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Post by evadarkness on Aug 10, 2007 20:28:02 GMT 1
Well hate to play the same old record but find the mental health care in this country a joke. It was not easy to get free therapy back home but it was available.
I have tried on several occasions to get referrals for ongoing issues since moving here and have been advised that it is just not available on the NHS. Going private is not an option.
Seems like certain things are not considered a priority so therefore dont get funding so therefore are not a problem right?
M.
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Post by admin on Aug 11, 2007 7:35:10 GMT 1
The mental health care system is in a state of complete disarray. Many mentally ill simply end up in prison which is completely the wrong place for them, and there are people who would otherwise be in full time care who are either incapable of looking after themselves properly, or cause nuisance and danger to other people. Because these people have no support network they are easy prey to those who like to manipulate vulnerable people, criminals and drug dealers.
Of course, most people with mental health issues don't fall into this extreme category and can live normal and productive lives with the right support.
I know 16 weeks seems a long time, but you may get lucky and get a cancellation.
If there's anything I can do to help give me a shout.
bb Rhiannon
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Post by warrierwitch on Aug 11, 2007 17:51:04 GMT 1
I have worked for 26 years in mental heath and I can tell you when it comes financial resources its at the very bottom of the NHS pile. When resources do get into the system they are wasted on crazy schemes that will never work.
What is needed is a good well funded community network that can support people in normal life for as long as they need it.
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Post by eva on Aug 12, 2007 13:49:07 GMT 1
Drach I'm really sorry to hear your experience! Yes the system is fatally flawed, underfunded and apparently unimportant! With most acute beds now gone, people are somehow supposed to cope with the 'no care in the community' that doesn't replace them! When will they work out that providing decent mental health services at the point of need will actually reduce demands on other services?!
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Post by autumnwolf on Aug 12, 2007 15:52:40 GMT 1
Speaking as who who has survived the system my heart goes out to you. The good news is that, if you're able to to hang in there, it can work out ... I mean look at me ... er um ok well look at the successes ^_^. I know it's hard I've just been waiting about a year and a half for CBT (Now I've started I'm not doing CBT, but hey, it's working!). As for self harm check out lifesigns.org a whole bunch of good ppl and ideas there And remember to make some time for yourself, nothing is better than reminding yourself what a good person you are. *takes nurses hat off* there hope that helps. hmm I think I'll keep the nurse's dress though, feels kinda nice on ...
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Post by eva on Aug 14, 2007 17:25:00 GMT 1
Good comments Autumnwolf - thanks for those! Accepting our own worth and valuing ourselves is a difficult but extremely important lesson to learn!
Drach - I hope you manage to treat yourself to something really lovely and enjoyable and celebrate that you deserve it, at least once a week!
Yesterday I bought myself some really pretty flowers and marvelled at the fact that, just a year ago, I would have thought it frivolous and wasteful to buy these for myself! Funny, because I wouldn't have hesitated to buy them for someone else and think 'they're worth it'!
If you can afford anything towards counselling services, many counsellors offer a sliding scale - but you probably know that. I know that the Alex Hospital does some group work but that may not be appropriate for you. I wonder whether there are CBT groups running in voluntary organisations in the area? The one that used to run in the women's prison for self-harmers got a great response from those who went on the course.
Thoughts and good vibes from me to you!!!
Editing to add that I looked at that link, Autumnwolf and it seems to be selling services - has the page changed or did you find some self-help sites on it somewhere?
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Post by eva on Aug 14, 2007 22:29:30 GMT 1
Yes I can see the dilemma with group work for self harm. I think the controlled environment in the prison helped and they were also able to control who joined and that made a different dynamic as they could exclude people who might be a catalyst for increase in harming. A good place to start looking for therapists is the BACP website - www.bacp.co.uk/seeking_therapist/index.html -and many of the people there have email contacts which is probaby easier than phoning for first contact. I think it's easier to ask something like 'do you have a sliding scale for fees' in an email than do it on the phone or face to face. I can ask someone I know, as well, if she knows anyone in your area who does this sort of work and has a sliding scale of fees. Good luck with it all!
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Post by theelf on Aug 15, 2007 15:30:42 GMT 1
I agree about the state of the mental health in the NHS. Once I got an appointment for counselling (after waiting ages), I was told I could only have 6 appointments. Not sure what you do after 6 appointments - maybe you're supposed to be better by then! Well I just keep taking the pills, and doubling the dose every once in a while, when things get really rough.
Hilary
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Post by wyrdewood on Aug 15, 2007 16:13:00 GMT 1
Following the death of my flat mate, by suicide in the bathroom of our shared house in London, some 21 years ago, I "flipped out" for a while and spent 3 months receiving care in a hospital. This seemed to consist of a lot of drugs to "balance" me out, but instead, made everything foggier. Like you, I have a reasonable degree of intelligence and found the care I received completely useless. All my friends seemed content to blame me and say "surely you must have noticed something", or "there must have been something you could have done".It wasn't until 16 years later that, having met my partner who insisted I do something about it, I went for counseling. I was lucky in finding someone who understood me and what I was going through. Four years ago I finished my sessions and only then did I feel the chains of guilt, I had kept hidden and carried so long, slip away. My point is that, when it comes to the NHS, we must all be self reliant these days. One thing I learnt, from all that happened, is that there are always people who care about you, only a few steps away. These are often the last people you would imagine to help. The path is not always clear to see, but it is there nonetheless. Just when you feel yourself falling, a hand will reach out to hold you. By the fact you are writing here, you are taking a step and, I'm sure I speak for everyone, should you need it, a helping hand is waiting should you fall.
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Post by autumnwolf on Aug 23, 2007 8:07:56 GMT 1
Editing to add that I looked at that link, Autumnwolf and it seems to be selling services - has the page changed or did you find some self-help sites on it somewhere? oops ... hehe www.lifesigns.org.uk/that's me getting all confuzzled, sorry, this is the real link.
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mimi
New Member
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Post by mimi on Aug 25, 2007 10:01:42 GMT 1
The waiting list in my part of South Birmingham is 5 weeks - good eh? Not when all that happens when you get seen is a 20 minute 'interview' that asks less about your condition than your GP did, a booklet containing all the information you've been given a billion times before (and can also be readily found in any newspaper/magazine special feature, yup that in depth), a relaxation CD, and the advice to 'give Nytol another try'.
Because of course, having had an anxiety disorder that affects my sleeping for the past 14 years, I hadn't thought of trying any of those remedies.
[/rant]
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Post by wyrdewood on Aug 25, 2007 11:48:18 GMT 1
Mimi, have you tried Lavender tea. It is now a proven fact that there is a chemical in Lavender that helps with insomnia. Alternatively, try sleeping with a Lavender pillow or a bag of Lavender under your pillow. The best tea is often to be found at your local chinese herbary.
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Post by admin on Aug 25, 2007 15:18:14 GMT 1
Might be worth trying hypnotherapy - I've heard that can be very succesful with anxiety and sleep disorders.
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mimi
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Post by mimi on Aug 28, 2007 15:48:49 GMT 1
Thanks I've had hypnotherapy before for a phobia and it worked wonders, but the sleep thing seemed impervious to it. Also it's quite expensive! I love lavender but it makes me sneeze I'm a great fan of Valerian, however.
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wicky
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Post by wicky on Aug 31, 2007 10:01:11 GMT 1
Have worked in mental health care myself for 19 years and unfortunately everything now comes down to money and whether the treatment has a 'sound' evidence base to justify it's use. Not that I've ever found an evidence based human being!Apart from the severe psychoses a lot of medication doesn't help and if it does, it does so only temporarily . I've seen people with many problems over the years and find many psychiatric problems will resolve themselves with time as the person works thru whatever crisis they are going thru. Most often loving, caring close relationships help more than drugs so as the person can have an emotional cushion for a while to protect them from themselves and others.
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