is there another way to see a psych?

shadow-light · 13-01-2009, 07:49 PM

I went to register with the doctors surgery today, got to go next week to see a nurse to finish the registration, then will probably be another week before I can see a doctor...

Is there another way? a quicker way?

it's just that this whole SI and anxiety and stuff thing is starting to seriously impact on my life... on some days I can't even leave my flat, and the uni are threatening to kick me out if I can't give a good reason for my missing of classes and inability to give presentations (I broke down in tears and had a panick attack before collapsing last time I did one...)

I'm scared to do this at all anyway... so even without all this I'd like to do it sooner (while still feel able) than later (when I may struggle to force myself to go)

is there any other way?

sorry about this, feel i'm wasting space and time... but I was just wondering and didn't know where else to ask/turn

p.s. I'm in the UK btw, scotland to be precise if that makes a differance

Heidi Tiger · 13-01-2009, 07:55 PM

If you are seriously in danger from yourself, go to A+E and you can be assessed by a psych there. Which is pretty instant, but only really a last case resort. From there they are unlikely to offer any long term support but perhaps offer crisis team/home treatment until your CMHT referral which your gp would have to sort out comes through.

Pomegranate · 13-01-2009, 07:55 PM

The only other way I have ever seen a psych is in an a+e setting. If it gets really bad you could always say you are feeling unsafe and ask to be assessed there? Or maybe mention it to the nurse and see if she can fast track the process for seeing a doctor or get you seen by a CPN any quicker just so that extra support is there.

Also, re missing seminars etc....have you spoken to student support? My university has a designated mental health co-ordinator who is trained in psychotherapy etc but mainly just arranges for leniancy with attendance and work load etc. Might be worth looking into.

I hope something gets sorted for you.

shadow-light · 13-01-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pomegranate

Also, re missing seminars etc....have you spoken to student support? My university has a designated mental health co-ordinator who is trained in psychotherapy etc but mainly just arranges for leniancy with attendance and work load etc. Might be worth looking into.

I have.... but they told me that there was nothing they could do (bar send me to the uni counciling service) unless I got an actually diagnosis...

hmm... a+e seems a little extreme... guess will just have to be patient...

Pomegranate · 13-01-2009, 08:02 PM

That is ridiculous. I have not got an official diagnosis but the fact I have been struggling with SI etc has been enough for my co-ordinator to shout on my behalf. Is there someone else you can talk to there? Have you spoken to your personal tutor?

sherlock holmes · 13-01-2009, 08:16 PM

Yep, you can see a psych in A&E but as has already been said, that's only for emergencies really.

I hope you get to see a doctor soon.

shadow-light · 13-01-2009, 08:20 PM

my personal tutor is basically like the stereotypical scatterbrained academic... that and he's the course coordinator for 4 modules so is generally pritty busy... I emailed him last week to see if I could arrange an appointment to see him but not got anything back yet...

I'v been the student support a few times, spoken to the disability people, etc... but no joy without a doctors note at the least if not a diagnosis...
but as I got evicted in november and had to move not had chance to register with a doctor till today

shadow-light · 14-01-2009, 09:32 PM

just wanted to check how this works...

once I'm registered and actually get an appointment... what do I say to the doctor?

Pomegranate · 14-01-2009, 11:58 PM

Tell them you have been struggling and feeling really low and you think you need some help. Be honest and then they should ask you a series of questions from there.

shadow-light · 15-01-2009, 12:05 AM

i started an "anxiety diary" last year (on the advice of my old councillor) and my boyfriend has suggested that I take that with me... so if I can't think of what to say or freeze up I have something to fall back on

Pomegranate · 15-01-2009, 12:07 AM

I think that is a really good idea. Would it help if someone like your boyfriend went with you?

shadow-light · 15-01-2009, 12:20 AM

hmm... i can pritty much guarantee that he wouldn't come lol, he'd tell me it would be better if i went alone or something... may ask though if i find on the day that i'm finding it hard, but will try to go on my own