline or Shout. There should be local crisis support lines, my area is Sussex mental health line, I’m not sure what yours would be. If you feel unsafe/ suicidal, you can call an ambulance. This may seem dramatic, but that is what they are there for.

I would suggest going back to your GP, definitely request a different doctor, that is your right to do so. Be explicit about how you feel and how you are deteriorating. You could be referred for talking therapy under the NHS, they are normally called wellbeing teams. You also probably need a medication review.

You could consider paying for private healthcare such as Bupa/ The Priory etc but I would try a different GP before you go down that route.

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TSC-99@reddit

I’ve got an amazing mental health nurse at the GP surgery. She’s amazing. Maybe ask to be seen by one of those.

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PabloMarmite@reddit

Have you got a Central Access Point in your area? They can usually get you triaged quite quickly and has the advantage of bypassing a GP entirely.

What support are you wanting? There’s no magic switch unfortunately, it takes a long time. If you can afford to get private therapy, do. Bear in mind there are both good and bad therapists and you might need to go through a few before you find one that works.

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Leafyghosts@reddit

In my case, it took me isolating myself for about 2 years from everyone. My mum eventually got social services to visit me, and I was presented with the option to go in to respite care for a few months or I'd be sectioned to the hospital if I refused. My flat needed deep cleaning as I was living in filth.

After that I had a social worker for a while. Got diagnosed with autism. Now I don't really have any follow up support apart from annual psych medication reviews but I'm at least managing better, and have a direct line to my social worker if I need help again.

I'd spent ages pleading with my GP for help but basically just kept having my blood tested with nothing else. I've been on a cocktail of antidepressants for almost 20 years to no benefit. I found out my GP won't refer for counselling anymore because too many people wouldn't engage with the service apparently. You have to self refer and the waiting list is about 2 years.

I guess the main question I'd ask, is what kind of support are you looking for? If it's counselling then you can self refer and wait, or pay privately. I paid while I was working and at £40 a session it felt worth it, I just can't afford it anymore. If it's inpatient care you want, that's a bit more tricky because beds are limited. My time in respite was spent with mostly people who lived in care full time. I had to take a bed outside my local area until one closer to home was available. You can try to ask a different GP to refer you for inpatient treatment if you feel it's what you need. As a voluntary patient you have much more freedom than if you're sectioned. It was absolutely worth it for me, and was why I went willingly because I knew I needed it. I would have asked for it sooner if I knew I could go willingly instead of needing to get to the point of almost being sectioned. I'm not sure if I'd have gotten it but theoretically you can ask for a referral to inpatient care.

Best of luck, the system is so tricky to navigate especially when you're in crisis. I hope you are able to access the support you need.

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Weneedarevolutionnow@reddit

A few questions coming from a suspicion that you are deregulated and in a flashback situation….

Has something happened recently (even 18 months ago) that made you feel vulnerable? You could be in fight/flight mode. Are you exhausted?

You may need therapy from a Trauma counsellor. You might need to ground yourself.

If any of the above resonates - I can explain more. I recognise from your post the issues I had with getting help. I didn’t have the vocabulary to explain or understand it.

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RepresentativeCat196@reddit

Yeah but I got really bad before they stepped in. They definitely intervened too late. I’ve had to go private for therapy twice because of this.

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No_Direction_4566@reddit

I’ve usually ended up in the system via the Crisis teams / inpatient teams and have usually ended up with decent emergency mental health care.

Long term care is adhoc. Had a three weekly phone call for about 6 months until I stopped answering it and then I had 2 appointments. I then privately funded therapy (EMDR and CBT) and then self discharged from the mental health teams via requesting it and ignoring them until they discharged me back to the GP.

3 years since my last crisis team intervention! Woop.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I had a crisis team recently, they focused too much on past trauma/rape and then referred me to a charity and discharged me and then the charity didn’t even contact me and why am I going to a charity for healthcare. This line of reasoning literally takes my breath away and I start hyperventilating. Is any of it real, is mental healthcare something that exists, or am I just screwed.

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DryJackfruit6610@reddit

I went to a charity when my GP referred me, 12 months of free counselling really made a difference, I had 1hr of therapy every week.

I have gone from not wanting to be around anymore, to being able to live life normally. I'd really recommend it if it is available

Is that the service which is offered by the charity?

Be safe

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No_Direction_4566@reddit

I can’t answer any of that - it feels wrong though.

Mine was childhood trauma based and I’ll be honest they told me they had a 3 year waiting list for treatment - hence why I just paid for it.

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xtinak88@reddit

You may have done this but depending on where you are there is self referral for talking therapies. If you go to this link and then click "Find NHS talking therapies" and enter your postcode you can see what is available to you: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/

You could also call 111. I've done that before and I ended up connected to some kind of urgent help hub who listened and prescribed something over the phone as a stopgap.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I’ve done this. The guy I spoke to was like a lost puppy, they have a very “we can’t help you but we are here lol” vibe. Actually they have explicitly told me they cannot help. Idk fuck it I’ll just try again, my heads spinning from trying to remember

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xtinak88@reddit

Give it another go. They are people on the other end and sometimes you get a good one.

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Remote-Pool7787@reddit

Being realistic, the armed forces isn’t an option. You’d never clear the medical

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I could, just gotta not talk to doctors for a year, or just tell them I’m better which I think the docs would eat up. I’m patient (pun) and I’m willing to try anything/everything.

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tasteslikepurple6@reddit

I'm wondering why you think joining the army would be more doable than applying pressure to your GP.

If it's a particular doctor you're uncomfortable with, you can request a different GP for an appointment, whatever can get you through that door.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

It’s getting a bit grim tbh. That’s why. I’m still trying with the GP

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tasteslikepurple6@reddit

It's hard being expected to advocate for yourself when you're feeling so exhausted. These bad feelings are not forever. You just need the tools to get better.

I really do think, based on some other comments, a medication review is the most immediate thing that will help you.

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Remote-Pool7787@reddit

Haha no. It’s not that simple. Plenty of people come out of the armed forces with mental health issues, but very very few people manage to slip through the net and join the armed forces with mental health issues

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minmega@reddit (OP)

My delusion will carry me through. Idk it was just an idea.

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Numerous-Lecture4173@reddit

Running, gym, MTB, caffeine, music. NHS is mostly wack, counselling is expensive and I've found it pretty much redundant. Any meds that will help are bad for you likely won't get prescribed. As bad as it sounds I've always knuckled through and raw dog life black coffee and early mornings... Get a good friend of partner and talk talk talk

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minmega@reddit (OP)

With all due respect, I’ve tried daily gym. I’ve tried cardio, I’ve tried lifting (4 times a week) for more than a year. Idk what MTB is, the biking thing? I can try that but I already tried the nature side. My uncle demands I go on walks cause it will “fix” me. I have a wife who is great, but like what can she actually do other than talk. I’ve talked so much, spoken every single truth I can. These things don’t really help me. I had some decent gains though.

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Numerous-Lecture4173@reddit

That's fine. Can you describe exactly what it is you're struggling with, DM me if personal but anxiety or depression is a general saying. I've overcome many related issues in my life and happy to talk with you if you needed. The Samaritans are good if you're at your last will.

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Kind-Photograph2359@reddit

5 years ago I had a complete breakdown. I was depressed, my anxiety was at ridiculous levels, I'd had panic attacks and it got to the point that I struggled to leave the house.

I went to my local GP and was signed off work and took several different types of anti depressants.

The first step was admitting I needed help so congratulations on hitting that.

I spoke with my close friends and wife, I didn't want advice from them I just needed them to know I was struggling. On the very bad days I would phone my GP and I was lucky to get several appointments with one nurse who I felt I could trust enough to talk openly with, she was very good at helping me see that my negative thoughts would have zero impact on actual events.

I took small steps, going for walks, going to the shop, just simple everyday things that got me moving in the right direction. I eventually had to return to work and took things one day at a time. I was improving everyday, I wanted it and I hated how I had been feeling.

Years later and I still have the odd bad day where the anxiety will start creeping in and I remember that I've been through it all before and came out the other end.

Have you tried calling 101, it may be worth explaining to them that you've tried your GP with no success? Do you have family/friends you can speak with?

I know it's cliché but you can get through this.

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Scasne@reddit

Honestly I went private and got a local therapist, turned out not to be tooo expensive and was quite good for me, partly I just didn't want there to be a paper trail but from what I heard unfortunately your experience isn't that unusual.

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LegsElevenses@reddit

Both my siblings died (one overdose, one hanging) because of lack of mental health support in this country. You have to fit in specific boxes to access what you need - and even then it’s so linear in a very non linear context (mental health itself).

Out of desperation we had to beg borrow and sell to access private psychologists and psychiatrists - however it was too late in our situation. I wish we’d done it sooner. Ask family to help you with costs if they can and meanwhile go via GP again, ask to speak to a different GP and explain you need urgent support and are in crisis, or that you are suicidal and need urgent help. You need to use certain buzzwords to get any attention in the NHS. It’s a mess, I’m a nurse in it and embarrassed to say it.

Good luck 🤞🏼

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Infinite_Wheel1964@reddit

You should be able to access mental health support via 111. If you feel you are unable to keep yourself safe, give them a call. Recovery is a process, there won't be a quick fix unfortunately. Doesn't mean it's not achievable though! It's usually a combination of medication, therapy and building up positives within your own life. Are there any charities or third sector support in the area you live in? They might be able to advocate for you to get more support from medical professionals and come to appointments with you so you feel heard.

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minmega@reddit (OP)

These guys do not pick up the phone at all. I do try and call them but it takes so long that I’ve already crashed out and exhausted myself. I’ve been on hold with 3 lines at the same time. I’ve had to piss while on hold cause idk if they will pick up while I’m gone. This is not your fault, of course, and I do appreciate the response. It’s nice to know there’s people that want to help

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Infinite_Wheel1964@reddit

The other alternative is to go to A&E in a crisis but I can see you've had bad experiences in the past. So have I. What is the help that you want during that time? Someone to go through coping skills with you? Someone to vent to? That will help finding the right support for you.

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alltheparentssuck@reddit

I know this support group is in Cornwall, but they may be able to put you in contact with a group in your area.

https://www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk/

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JudgmentAny1192@reddit

Are You not receiving financial support? You should at least get limited capacity, and not have to look for work until You can improve things

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I have work, I earn enough. I’m trying to find healthcare as a benefit. I own my own company. I’m willing to give it all away to get better.

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LittleInflation8147@reddit

Have you tried andys man club? I've heard great things about them and they have groups everywhere

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changhyun@reddit

They are excellent. Not a man so I haven't used them myself but I have two friends who have and they were so good.

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CompetitiveJunket187@reddit

I am in a similar position but I do have private medical through work..problem is I am in such a fuzzy mental state a lot of the time I just can't see how I start a process, or what it will be that they help with.

So, sorry to hijack your thread, but I'd been keen to hear exactly what I should do to kick off anything. I feel like I'd just like to talk through with a therapist. I've no idea if medication is a good idea for me or not. I'll do anything that actually helps tbh

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n0tright@reddit

No, and been trying for 15 years

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n0tright@reddit

Love how I get downvoted for my actual experience

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JudgmentAny1192@reddit

Are You not receiving financial support? You should at least get limited capacity, and not have to look for work until You can improve things

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Ok-Kitchen2768@reddit

I started using an ai as a make shift therapist and that's improved a lot of things for me except when it replies by telling me to talk to a therapist LOL

I've been going to therapy since I was around 13 and I'm not kidding I'm better off saving £400 a month (YEP) and just word vomitting to an ai.

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Littleprawns@reddit

I do this too. In a way it's better because therapists can be pretty crazy as well

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minmega@reddit (OP)

I started doing this but it just feels like the start of a toxic habit. These generated words won’t fix me. I still do it though, it feels embarrassing, like something I should do late at night in the dark alone.

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Ok-Kitchen2768@reddit

It's basically what therapy is anyway. Someone telling me kind words and positive outlooks to improve my own view of things. And honestly in therapy I never found they could quite do that. Most of them just nodded at me.

There's alternative methods besides therapy. Medication being the main one. Something I didn't enjoy because of side effects and my own inability to take them correctly lol. And then something I'm really interested in is Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

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MarvTheBandit@reddit

I went private for some support thankfully paid for by my job and that definitely helped. Feels like the NHS don’t have enough staff to keep up with demand.

If you can afford to go private, maybe give it a go. But I can fully understand that could cost a fair bit so isn’t an ideal solution for everyone.

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Late_Swordfish_6227@reddit

Nah therapists are creeps in disguise

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Trace6x@reddit

What makes you think that

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MD564@reddit

Yes I have BUT it was after a few years of nothing and medication was a big game charger for me.

I have an autoimmune disease that messes with my hormones which in turn messes with all the chemicals in my brain. This is only relevant in so far that perhaps it helped in getting me treatment quicker as depression is a common symptom.

One of the things that definitely helped me was writing down a list of all the key symptoms, along with how they were disrupting my life. I then went to the doctor and read it out in a basic cause and effect manner. I made sure to emphasise that it affected my work, my social life and my sex life.

Sorry if this is teaching you to suck eggs, I hope it helps in some capacity.

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Disastrous_Trick5922@reddit

I've had great support for my mental health but I did something very drastic which now means my leg will never be the same again. I don't really add well anymore so that really sucks. Have you tried mind? The number is 0300 102 1234 but only Monday to Friday 9-5 but I believe they may be able to help you. Definitely get a GP appointment too. I know it's hard but being honest about how you feel may mean your get the right support. I hope you feel better soon. Message if you want to talk!

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