Don't know what to do re mental health nurse...

Gunnergirl · 24-12-2012, 10:05 AM

Ok, so I've been seeing the mental health nurse since September, I was referred to CMHT because 3 different docs and 2 counsellors have said that I fall under the diagnostic criteria for PTSD but it has to be diagnosed by a mental health doctor.
Since seeing her she has said that I possibly have a mood disorder too, but she is unsure what type. She mentioned something about personality disorder or similar to bipolar. She was muttering to herself. When I asked for clarification she changed the subject.
She has made some quite unhelpful and insensitive comments for example..

I told her one of my friends was basically using me as a free counsellor and she said "well you have had a lot of counselling- share the wealth"

I sometimes write down things if I feel unable to say them... I had recently made a complaint about a doctor regarding my daughters treatment and how they patronised me and jumped to conclusions about what I wanted for my daughter and she said "was it an essay like I get?"

I could go on but won't... I tried to talk to a GP about it but they just said I should talk to the nurse about it. Problem is I'm not good with confrontations. She seems nice enough but I hate the comments. They feel like little digs at me.

I don't know what to do...

Lemur · 24-12-2012, 07:54 PM

You can write a letter of complaint to your cmht hun. I had a cpn that used to make unhelpful comments and I was goin to write to my cmht but circumstances changed. You could ask for a new nurse. And don't be afraid to ask, the amount of people they have changing cpns is more than you think. She wouldn't take personal offence and at the end of the day you need someone that you feel comfortable with.

Gunnergirl · 24-12-2012, 08:13 PM

Thanks lemur

Epicene · 24-12-2012, 10:00 PM

It's a difficult situation, particularly when you're aware that they are considering other diagnoses; sometimes speaking out can make you feel as though you're rocking the boat. I can really sympathise because I've also had a CPN making inappropriate comments with me. The one thing that reassures me is that I know she isn't being malicious - they're completely ridiculous and sometimes unprofessional - but not nasty. It sounds like maybe your nurse is similar?

However, if she's the only professional you have regular contact with them it's obviously not going to be helpful for you. Perhaps start by asking if you can change CPN (without giving any reasons). If they ask why, then ask to have a discussion with another member of staff so that you can be open about what has bothered you. They might wind up trying to patch things up or encourage you to voice your concerns with her, but it's worth a shot. Also, keep a list of everything she says or does that is unhelpful. It's hard to remember everything so might add strength to your case.

Gunnergirl · 24-12-2012, 10:25 PM

Thanks shed.

You really nailed it. I don't want to rock the boat.

Thanks a lot for your reply...

Gone. · 25-12-2012, 01:34 PM

I had a problem with one of my CMHT professionals not long ago and I ended up ringing my GP in a fit of hysteria because I was upset at something she'd said to me. Basically, my GP said that she'd have a word with her which lead to me receiving a phonecall from the CMHT lady the following day. She asked me if I'd like to talk about why I didn't like her which was awkward but showed me that she wasn't judging me, as such, she wanted to help me with what I was feeling.

It sounds as though your CMHT person is more unhelpful than mine - though I have been told similar things (not about diagnoses) but they say those things to me because I am highly sarcastic and they understand that I really don't mind being told I write far too much - quite literally, I have written them three page essays! To me, it sounds as though you're not clicking with your professional and they can sort that for you. I was asked if I would like to change who I see, even by the lady in question, and was treated very nicely overall. If the nurse isn't helping you, talk to your GP or to her or to someone in the CMHT because you can change and they won't mind. You can't get along with everyone in life, that's just the way it goes.

Gunnergirl · 25-12-2012, 08:03 PM

Thanks shine..

Thanks all of you that commented...

I think I will try to speak to someone in the CMHT in the new year and ask them to change nurses. If they ask why I will tell them.
If there is something else going on then I'm sure the new person can figure it out too.