I just want help :'(

coffeecakeicecream · 11-07-2011, 01:15 PM

I've been struggling more than ever before with my mental health recently, my severe moodswings have been replaced by constant depression. I went to see my GP for the first time about a month back, and she gave me a referral for psychological services. They phoned me up recently and told me the waiting list is about 3 months long! I am going to University in 3 months, and I wanted to start getting help before then. What can I do? Should I go back to my GP? Or do referrals to all services take this long? What about CMHTs? I am going to my first councelling session today, though I don't feel it will be of any help, I don't need to talk about stuff, I need coping methods etc.

one_step_closer · 11-07-2011, 01:18 PM

Perhaps the counselling will be more helpful than you think. Sometimes you can work out your own coping mechanisms by talking things through. Unfortunately waiting lists are like that, it would be worth going back to your GP though to see if you could maybe be bumped up the list. I hope everything works out ok for you. Please let us know how the counselling goes. Take care and get in touch at any time.

musicmad123 · 11-07-2011, 01:18 PM

Good luck with the counslling, fi you tell the counselor what you need form them, they'll be more likely to help you with it. If you're going to uni in 3 months, I honestly wouldn't bother with the CMHT even if you got bumped up the list, you'd see someone once or twice and then you'd be off to uni. You will maybe be able to set up something better once you are at uni. GIve the counselling a fair chance.

coffeecakeicecream · 11-07-2011, 01:21 PM

Thank you, I can't believe how long these waiting lists are, I wish I'd plucked up the courage before.
And I have tried counselling before, but it was a long time ago, and maybe it will be better now? :/

one_step_closer · 11-07-2011, 01:29 PM

Maybe now you'd be better able to engage with counselling or you might see a counsellor who is more in tune to you. I hope it goes well.

roiben · 11-07-2011, 01:30 PM

It may be wise to ask your GP to write to the University health centre ahead of you going there, so that any referral needed there for your MH care can be started ahead of time.

The University should have its own in house mental health centre as a part of its general health centre, but can also refer people to the local cmht. It may be worth contacting them earlier so you can get the ball rolling, and perhaps even meet them in advance.

As for counselling, all sessions are different depending on your needs and who you see. If you would prefer coping skills, then mention this as something you would like to work on, and they may be able to do this for you.

Roiben x