Do You Feel Let Down By The Nhs?

[Madeleine]

I find that generally the attitude of the NHS is that we get what we're given and can like it or lump it. I feel we're supposed to be grateful for the crumbs we get offered and shouldn't complain when it's withdrawn because there is limited supply. That said, I've been lucky with my gp, who is wonderful, and I have a very good psychologist but again though he's very nice there is definitely an attitude of you can have so much and no more.

[JTBadBug]

To all those, like myself, that are used the hard truth of therapy coming to an end abruptly...how better do you think that endings could be handled?

I personally would prefer a gradual ending...but apparently the pro's say this is not a good method...why though? I think I would be better with a staged ending...maybe...if they want us to transfer to a charity based support group, maybe, it would be beneficial to have a planned...merging of services...whereby you start the one while slowing down from the other...no doubt then though they would say that we would not be learning to handle ourselves..

I am really confused by it all...but...I am going through ending just brief intervention therapy...but...it was far too brief.

[crunchynut]

I'm not dressing up as bloody Batman though!

DJ That comment really made my day I needed that thanks!

In regards to some other posts that have discussed obtaining therapy it's a disgrace at the waiting times, a friend of mine is still waiting and that was 18 months ago. I had a 16 week course 2 years ago and was offered a trainee psychologist I tried to keep my mind open to the fact that she may be more keen to help, boy! Was I wrong she caused me so more much anxiety.

Anyways Viva la Revolution!

[nobody]

I don't think i can express just how AAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH I feel about our great (huh!) NHS.

I can't hardly speak with them on the phone, they've made me feel so completely worthless; I would feel like blowing up the world, but it's easier to give in...or that's how it seems.

I would Strongly urge any-one having problems, feel like they're not being listened to, to contact their local PALS (in UK only); i found mine such much more sympathatic, informative, and helpful, literally in 1 phone call than the NHS in 2 1/2 months.

[Amanda28]

I've had a gradual ending to my therapy. It's tough but I'm just relaying on the skills I've learned.

[Amanda28]

Take everything you've learned in dbt and practice it. it gets a little bit easier, hang on and if you need support pm me I'll help.

[isis2hathoruk]

Hey everyone. Just joined this site today and felt I had to reply as this is a topic close to my heart at the moment....

Over the eight years I've been suffering from clinical depression and BPD (four years of self harm and six suicide attempts so far...) I've had only two doctors I really connected with and both left the practice after a few months of seeing them. This obviously became a problem after a while because it's hard to open up totally about your problems to one person let alone doctor after doctor after doctor.

It ended up with me giving up trying to get help until I was forced to go because I was on the verge of suicide at which point the doctor actually shouts at me and accuses me of making up all my problems to avoid working!! (Thanks to that I ended up in hospital with blood loss from a scalpel attack on my own arm...) I've not been back there in the last six months - I ended up writing a letter of complaint to them about my treatment and the way I was spoken to and the reply was basically that I wasn't living in the real world if I expected to have that level of continuity with one doctor and if I had lost confidence in their practice I should go elsewhere (which I now have)

I've also had emergency home visits from the CMHT the day before I recieved the letter telling me they were coming meaning that I missed out on much needed help at the time as they are aware that I don't open the door to anyone unless I know they're coming (partially due to paranoia and partly due to on/off agoraphobia)

All I want to do is find a sympathetic, patient doctor and psychiatrist and one person I can count on in emergencies but I never seem to quite get there. Sometimes I wonder if I will always feel like this and just have to scrape by as best I can alone until it disappears miraculously or I finally make a good job of trying to top myself. Either way by then I'll probably have a totally pickled liver, no teeth and arms like a kids etch a sketch pic coz my coping mechanisms tend to be drink, drugs and cutting. I have to go to a medical on Wednesday and dunno what to say as it's going to seem like I'm not trying to help myself - just hope they listen and understand.

Anyway, soz for blabbing on - just needed to get that off my chest. xx

[JTBadBug]

Isis,

I hoped that it helped getting it off your chest...I think you will find many people here experience similar responses from the NHS...as you have read...I hope you can get some support from this website...although, you know our problem don't you....we expect too much!

Keep posting, this place might become a good place for support.

Jane

[becsnoamp]

Hi Isis,

I agree with Jane. I'm so sorry to hear you were treated like that by that doctor who shouted that at you. That is disgusting. A libel case for unprofessional conduct perhaps? Hmmmm trouble is, you just can't beat the system.

I do hope it helps you to know you're certainly not alone in the way you've been treated and hope you eventually find a doc that stays at the same surgery and is sympathetic towards your needs.

[Miko]

I don't think generalisations are really possible. I think what is posted here has immense informative value and part of what it is telling me is to grab life in both hands, open up my mind wide and go 'aaaah' and maybe the lolly stick they stick in next time will be more observant, more listening and more down to earth and matter of fact than last time.

I hope I am fairly average here, I know what lies behind my depression, and a lot about remedial support that must be sought (most of it outside the MHS), and the need to be philosophical about how long that will take to get arranged.

For a person of my constitution self-knowledge and knowledge of how all human beings tick, and their information needs and varying skills levels - professionals as well - in a nutshell information flow is a great tonic. I actually suspect that is the case for everybody but one can get too used to cutting corners in information flow, both as professional, and if one hasn't had that enlightenment, as patient.

I know it doesn't always happen but I hope they will deal with you in a more practical way in future.

I got asked my moods by the new psychiatrist and had to explain to her that I might maintain a sense of humour, find some pleasurable things and opportunities to present a cheerful manner, and be profoundly sad, gloomy and slower than usual due to specific concrete causes. It puzzles me the way the term 'mood' is sometimes mentioned as if it isn't something we all constantly change anyway. As far as I am aware, depression is about deep seated sadness rather than mood.

[mooncat]

I'm new to this site and really glad I have found it.

I finished CAT (Cognitive Analytical Therapy) 2 weeks ago and in a new crisis fuelled by anger and very difficult relationship with my mother, but am now extremely low and can hardly see the point and continuing (how many times have I been there before?) About a month ago my therapist and I met with one of the doctors from my local CMHT and we discussed how they could support me after I finished CAT therapy.

I phoned them in a crisis state on Wednesday and saw someone this afternoon with one of the workers I've seen before (and didn't like). They are now discharging me back to my GP - a change in medication is following when I get back from holiday and they are now doing nothing.

I feel kicked in the teeth and let down again by the medical profession - something I spent therapy discussing (in part).

I have tried to do some things for myself - e.g. writing, which I find very helpful but have quite honestly had enough and cannot see things ever getting better.

I live in Souf London.

:huh:

[iar]

It makes me angry that Mental Health treatment is not as well funded, developed or looked after as Physical Health. There are undeniably massive problems in all areas of the NHS but the treatment of mental health is put down as second rate...something to spend money on if they have it left.

Because you can't see it it's not that serious and you're probably going to be ok if you just live you're life how a counsellor/psychiatrist tells you. Infact you only need 3 appointments and if it's not working it's because you're not trying hard enough and don't really want to change. They would NEVER tell you that if they saw you're chest infection was advancing. There is NO difference. You do not chose to have a mental illness and you cannot control it without the ongoing support that people with physical problems often get.

I would have thought that in 2007 people would start to realise this and understand that it is just as hellish to live with a serious mental health condition as it is with athritis. The main may not be in your joints, but it certainly IS in your head.

I am sure that if you're lucky enough there are some brilliant GP's and mental health workers out there, but for the majority it seems as if we are let down. I don't think it is unique to BPD. I have a few friends who have serious depression and are left to fend for themselves most of the time.

[JTBadBug]

I'm new to this site and really glad I have found it.

I finished CAT (Cognitive Analytical Therapy) 2 weeks ago and in a new crisis fuelled by anger and very difficult relationship with my mother, but am now extremely low and can hardly see the point and continuing (how many times have I been there before?) About a month ago my therapist and I met with one of the doctors from my local CMHT and we discussed how they could support me after I finished CAT therapy.

I phoned them in a crisis state on Wednesday and saw someone this afternoon with one of the workers I've seen before (and didn't like). They are now discharging me back to my GP - a change in medication is following when I get back from holiday and they are now doing nothing.

I feel kicked in the teeth and let down again by the medical profession - something I spent therapy discussing (in part).

I have tried to do some things for myself - e.g. writing, which I find very helpful but have quite honestly had enough and cannot see things ever getting better.

I live in Souf London.

Been in exactly the same position just possibly a month before you. I had worked hard to handle the ending, but then they triggered me and ran. Apparently, they can't offer the support that I need so I can't have any. I hope things pick up for you soon...I did go into a crisis at the time but I have calmed down a bit now, but, I am sure you know what it is like....it is just another flat bit on lifes continual roller coaster.

Good luck.

Jane

Jar, I completely agree with your comments too.

[little_miss_V]

Hey there!!!

Sorry for bringing this topic out of retirement, but I could totally relate to what so many of you have said, and I had to respond!!!

I have only been in care of a CMHT for a year and a half or so, but already I'm on my second care co-ordinator! I had councilling when I was 17 (about the self harm) and was told it was a healthy outlet, in a crisis situation maybe two years ago (my first semi-psychotic episode I guess) I was told I would grow out of the self harm- which was not what I was there for!!

I am actually still not having treatment though. The powers that be are prepared to treat my self harm, as it is fairly severe, but not the BPD. Which seems somewhat counterproductive to me. I was offered some specialist treatment, but then the finance people said no, then was assessed and rejected from three other places. One of those I was reassessed at today. Am due to go in to hospital for a few days when a bed opens up for a respite sort of thing.

If I end up in group therapy, I'll not be happy!

But yeah, if you include my many bad A+E experiences, it's fair to say I feel let down by the NHS! I could b*tch about this subject all day... but I would anger myself too much! But that's not a BPD thing, my partner would get angry talking about it too- more so even.

My main problem with the system (for now at least) is the lack of support in 'percieved crisis situations'. Just because I'm not planning to off myself, doesn't mean I don't know when I'm not safe. But because you are not planning it, they are happy to send you home with no follow up support, to let you continue to free fall. I know when I'm in crisis, I just can't make anyone acknowledge it in time.