Venting MH Support in the UK is Bullshit

[NoHorizon]

Sorry for my nonsense post but I need to write this somewhere or I'll scream and my only friends that I talk to about my mental health have given up on me because I'm too intense.

I've been trying everything possible to get better, and had my review with the CMHT today. Basically I'm not ill enough to be admitted to hospital (which I don't want anyway) but I'm too much of a risk to receive any therapy. It's on my notes that I have SN after the KL bust and I'm open about how I feel because I stupidly thought that being honest would get me the help I need. But apparently as long as I'm suicidal then NHS therapy won't touch me. So I'm left with basic mental health advice until I'm "well" enough to be able to receive trauma therapy, which will never happen because I'm not getting any real help.

I'm terrified of the process of dying, or it not working, but it's my best option because after the LONG wait to get NHS help, the help itself is so woeful it's not going to help me. I'm beyond help now and even though I'd love to recover because there are a few things I really enjoy in life, living is always going to be worse than not existing and I need to find some fucking bravery to go through with SN or Beachy Head.

Sorry for the long ramble, it probably didn't even make sense because I can't think straight but if you read this far thank you and sorry for wasting your time.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's so awful when people seek help and then they are rejected. I'm sorry the health system in your country is such BS ...

 

[Golden]

People being "not ill enough to be admitted to hospital" but "too ill to receive therapy" at the same time is so ridiculous, happens in my country too

 

[NoHorizon]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's so awful when people seek help and then they are rejected. I'm sorry the health system in your country is such BS ...

Thank you. People always say "ask for help" and when you do this is what happens.

People being "not ill enough to be admitted to hospital" but "too ill to receive therapy" at the same time is so ridiculous, happens in my country too

It's a gaping black hole in the mental health framework.

 

[Dot]

Sorry for my nonsense post but I need to write this somewhere or I'll scream and my only friends that I talk to about my mental health have given up on me because I'm too intense.

I've been trying everything possible to get better, and had my review with the CMHT today. Basically I'm not ill enough to be admitted to hospital (which I don't want anyway) but I'm too much of a risk to receive any therapy. It's on my notes that I have SN after the KL bust and I'm open about how I feel because I stupidly thought that being honest would get me the help I need. But apparently as long as I'm suicidal then NHS therapy won't touch me. So I'm left with basic mental health advice until I'm "well" enough to be able to receive trauma therapy, which will never happen because I'm not getting any real help.

I'm terrified of the process of dying, or it not working, but it's my best option because after the LONG wait to get NHS help, the help itself is so woeful it's not going to help me. I'm beyond help now and even though I'd love to recover because there are a few things I really enjoy in life, living is always going to be worse than not existing and I need to find some fucking bravery to go through with SN or Beachy Head.

Sorry for the long ramble, it probably didn't even make sense because I can't think straight but if you read this far thank you and sorry for wasting your time.

Sme1 mght nd 2 transl8 as OP = newr usr

Wll thy nt refr u fr DBT or smethng lke tht

 

[sorrowful]

Sme1 mght nd 2 transl8 as OP = newr usr

Wll thy nt refr u fr DBT or smethng lke tht

Translation; Dot is asking, "Will they not refer you for DBT or something like that"?

 

[NoHorizon]

Sme1 mght nd 2 transl8 as OP = newr usr

Wll thy nt refr u fr DBT or smethng lke tht

No, she said all the therapy options will refuse me due to being suicidal.

Translation; Dot is asking, "Will they not refer you for DBT or something like that"?

Thanks you, I'm used to Dot's typing style though as we've spoken a bit before, but I'm a bit on/off with the forum depending on whether I'm managing or struggling so I'm probably not a familiar name.

 

[Dot]

No, she said all the therapy options will refuse me due to being suicidal.

Thanks you, I'm used to Dot's typing style though as we've spoken a bit before, but I'm a bit on/off with the forum depending on whether I'm managing or struggling so I'm probably not a familiar name.

Srry slf recognse nw -- slf thght ur joinng d8 ws 22 Nov 2023 whch wld hve bn ydy altho dd thnk ur postng numbr ws v prolifc ha

Thre r sme lnks t/ sme free shrt-courss on sme thrpis whch mght b of sme hlp

Slf wld b opn t/ talkng thm thru in d.m if tht wld b helpfl as slf hve bn puttng sme recvry rsourcs 2gthr

Translation; Dot is asking, "Will they not refer you for DBT or something like that"?

Apprci8 - v knd of u

 

[Kit1]

Sorry for my nonsense post but I need to write this somewhere or I'll scream and my only friends that I talk to about my mental health have given up on me because I'm too intense.

I've been trying everything possible to get better, and had my review with the CMHT today. Basically I'm not ill enough to be admitted to hospital (which I don't want anyway) but I'm too much of a risk to receive any therapy. It's on my notes that I have SN after the KL bust and I'm open about how I feel because I stupidly thought that being honest would get me the help I need. But apparently as long as I'm suicidal then NHS therapy won't touch me. So I'm left with basic mental health advice until I'm "well" enough to be able to receive trauma therapy, which will never happen because I'm not getting any real help.

I'm terrified of the process of dying, or it not working, but it's my best option because after the LONG wait to get NHS help, the help itself is so woeful it's not going to help me. I'm beyond help now and even though I'd love to recover because there are a few things I really enjoy in life, living is always going to be worse than not existing and I need to find some fucking bravery to go through with SN or Beachy Head.

Sorry for the long ramble, it probably didn't even make sense because I can't think straight but if you read this far thank you and sorry for wasting your time.

I am so sorry that you are feeling let down by NHS CMHT - to be honest, I have been let down by them as well as tlso many other people. The system is broken and dysfunctional and I think that MHTs prefer quick fix challenges which is unfair. I am struggling with the NHS and have been for a while - to the extent that I have stopped takingball my meds and stopped using the hospital or my GP because they seem only to be able to care for straightforward issues with people who are probably middle class, functional, literate and anyone with disabilities/neurodivergence/learning difficulties or any complex issues - we are pretty much locked out of a system that has staff incapable of understanding that we need intensive support - I am joining you in the ramble due to the frustration - made the trip to Beachyhead as well..,

However I do have a clinical psychologist from CMHT who has been seeing me regularly though I will be booted out after another 9 or 10 sessions though I am just as suicidal as before and now I have no other support apart from her.

It might be worth calling SPOA and telling them every time you are suffering and they might get the message and start working with you.., Would you consider trying that method - or keep turning up to A&E every time you need support. Keep putting everything in writting. It is sad the lengths we have to go to to get any help with the NHS now and often it now feels like when they do feel obliged to help, they do it grudgingly on their own terms. Would you consider support from charities.

If you are after tailer made support and need some information, please let me know as I might be able tonadvise with charities etc..,

I really am sorry that you are also being denied the support that you desperately need - but with support if there is a chance of recovery, let us try and find the right team within NHS or a charity that can help. Happy to help you look into this if you would like me to do so. Take care.

 

[AerialBoundaries]

I gave up on the NHS a long time ago, in regards to mental health. It's the same mundane, incompetent shit every time.

You go to the GP and they send you home with SSRIs and tell you to come back in 4 weeks. The SSRIs never work, but they insist that you continue to take them. When they finally agree they're not working, they give you a few days worth to 'taper' with. A few days worth is nowhere near enough to taper with when you've been taking them for months, so you still go through the unpleasant withdrawals.

I never made it far enough to speak with an actual mental health professional. The GP deters you by saying they have a "very long waiting list". They wanted to try things like CBT, which is a complete insult.

I just try to deal with it as best as I can, without medication or any other help. They champion these mental health campaigns that tell you to "talk to someone", but it's all a lot of fake virtuous bullshit. There is no help. You're alone in this and that's the way they want it to be.

 

[gbi2]

I agree MH services are very poor. I'm receiving support from a health and wellbeing organisation and also what was the NHS's self harm and suiciide clinic, which I think is now rebadged as a wellbeing clinic. Although I don't think the help I have had is any good (certainly all anyone has done so far is talk and refer me from person to person, I have told them I am thinking about suicide but I have no plans, therefore I'll do it on impulse. I can only think

In any case I would think the rebadged suicide and self harm clinic should be the ones who could help you but I don't know how they decide it and this is what is wrong, there doesn't seem to be any consistency.

There are different ways of getting NHS help though which is confusing but also a possible other way you can get help. The first time I got help was because I was in hospital from a failed attempt. This year, help has come about from my GP surgery who have their own wellbeing team. I told my GP I was still; struggling in life and can barely function in work or at home and they put me in touch with this team. The person I am talking to has been the most understanding so far. Is this how you have been in contact with them or referred? If not, then see if you can get help via your GP rather than direct from the local hospital services.

 

[Dot]

I am so sorry that you are feeling let down by NHS CMHT - to be honest, I have been let down by them as well as tlso many other people. The system is broken and dysfunctional and I think that MHTs prefer quick fix challenges which is unfair. I am struggling with the NHS and have been for a while - to the extent that I have stopped takingball my meds and stopped using the hospital or my GP because they seem only to be able to care for straightforward issues with people who are probably middle class, functional, literate and anyone with disabilities/neurodivergence/learning difficulties or any complex issues - we are pretty much locked out of a system that has staff incapable of understanding that we need intensive support - I am joining you in the ramble due to the frustration - made the trip to Beachyhead as well..,

However I do have a clinical psychologist from CMHT who has been seeing me regularly though I will be booted out after another 9 or 10 sessions though I am just as suicidal as before and now I have no other support apart from her.

It might be worth calling SPOA and telling them every time you are suffering and they might get the message and start working with you.., Would you consider trying that method - or keep turning up to A&E every time you need support. Keep putting everything in writting. It is sad the lengths we have to go to to get any help with the NHS now and often it now feels like when they do feel obliged to help, they do it grudgingly on their own terms. Would you consider support from charities.

If you are after tailer made support and need some information, please let me know as I might be able tonadvise with charities etc..,

I really am sorry that you are also being denied the support that you desperately need - but with support if there is a chance of recovery, let us try and find the right team within NHS or a charity that can help. Happy to help you look into this if you would like me to do so. Take care.

Am also willng t/ hlp wth ths

An nt a qualfid m.h prfssnl bt slf hve psych dgree wth speclsm in counsllng & slf hve knwldge abt lts of dffrnt trma thrpis & apprchs whch am alwys opn t/ sharng

 

[Kit1]

If you are working on the UK, please check if your employer offers any confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Sometimes they can be pretty good - and they tend to be short term, they can then refer you back TO NHS and for some reason, some GPs act on their letters faster (not sure why).

 

[gbi2]

If you are working on the UK, please check if your employer offers any confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Sometimes they can be pretty good - and they tend to be short term, they can then refer you back TO NHS and for some reason, some GPs act on their letters faster (not sure why).

This is just a guess but I think that might be because they are considered as 'first response' which means it is thought to be treatable and the person is willing to work with people.

The wellbeing person I am with, who I refer to as a therapist, has been called as a 'first response' and a different therapist said once how it meant she could contact certain people on my behalf, like DWP/job centre, whereas the different therapist couldn't.

 

[NoHorizon]

Srry slf recognse nw -- slf thght ur joinng d8 ws 22 Nov 2023 whch wld hve bn ydy altho dd thnk ur postng numbr ws v prolifc ha

Thre r sme lnks t/ sme free shrt-courss on sme thrpis whch mght b of sme hlp

Slf wld b opn t/ talkng thm thru in d.m if tht wld b helpfl as slf hve bn puttng sme recvry rsourcs 2gthr



A

I am so sorry that you are feeling let down by NHS CMHT - to be honest, I have been let down by them as well as tlso many other people. The system is broken and dysfunctional and I think that MHTs prefer quick fix challenges which is unfair. I am struggling with the NHS and have been for a while - to the extent that I have stopped takingball my meds and stopped using the hospital or my GP because they seem only to be able to care for straightforward issues with people who are probably middle class, functional, literate and anyone with disabilities/neurodivergence/learning difficulties or any complex issues - we are pretty much locked out of a system that has staff incapable of understanding that we need intensive support - I am joining you in the ramble due to the frustration - made the trip to Beachyhead as well..,

However I do have a clinical psychologist from CMHT who has been seeing me regularly though I will be booted out after another 9 or 10 sessions though I am just as suicidal as before and now I have no other support apart from her.

It might be worth calling SPOA and telling them every time you are suffering and they might get the message and start working with you.., Would you consider trying that method - or keep turning up to A&E every time you need support. Keep putting everything in writting. It is sad the lengths we have to go to to get any help with the NHS now and often it now feels like when they do feel obliged to help, they do it grudgingly on their own terms. Would you consider support from charities.

If you are after tailer made support and need some information, please let me know as I might be able tonadvise with charities etc..,

I really am sorry that you are also being denied the support that you desperately need - but with support if there is a chance of recovery, let us try and find the right team within NHS or a charity that can help. Happy to help you look into this if you would like me to do so. Take care.

pprci8 - v knd of u

Ah, of course, didn't realise my "birthday" was yesterday! Would be interested to check out your recovery resources as I'll take anything at this point even though I'm sure nothing is going to work to be honest.

Kit - (sorry my quote thing is going mad and hasn't put your message below Dot's in my reply. Sorry you're having the same shit experience - I should have solved all my problems at Beachy Head last year but it's so damn high and scary! Re charities - I'm doing a group course with Mind but tbh it's awful, it's more just for general wellbeing for people who are stressed/low, I'm way beyond the reach of it (not their fault). I've got an induction at their crisis cafe in a week so will see what that brings (again, not hopeful though).

I agree MH services are very poor. I'm receiving support from a health and wellbeing organisation and also what was the NHS's self harm and suiciide clinic, which I think is now rebadged as a wellbeing clinic. Although I don't think the help I have had is any good (certainly all anyone has done so far is talk and refer me from person to person, I have told them I am thinking about suicide but I have no plans, therefore I'll do it on impulse. I can only think

In any case I would think the rebadged suicide and self harm clinic should be the ones who could help you but I don't know how they decide it and this is what is wrong, there doesn't seem to be any consistency.

There are different ways of getting NHS help though which is confusing but also a possible other way you can get help. The first time I got help was because I was in hospital from a failed attempt. This year, help has come about from my GP surgery who have their own wellbeing team. I told my GP I was still; struggling in life and can barely function in work or at home and they put me in touch with this team. The person I am talking to has been the most understanding so far. Is this how you have been in contact with them or referred? If not, then see if you can get help via your GP rather than direct from the local hospital services.

It's crazy how much they bounce you around isn't it - like nobody wants to take ownership of a risky person because your death will look bad on them. My referral for the most recent bout of support was from me calling the doctor and them phoning an ambulance to take me to a+e, then was put back into the system. I've been through the GP a fair few times but usually just get the standard SSRI and go away treatment. This time it was all taken more seriously as I was in crisis when I phoned and even though I just asked for time off work he clocked on that I was in a bad way.

 

[Kit1]

This is just a guess but I think that might be because they are considered as 'first response' which means it is thought to be treatable and the person is willing to work with people.

The wellbeing person I am with, who I refer to as a therapist, has been called as a 'first response' and a different therapist said once how it meant she could contact certain people on my behalf, like DWP/job centre, whereas the different therapist couldn't.

Okay. That is first response then. There are specialised trauma clinics in all parts of the UK. For example in London - there is the Tavistock clinic, Mawdesley hospital etc - where the therapy is more long term and more specialised.

 

[NoHorizon]

If you are working on the UK, please check if your employer offers any confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Sometimes they can be pretty good - and they tend to be short term, they can then refer you back TO NHS and for some reason, some GPs act on their letters faster (not sure why).

Thanks, I've been through EAP but they weren't able to find me a therapist because hey were too busy. That was a while ago though so I might try them tomorrow. I'm just so tired of screaming for help and none of them caring - this thread alone has already given me way more support than the MH system.

 

[Kit1]

Ah, of course, didn't realise my "birthday" was yesterday! Would be interested to check out your recovery resources as I'll take anything at this point even though I'm sure nothing is going to work to be honest.

Kit - (sorry my quote thing is going mad and hasn't put your message below Dot's in my reply. Sorry you're having the same shit experience - I should have solved all my problems at Beachy Head last year but it's so damn high and scary! Re charities - I'm doing a group course with Mind but tbh it's awful, it's more just for general wellbeing for people who are stressed/low, I'm way beyond the reach of it (not their fault). I've got an induction at their crisis cafe in a week so will see what that brings (again, not hopeful though).

It's crazy how much they bounce you around isn't it - like nobody wants to take ownership of a risky person because your death will look bad on them. My referral for the most recent bout of support was from me calling the doctor and them phoning an ambulance to take me to a+e, then was put back into the system. I've been through the GP a fair few times but usually just get the standard SSRI and go away treatment. This time it was all taken more seriously as I was in crisis when I phoned and even though I just asked for time off work he clocked on that I was in a bad way.

I am so sorry that you visited BeachyHead as well. It is quite high and I remember sitting there for hours on end planning my end - once my GP called and talked me out of it (unfortunately I no longer engage with the GP's surgery) and another time, another person showed up looking like he was going to end it and I decided to drive him into town.., Last time I was there, their rescue guys found me, called the police and I was escorted out of the area after I convinced them that I was safe to go (I HD not even got out of the car and they found me)!

It sounds like you are trying to get the support and I really hope that you get it. Happy to chat if you would like to. Take care.

 

[gbi2]

It's crazy how much they bounce you around isn't it - like nobody wants to take ownership of a risky person because your death will look bad on them. My referral for the most recent bout of support was from me calling the doctor and them phoning an ambulance to take me to a+e, then was put back into the system. I've been through the GP a fair few times but usually just get the standard SSRI and go away treatment. This time it was all taken more seriously as I was in crisis when I phoned and even though I just asked for time off work he clocked on that I was in a bad way.

Yes I've lost track of who has referred me to who.
I've got the GP wellbeing therapist,
the NHS wellbeing therapist,
the housing association 'support worker',
someone helping me figure out what benefits I should be getting because DWP have messed up.
someone dealing with getting helpful equipment installed in my home to help with mobility,
someone helping me figure out my normal finances and also help me focus on things like chores without getting distracted
someone helping me with 'problem solving' whatever that is going to be.
The DWP and a person there supposedly helping me figure out what work I can go into with my health problems.
My GP

Some of them don't actually make appointments, they just phone or send a text message when they can, so I don't even know when to expect them.

But all that has happened in the past 3 months when I've had problems for 4 years. I was prescribed medication last year but I'd already been struggling for 3 years then and they tried me on something again a couple of months ago but I said it gave me bad side effects so they said stop taking them and that was it.

I think really they are just clutching at straws with us and trying anything they can think of because they simply don't know how to really help. One or two seem to understand but then teh appointments stop and you get refeered to someone who doesn't seem to understand.

 

[NoHorizon]

Yes I've lost track of who has referred me to who.
I've got the GP wellbeing therapist,
the NHS wellbeing therapist,
the housing association 'support worker',
someone helping me figure out what benefits I should be getting because DWP have messed up.
someone dealing with getting helpful equipment installed in my home to help with mobility,
someone helping me figure out my normal finances and also help me focus on things like chores without getting distracted
someone helping me with 'problem solving' whatever that is going to be.
The DWP and a person there supposedly helping me figure out what work I can go into with my health problems.
My GP

Some of them don't actually make appointments, they just phone or send a text message when they can, so I don't even know when to expect them.

But all that has happened in the past 3 months when I've had problems for 4 years. I was prescribed medication last year but I'd already been struggling for 3 years then and they tried me on something again a couple of months ago but I said it gave me bad side effects so they said stop taking them and that was it.

I think really they are just clutching at straws with us and trying anything they can think of because they simply don't know how to really help. One or two seem to understand but then teh appointments stop and you get refeered to someone who doesn't seem to understand.

That sounds like a nightmare :(

 

[Kit1]

Yes I've lost track of who has referred me to who.
I've got the GP wellbeing therapist,
the NHS wellbeing therapist,
the housing association 'support worker',
someone helping me figure out what benefits I should be getting because DWP have messed up.
someone dealing with getting helpful equipment installed in my home to help with mobility,
someone helping me figure out my normal finances and also help me focus on things like chores without getting distracted
someone helping me with 'problem solving' whatever that is going to be.
The DWP and a person there supposedly helping me figure out what work I can go into with my health problems.
My GP

Some of them don't actually make appointments, they just phone or send a text message when they can, so I don't even know when to expect them.

But all that has happened in the past 3 months when I've had problems for 4 years. I was prescribed medication last year but I'd already been struggling for 3 years then and they tried me on something again a couple of months ago but I said it gave me bad side effects so they said stop taking them and that was it.

I think really they are just clutching at straws with us and trying anything they can think of because they simply don't know how to really help. One or two seem to understand but then teh appointments stop and you get refeered to someone who doesn't seem to understand.

I hear you. DWP - please ask for the DEA (Disability Employment Advisor). Also for benefits, please also o check out the benefits calculator on www.gov.uk - if you enter your details, it will tell you what benefits you might be entitled to, how much it will be approximately etc. For people with disabilities, it is usually personal independence payment, universal credit (which covers rent as well, dental treatment, opticians, prescriptions), council tax benefit etc - means tested benefits such as universal credit will have other payments/support involved - Cituszens Advice Bureau can usually help with advice around and applying for benefits.

Also sometimes speaking with your MP's office might help to speeden things with the NHS - initially CMHT lost my case for months and months and very suddenly "found" my referral after the MP's office became involved.

Please check with your GP's surgery of there is now a social prescriber who can also help.

Som much is left to the struggling patients to reach out for all kinds of help when often we don't have the fight is us to do it. But unfortunately that is the reality.
I just feel so angry - there are so many of us here who are desperately asking for help and struggling to get it. We turn to this forum and the forum is banned by Ofcom, but the system will not support us. I wouldn't have even joined this forum if the NHS had not let me down so badly - and in essence, I replaced NHS with Joining this forum for support.

One day I will end up dead before my time because NHS has been incapable of keeping me safe and alive when I have repeatedly reached out to them for help. And I still consider myself luckiest than most.

How would all of you who are reading this, live in the UK, been let down by the NHS feel about forming a group and we take our case forward to parliament and the media. We will be taking a risk - but those fo us who have already told the NHS that we are feeling suicidal can speak up together - safer in numbers. We could also address Ofcom and their decision and see how many of us are here as the services are letting g us down.

I just feel xtrenely angry that my children will end up motherless because of the failure of the services letting me down.

Any thoughts on this suggestion and taking this forward? Do we have anything to lose?