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Mental health services
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I’ve been struggling with my mental health for a few years and finding it really difficult to get the help I need.
At my last appointment with psychiatrist in July I told her how much I was struggling and explained some serious stuff I’m dealing with.
Her answer was to up my meds to max dose, told me to arrange my own counselling and to have follow up appointment in 3 months, at which she would start me on low dose anti psychotic if no improvement.
I also told her about a couple of addictions I’m having a hard time controlling, to which she replied “hmmm the anti psychotic might help that”.
I phoned the hospital a couple weeks ago as I’d had no word of follow up appointment to be told that waiting lists were so long that it will be some point next year before I’m seen again and to see gp if necessary. I’ve seen my gp a few times recently and all they do is write letters to psychiatrist so I feel like I’m just going round in circles and getting nowhere.
If anyone has been in similar situation or maybe a professional with any advice on how to move forward it would be much appreciated |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x "
I didnt know that, but then im not very good at asking for help  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x
I didnt know that, but then im not very good at asking for help "
Yes I can only speak for my area of the country but whichever area you’re in, if you Google “Talking Changes” or “Lifecycle” (they keep changing their name), you can more often than not refer yourself online to speak to a therapist. Asking for help is often the hardest step... Sending good thoughts x |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x "
Thanks for the reply, I’ve quickly Googled and it looks like these services are not available in Scotland. Unfortunately with living in the highlands, services are extremely limited, which is sad as suicide has become a bit of an epidemic up here and the hospital has a serious reputation of failing people  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x
Thanks for the reply, I’ve quickly Googled and it looks like these services are not available in Scotland. Unfortunately with living in the highlands, services are extremely limited, which is sad as suicide has become a bit of an epidemic up here and the hospital has a serious reputation of failing people "
That’s not good at all
Do you have a crisis team you can contact? They don’t offer long term therapy but they can support people in a mental health crisis in the short term. I have friends who work for NHS Scotland so I knew some services worked differently, which makes it harder to advise as I’m based in England. There’s also a charity called Mind who can offer support and 1:1 counselling, again, I’m not sure of their availability in Scotland x |
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From my experience I had to find out why I was suffering depression 3 yrs ago, it turned out I was abused as a child.. now I thought, no I had sent I had a great childhood, but on reflection and talking about it I realised there were issues, not with my family, but from external sources.
This has helped me realise I don’t need to be angry all the time, I don’t need to be macho to repell any bullies or aggression, fact is after the cancer I can’t get into any fights or I may end up smashing my fragile jaw beyond repair.
I also realised I’m actually an ok person, I still have my moments ( transgirl and a couple of others would verify)
But I’m not a bad person, I like the feminine side of me too, something I learned to embrace.
Stella is now my real me, the true male butch father is very much a persona I give to the world..
Good luck op, I’m not an official councillor, but have offered my help to McMillan and swallows.
I hope maybe if you give me a chance op, perhaps chat to me and let’s see if I can help at all? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If you feel you need urgent help the only thing you can do is ask to be refferd to your local AMHT (acute mental health team)
If you feel at immediate risk then go to A&E. Please remember you are not wasting anyone's time or it's/your not important enough because you are and a lot of A&E departments have someone from AMHT on call. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"That’s not good at all
Do you have a crisis team you can contact? They don’t offer long term therapy but they can support people in a mental health crisis in the short term. I have friends who work for NHS Scotland so I knew some services worked differently, which makes it harder to advise as I’m based in England. There’s also a charity called Mind who can offer support and 1:1 counselling, again, I’m not sure of their availability in Scotland x "
There is a crisis unit, it was with them I have had the majority of my appointments but they are only meant to see patients for a number of weeks before referring to other services and I was discharged from them earlier this year. But I think I may contact them tomorrow to see if they can help at all x
|
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in April this year. I am glad that I have the answer, I’ve struggles my whole life not knowing what I had. I am seeking help through support groups. I suffer from social anxiety and trying to meet people is difficult |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"That’s not good at all
Do you have a crisis team you can contact? They don’t offer long term therapy but they can support people in a mental health crisis in the short term. I have friends who work for NHS Scotland so I knew some services worked differently, which makes it harder to advise as I’m based in England. There’s also a charity called Mind who can offer support and 1:1 counselling, again, I’m not sure of their availability in Scotland x
There is a crisis unit, it was with them I have had the majority of my appointments but they are only meant to see patients for a number of weeks before referring to other services and I was discharged from them earlier this year. But I think I may contact them tomorrow to see if they can help at all x
"
That sounds like a really good plan. X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"That’s not good at all
Do you have a crisis team you can contact? They don’t offer long term therapy but they can support people in a mental health crisis in the short term. I have friends who work for NHS Scotland so I knew some services worked differently, which makes it harder to advise as I’m based in England. There’s also a charity called Mind who can offer support and 1:1 counselling, again, I’m not sure of their availability in Scotland x
There is a crisis unit, it was with them I have had the majority of my appointments but they are only meant to see patients for a number of weeks before referring to other services and I was discharged from them earlier this year. But I think I may contact them tomorrow to see if they can help at all x
"
Yes it’s worth a shot definitely. They only get involved for short term help - they should be able to refer you to a primary care talking therapies service (if they exist in Scotland, sorry for my limited knowledge of up there!) x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x "
Is it not talking matters? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi OP, sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time. I noticed you’re in Inverness, and I’m not sure how it works in Scotland but in the England you can self refer to a primary care mental health service called Talking Changes / Lifecycle. You can call them directly to refer yourself so no need to go via GP if you’re not getting anywhere with them. x
Is it not talking matters?"
They’re called different things in different regions and they keep changing their names which is unhelpful. I work in the north east so can only speak for this area. But as far as I know, everyone should be able to self refer to a primary care talking therapies service of some type no matter where they are living in the country  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"From my experience I had to find out why I was suffering depression 3 yrs ago, it turned out I was abused as a child.. now I thought, no I had sent I had a great childhood, but on reflection and talking about it I realised there were issues, not with my family, but from external sources.
This has helped me realise I don’t need to be angry all the time, I don’t need to be macho to repell any bullies or aggression, fact is after the cancer I can’t get into any fights or I may end up smashing my fragile jaw beyond repair.
I also realised I’m actually an ok person, I still have my moments ( transgirl and a couple of others would verify)
But I’m not a bad person, I like the feminine side of me too, something I learned to embrace.
Stella is now my real me, the true male butch father is very much a persona I give to the world..
Good luck op, I’m not an official councillor, but have offered my help to McMillan and swallows.
I hope maybe if you give me a chance op, perhaps chat to me and let’s see if I can help at all?"
Thanks for offering to chat, very kind of you and I’m glad you’re recovering and embracing the real you. After seeking help I do now have quite a good insight into why I’m like this and am more stable than before but still need help. I’ve always had severe anxiety but most of issues also stem from trauma, but as a young adult rather than a child. Although I do suffer from low moods and suicidal thoughts, I am not depressed and I have as many issues with high moods, impulsivity, recklessness etc. Amongst other issues too unfortunately |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm not sure if this help but here goes. I've struggled with my mental health since my teens, only finding out the true extent when I found a good therapist. I did meds briefly after seeing the gp and was referred for counselling. I found counselling more frustrating than helpful until I went to a psycho therapist a few years ago. They do the chatty counselling bit but they help you understand yourself better with explanations of the why's and wherefore's of the way your thinking or behaviour. I don't know how far down the implosion route you are but please never be afraid to ask for help. Back in 2000 I lost my dad and uncle to cancer, in the middle of that my cousin took his life beating me to it. After witnessing first hand the devastation left behind I swore I could never do it, to my mum more than anybody else. At it's worst and darkest moments our minds can fool us into thinking nobody cares or they'll be better off without us, but it's simply not true. Don't give up OP. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Yes it’s worth a shot definitely. They only get involved for short term help - they should be able to refer you to a primary care talking therapies service (if they exist in Scotland, sorry for my limited knowledge of up there!) x"
For any therapies such as CBT you’re looking for a wait of up to 18 months with NHS Highland. I’ve looked into private but with such high costs it’s just not an option x |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I'm not sure if this help but here goes. I've struggled with my mental health since my teens, only finding out the true extent when I found a good therapist. I did meds briefly after seeing the gp and was referred for counselling. I found counselling more frustrating than helpful until I went to a psycho therapist a few years ago. They do the chatty counselling bit but they help you understand yourself better with explanations of the why's and wherefore's of the way your thinking or behaviour. I don't know how far down the implosion route you are but please never be afraid to ask for help. Back in 2000 I lost my dad and uncle to cancer, in the middle of that my cousin took his life beating me to it. After witnessing first hand the devastation left behind I swore I could never do it, to my mum more than anybody else. At it's worst and darkest moments our minds can fool us into thinking nobody cares or they'll be better off without us, but it's simply not true. Don't give up OP."
I’m sorry to hear about your cousin and I hope you’re feeling better now. I actually lost someone very close to me to suicide earlier this year, which has contributed to the decline in my health, especially as I feel intense guilt over it. So I have seen and felt the devastation it causes. I have children and although I still have thoughts at times, I would never put them through that. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes it’s worth a shot definitely. They only get involved for short term help - they should be able to refer you to a primary care talking therapies service (if they exist in Scotland, sorry for my limited knowledge of up there!) x
For any therapies such as CBT you’re looking for a wait of up to 18 months with NHS Highland. I’ve looked into private but with such high costs it’s just not an option x"
18 months is a really long time
Are there any mental health charities in Scotland who could help? X |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"18 months is a really long time
Are there any mental health charities in Scotland who could help? X"
Yes it’s shocking. Unfortunately the waiting times for most MH services up here seem to be the same. I read an article about a local young man who committed suicide after being told he’d wait 15 months for an appointment at the hospital
We do have access to charities such as mind and I have used them on occasion when at all time low, although due to severe anxiety I can struggle with phone calls for these type of things. I have found they do support in a crisis but can’t really help with long term treatment and recovery x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
I’m sorry to hear about your cousin and I hope you’re feeling better now. I actually lost someone very close to me to suicide earlier this year, which has contributed to the decline in my health, especially as I feel intense guilt over it. So I have seen and felt the devastation it causes. I have children and although I still have thoughts at times, I would never put them through that."
Thanks, I'm ok with it all mostly, though I don't think a day goes by without me thinking about them. I just wanted to suggest the psycho therapist route because it really helped me. They help you change the way you think aswell as the other stuff. I hope you find what works. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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the mental health service in Scotland are a joke
I got put in ward 24 for 5 weeks until they got me medication that helped
I got a CPN and support worker and went on groups to get me out the house and see if I was ok
I had to go and see a psychiatric doctor every 3 months but at some point i was lost in the system
and never had one for over a year
then they took me off my medication because I was feeling ok and then i went crazy again.
then after that they changed my medication to a new one instead of leaving me one that was working ok
and I lost it again
none of my meds work 100% but i'm much better on them than off |
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The MIND website is good in that the information is very easy to access and read.
They also have Elefriends, which is "a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard"
I hope this is helpful.
A hug of support to you, and anyone else in a similar situation.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes it’s worth a shot definitely. They only get involved for short term help - they should be able to refer you to a primary care talking therapies service (if they exist in Scotland, sorry for my limited knowledge of up there!) x
For any therapies such as CBT you’re looking for a wait of up to 18 months with NHS Highland. I’ve looked into private but with such high costs it’s just not an option x
18 months is a really long time
Are there any mental health charities in Scotland who could help? X"
It can be a lot longer than that unfortunately I waited nearly 3 years. |
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