CAMHS experiences ?

[Lexy]

Hey,
I know exactly what you mean. It was my teacher who pleaded to get me the CAMHS help.
My first session was a family session so that they could assess both what I thought was happening and what those around me thought was happening.
Let me know how things are going sweetheart.
Take care gorgeous,
Lexy x

[CoffeeawakestheArtist]

So far for me, she hasn't really helped much, I've only been twice, I'm not that comfortable with it, but it's a good let out. I tell my Mum to go to. I ask if I can talk to her on my own, but then afterwards my Mum comes back in and the counsellor talks about everything I've just said to my Mum, like you Sweetest Downfall, It doesn't help when my Mum is there.
Because my Mum is in denial that there is anything wrong. Last time she gave me five different new excercises to do, one of which was to talk to my Mum for 45 minutes a day... keep a diary, and write down when I'm upset... etc, I told her that I'm Self harming, and she tells my Mum to check my room for sharp objects. Didn't happen. The only thing I would say that's helped me so far, is that she told me to write down all of the bullying and give it in. So I have and she's cancelled appointments since. They're very busy in CAMHS. And it's hard to get appointments, Social services and Mr.Davies a teacher in school reffered me to her.
The only reason I like going, is because there's someone to talk to.
But if she doesn't make an appointment soon, I might just go to someone else, by myself in secret so my Mum or the school doesn't know.
It's law for them to tell my Mum everything because if you're dangering yourself, but the thing is. People on here have therapists and they know they SH and they don't go telling their parents. I actually find it easier and better and more helpful to talk to nice teachers then anything else so far.
I mean I've been getting worse by the day, and my counsellor isn't there.
So beware for appointments.
And tell your Mum to go out, if you don't want her there. She has too.

[Wonderland.]

Hey.
Tbh my experience of CAMHS hasnt been very good I actually prefer the nurse guy who used to come into school to talk to me. I find the women i have quite patronising and she always says "does that make sense?" like every two minutes. She doesnt trust me so she invites my mum in at the end which makes me want to tell her less. She has no idea how bad my SI has got since i've been seeing here i'm glad i've only got two or three sessions left. I'm sure there is much better people there than the one i've got but when i said something i just got told your just getting to know her yeahh but i'm just getting to know my head of year but i can totally connect with her. So i wast impressed. Shes actually quite triggering.
Sorry for the rant.
I'm sure it'll be fine.
Amy x

[musicmad123]

hey so just thought I'd let you all know how it went, I spoke to this psychiatrist, he was a man and to be honest I would have found it easier to talk to a woman but oh well, plus the guy had a strong Indian accent and I had a lot of trouble understanding him ! so he basically asked me thousands of questions about my "issues" and general life. I think it went ok some of the questions I felt he butted in before I had finished talking but I guess he only needed a general idea, then he called my Dad in and he uncomfortably answered some questions about my childhood. The he tells me I have "Unstable personality traits" (it isn't a disorder because I'm too young apparently..) um Mild/Moderate depression(not more serious because I still enjoy hobbies, at the moment) and maybe on the verge of Social Phobia. so yeh they're going to have their meeting about me and hopefully I will see a psychologist and maybe group ? hmm not sure about that one lol but yepyep so fingers crossed it will be helpful, much love x

[xbeckyx]

Glad it went okay :)
Good luck with them.
PM me if you ever fancy a chat, I seem to spend most of my time at CAMHS at the mo lol so I know what it's like.
x

[Lexy]

I've always wondered about group therapy.
Let me know how things go and good luck!
take care sweetheart,
Lexy x

[Minotaur]

I hated CAMHS - they kept writing letters about me, telling my parents and the police about things. I felt like I couldn't trust them because they broke confidentiality so often.

I wonder whether the adult serivces are any better...

Musicmad123: I'm glad it went ok for you :)

[musicmad123]

they just sent me a letter with a follow up appointment for the 30th of June and asked both my parents to attend :| why ? why do they need my parents, they do know about my stuff but they're clueless, thel will add nothing because I never talk to them and I don't want to, I'm quite annoyed right now, because I've gonna have to wait till th end of the month now and even then I won't actually be able to properly talk to anyone grr !

[Steel Maiden]

What I did when I was put in a similar situation is that I called the CAMHS place up and arranged for the upcoming appointment to be half with my parents and half by myself. I asked them explicitly not to tell my parents that I called and explained that I talk better without my parents around. When I had the appointment, surely enough half was with my parents and half was without.
Parents are annoying, I agree.

[musicmad123]

ah that's an idea, thanks

[glitter]

I've had a positive experience with CAMHS, been there for almost 2 years now and met almost every psychiatrist/nurse/psychologist they have to offer! I'm in their group therapy now, its quite good actually. Best thing is just to say to them that you don't feel comfortable talking about some things in front of your parents, mine always sends them out when I say that, much to their annoyance haha. Don't worry about it too much, they might just want to talk to your parents so you can work out together what the best way for them to help you is. And when you get into the swing of things, therapy sessions etc will mostly be on your own :)