Scared of getting in touch with CMHT (BPD)

[jessye]

So last Autumn I had a breakdown and was diagnosed with BPD by the Crisis Team psychiatrist. I worked with the Crisis Team for 3 weeks until I was well enough to get back to work and was in the care of the CMHT. Since then I have had hardly any support whatsoever.

I firstly saw a CPN who had absolutely no knowledge of the condition or any suggestions about how I can keep myself well and avoid further crises while I am waiting for DBT. I was then palmed off onto a social worker who said he was going to help me with some DBT techniques to help me cope with things better. These I found completely useless as they were in 45 minute sessions 2/3 weeks apart and he clearly had no real training in it as he spent most of the session flicking through notes. Also I have still not had a new patient's appointment with the team's psychiatrist which I was supposed to have last October!! And I discovered at my last session that I hadn't even been put on the sodding DBT waiting list (which is 18 months long incidentally) as I have to have my diagnosis confirmed by this psychiatrist.

Since my last session with this social worker guy I had an accident and couldn't see him for a few weeks. Since then I have been too frustrated with the whole situation to call the CMHT and make another appointment. And I am so fed up of ringing up and pestering the poor receptionists about it. It has now been about 6 weeks since I saw this guy and he hasn't been in touch to schedule an appointment and I still haven't heard anything about the psychiatrist's appointment.

I know that I have to pick up the phone and try to make an appointment and push for some kind of treatment or frequent sessions with a CPN or something and I especially need to kick up a fuss about still not having seen the psychiatrist but I'm so scared and embarassed. I hate fighting my way through this system. I hate having to confront my mental health problems. But I know that if I don't I won't have the support in place to prevent me from having another crisis. I can't keep self harming as a way of coping and all the other symptoms are destroying all my relationships. What is more I don't know what I'm going to say when if I do see this guy. I just freeze up and can't explain what I need support with.

Grr. Can I please get some encouragement and advice to help with picking up the phone and pushing for some kind of treatment?

[whirlpools]

Have you heard of PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)? They're a service which I believe is independent from the NHS whose job it is to listen to NHS patients' situations, to advise them on the best course of action, or, awesomely, do the liaising for you. If you continue to have no luck with the CMHT yourself, they're the folks to ring - they are able to get quite a lot done.

[PinQ]

I agree with disappear, try getting in touch with PALS. My boyf contacted them when everything came to a stand still with support for me after I came out of hospital and they really got the ball rolling again. I hope you get some help soon.