EvieDoe Posted June 19, 2014 Report Share Posted June 19, 2014 I've managed to plod along without any support for the last 2 years but i'm starting to really spiral down over the last couple of months, sh'd twice after being free for 2 years. Today on an impulse I booked an appt with a GP i've never seen before. Only registered at the docs in April and had 1 appt since then which wasn't related to MH stuff. I don't really know what to say to this new doctor? I booked the appt because I know I need help but obviously she isn't going to know my history and I don't want to be referred back to Community Mental Health Team again. The main problem is that I don't know what options there are within the NHS, what I could ask her about because i've only ever seen CMHT. Is there actual counselling available on the NHS or just cbt and the suchlike? I have no idea what to say to this doctor! I feel like all I need to be stable is to be able to talk to someone irl that I can trust. I really don't feel like I need complicated interventions, mental health teams, meds or cbt, just someone to listen to me. Or failing that at least to just be referred directly to a psychiatrist or psychologist rather than to a CMHT. How do I talk to this doctor and stay confident enough to ask for what I feel I need? How do I phrase what I think I need without some big, rambling conversation like this post is turning into or without seeming disjointed and making no sense (struggle with this a lot!)? Sorry if this is in the wrong place, definitely struggling with making sense today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jelly-bean Posted June 20, 2014 Report Share Posted June 20, 2014 If you are 21 years old they wont refer you to cmht... your now classed as an adult, maybe if your unsure of what to say write it down before hand ... you seem to know what you dont want which is a good start ... maybe ask to talk to a counsellor ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artemis84 Posted June 20, 2014 Report Share Posted June 20, 2014 Maybe I've misunderstood but I thought CMHT meant Community Mental Health Team - which is kind of the middle man between GP and more secondary mental health care....? I think GPs who do listen to patients with mh concerns (which is, on my experience, not all!) tend to refer on to the CMHT as they are more specialised and have more resources available to them. Also, accessing therapy or counselling may have to be done via them - I guess it depends on the system where you live. However, saying that you don't feel you need the help of the team shouldn't stop the GP telling you if counselling is available without that referral. Even if counselling isn't offered straight off the nhs, she may be able to tell you of some local charities or such who might offer low cost or 'pay-what-you-can' counselling options that could help you. I think Jelly is right - you seem to know where you want to start which is great - and jotting down the main points so you don't go blank in the appointment always helps, I find. Don't be afraid to ask for what you think you need, having something to go on will help the GP far more than you waiting for her to do all the talking. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhyMeAngel25 Posted June 21, 2014 Report Share Posted June 21, 2014 Hi i am very new to this site but i have just come across your post...... I have never been referred to a CMHT.... Firstly i hope your feeling ok ..secondly i have been battling with my BPD for over 15 years now an my doctors was my first point of call 15 years ago an from there on i have seen councillors and experienced CBT which was all done by my doctors......Ive been to self help groups , given advice on books to read and one on one psychotherapy all done by my psychiatrist. Then in January i had my Diagnosis from my psychiatrist. I would just go to see your doctor and explain to them your symptoms and feelings and Ask him for a referal to see a councillor ..... I hope this helps and Goodluck I am 35 years old if this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.