I've been referred to the mental health team

[Pixie85]

What is it about speaking to my Dr that makes me cry 🙄 Just spent half my appt crying down the phone 🤦(swear)♀️ My sertraline has been upped to 100mg and I've been referred to the mental health team. How long does a MH referral usually take? What will their assessment entail?

[Suzi]

Sorry you're struggling lovely, but I'm really glad you've had that referral made. I can't give you a timescale as it very much depends on where you are in the country... The assessment will just be talking things through with someone and finding out what support would be the best for you...
It is actually a positive thing.

[Paula]

Well done for being honest with your doctor

[Pixie85]

I have a mental health assessment on the 25th Oct. Aside from the MH worker, who else would be able to see what I've spoken about? Will just be MH worker?

[Suzi]

It depends who you allow them to share it with... They might ask if they can share info with your Dr.

[shine]

From my current experience when they assess you they discuss the type of therapy to offer you and put you on the waiting list. From my initial referral to starting CBT I waited around 2 months for the assessment then another 6 months for CBT. I was however offered sooner if I was happy to have a trainee therapist but that would have involved being recorded on the video call. I didn't like the sound of that so I waited. They should also be able to offer you self help programmes you can use while you are waiting. There is one called silver cloud.
The assessment will take a detailed history of any previous mental health illnesses if any and discuss what your symptoms are now. They will assess if you are at risk of sh or suicide so don't be alarmed by some questions that they have to ask. Most important thing is to be honest and tell them exactly what is happening. Best of luck.

[Pixie85]

I can't stop thinking about it! About what questions I'm going to have to answer / How open I'm going to have to be with them and I'm finding the thought of it scary because once I've said things, they can't be taken back. I'm worried about my friends and family finding out....worried they'll get social services involved....worried I won't be believed about anything because I'm still in contact with my brothers....I'm just scared about it. Scared of getting a diagnosis

[Paula]

Hunni, I’ve moved your post into your previous thread as it follows on, and so allows others to see the history to it itms

Love, I know this is scary - it’s the unknown. But the assessment is just that so you won’t need to go into too much detail at this stage. They’ll then talk with you about next steps. Remember, it’s a collaborative process and you won’t be pushed any further than you can cope with

Your friends and family won’t find out you’re having this assessment unless you tell them. Why are you worried social services will be involved? As for a diagnosis, again that’s unlikely to happen at assessment stage but if and when you do, it’s a good thing as it’ll allow your team to work out what’s the best way they can help you

[Flo]

Paula's right. Try not to worry. Just remember that the team has only your best interests at heart and you won't be bombarded with questions and made to feel awkward. MH teams are sensitive to your feelings and aren't there to judge you and I think you'll feel hugely relieved afterwards having got stuff off your chest. They're going to be there for you not against you. you'll be just fine.(bear)

[Suzi]

Paula and Flo are totally right! Sweetheart what is said stays there if that's what you want. Talk to them, tell them what you're feeling and what fears you have.

[Pixie85]

I'm feeling scared about it. I feel so anxious still. I don't know if it's something I can do. I don't know. I don't know why but I feel bad on my family if I say anything about my brothers

[Suzi]

That's all totally "normal" love. Be honest with them, they will understand.

[Pixie85]

I feel like I'm being a silly child right now.

[Strugglingmum]

As with anything, the fear of the unknown can be immense. Its totally understandable.
You dont have to answer anything you dont feel comfortable saying but at the same time, the more honest you are then they will be able to assess better how to help you etc.
As someone who suffers with anxiety I know there is no point telling you not to stress about it but honestly I dont think you will find it as difficult as you imagine once you get started.
Also, remember there is very little that they wont have heard before which is very sad but you wont shock them with anything you say

[Suzi]

You aren't being a "silly child," you're scared and unsure and anxious. All those things that any of us who have been in a similar position will understand and know to be true and valid feelings.

[Stella180]

I’ve had many assessments and I still get nervous. Generally they just ask what sort of difficulty you’re experiencing and what help you are looking for. They will do what they can to point you in the right direction. They will go through the confidentiality agreement at the start and let you know exactly where you stand. It’s no different to a regular GP appointment really. You tell them your symptoms and they suggest a possible solution. You have the final say on your treatment so if you’re not comfortable with their suggestions then say so and see if you can come up with an option that works.

[Pixie85]

Thank you all. I obviously haven't cancelled it, so the assessment is still an option....I just need to stop overthinking it all, I guess

[Suzi]

It's natural to be overthinking it all, but really, sadly, you aren't the first person they will have seen who is in your situation, they will have things in place to help and support you x

[Pixie85]

I feel so disappointed. I got myself ready and all worked up....had my notes, tissue and water at the ready for my 10.30 MH assessment this morning....comes to 11 and still not heard a thing, so I rang them and they said they had to change drs, so my appt has been moved to Thursday morning. Would of been nice for them to let me know!
I've had a thought before though. I had 2 appts booked this week....the assessment with MH worker today and an appt with my Dr on Thurs....maybe they got mixed up and didn't put the MH appt on their planner? Because if I was speaking with MH worker and my Dr on Thurs then it would clash as my drs appt is 9.30 and assessment between 9-10.....confused now. I've emailed for clarification

[Paula]

Well done for calling and emailing them. It would have been so easy to just sit back and not dealt with it :)

[Suzi]

I agree, well done for calling and checking. Sorry it didn't happen today though, I know how much things like that can throw you. I'm proud of you!

[Stella180]

Oh what I nightmare. That would completely throw me out. Well done for having yourself organised and sorry it didn’t happen but you seem to have it all in hand now and dealing with this a lot better than I would’ve done.

[Pixie85]

I've had 4 telephone consultations with my doctor and I've pretty much cried the whole way through....even though I've never gone into any details of anything other than feeling down all the time. It makes me feel silly and I feel like I have to say sorry to my Dr 🙄 Have 1....maybe 2 appts tomorrow morning.... I don't want to cry at every phonecall with him, I can't seem to help it though. Is there anything I can do to stop being such a mess whilst talking

[Jaquaia]

I've merged your thread with your previous one.

I think it's natural to cry when you're talking about how much you're struggling.

[Paula]

You should never be ashamed of crying, particularly when you’re talking about how you’re feeling to your doctor. You don’t have to apologise to them and it will show them how much you need help right now.

hunni, I have merged this post with your live thread - they’re on the same subject and it makes things a lot easier for other members to keep up with the history if they’re all together.

[Suzi]

It's good that your Dr is obviously caring enough and is being really good at calling you for multiple appointments.
As has been said you shouldn't need to apologise...

[Pixie85]

Just had a telephone consult with my Dr....Seemed like a waste of time. He asked about MH team assessment, I said how no one rang me....he said on my notes they'd wrote that someone tried to call but that's a lie because I know they didn't, I was waiting! So now I have to wait longer for assessment. MH specialist on 10th Nov and another appt with my Dr on 16th Nov....it all just seems to be taking so long to get sorted :(
It's annoyed me a little that they are saying it was me that didn't answer....I was getting myself into a state waiting for that call....why would I do that to myself, if I wasn't going to answer

[Strugglingmum]

That's very frustrating and upsetting for you.
I would double-check that the MH team have the correct number for you.... just in case a digit is wrong or something. Might explain things.

[Pixie85]

They'll have my number because it's the MH team from my GP surgery and if my Dr can call, then they should have no problem either

[Suzi]

That doesn't mean that it hasn't been transferred properly. Always best to call, they might have tried when you were on a call to your Dr? You could also talk to them about whether you could be on a standby list in case of cancellation?

[Pixie85]

I've been on sertraline 3 months now and I'm actually, finally, starting to notice a difference. My head feels clearer, I'm not as tearful as I was and just generally feeling better. The thing I worry about now is that I have a MH assessment on the 10th Nov (they messed up the one I was supposed to have last week) and if I tell them how I think I'm seeing improvement in my mood now with the sertraline increase....I wouldn't want them to write me off as "being ok now" I still believe I need help to deal with past issues.

[Paula]

I’m so glad you’re starting to feel better! As for the assessment, tell them you need help to move on from these past issues, so that you can fully recover - that is definitely something they will need to hear to assess you properly

[Stella180]

Pills aren’t a cure. They simply help us to function rationally so we can find a solution and meds and talking therapy of one kind or another it a great combo is tackling the illness.

[Suzi]

Totally agree with Paula and Stella. It's great you're feeling a bit brighter, but definitely still ask for the help...

[Pixie85]

I spoke to my Dr on the 7th Oct....at a time when I was pretty upset and worked up, so when he mentioned a referral to the mental health team, I just said yes and thought about how I wanted the help and it would be good for me to be able to talk about everything. I was supposed to have the assessment on the 25th Oct but they let me down and didn't call....even though they said they did. Now I have the assessment booked for the 10th Nov and I'm starting to think differently about it. Like I don't want to do it. I don't know if it's because I already feel pretty let down by them, I'm noticing a difference on the Sertraline now, I don't know whether to trust them as they lied about calling me or I just don't want to rock the boat and put myself in the same mindset/mood I was in before my sertraline was increased. I feel differently about being so open with them in regards to previous traumas
I feel like I don't even know what to do for the best now....

[Suzi]

Only you can decide what is the right course of action for you.. I've just finished a course on trauma therapy and I'm on the waiting list for 1:1 therapy, but that could take years... If you have the chance of getting some help I'd jump at it...

[Pixie85]

Had my MH assessment this afternoon and have to say it wasn't as horrendous as I was building up in my mind to be, she was actually really nice...I very briefly talked about what I needed help with, she gave me the option of talking about things but didn't push me into talking when I told her I didn't want to talk yet....I was just wanting my main issues to be recorded. I'm being referred to Healthy Minds, should hear from them within 2 weeks. I feel better for just getting started and actually talking to someone! Had to share because this is a big thing to me!

[Stella180]

It may be worth looking at what is available through health minds while you are waiting. You should be able to self refer to them anyway.

[Suzi]

That's amazing! I'm so amazingly proud of you! Well done lovely.

[Strugglingmum]

That is so huge. Well done. I'm really pleased for you

[Pixie85]

Ok guys, so you're all probably about done with me now �� I got a message from Healthy Minds 3 days ago, asking me to call to schedule and appointment for a more in depth assessment to see how they can help me....I still haven't managed to make the call to them yet �� why can't i just do it....seriously? why does it seem so hard?!

[Strugglingmum]

You know what?
Taking the step to actually take control of your mental well being and grasping hold of that help.... that's the bravest (and best) thing you'll do.
But yes it's hard, all of us have struggled to take that step at some point, it's scary and may feel like you have opened a can of worms you would rather leave closed.
Thing is.... that's not working, that's why you have become unwell. If you are serious about wanting to feel better and improving your mental health it takes you to be brave and make that choice.
It also means you need to be prepared to take an active part in your recovery and engage with services.
If you are not ready to do that then maybe this isn't the right time for you, but unless you deal with your demons things are not likely to improve much with medication alone. It's tough but I believe in you, you can do it.

[Suzi]

Why do you think we'd be "done" with you?
It's incredibly difficult to make those calls, but I know you can do it.

[Pixie85]

Managed to keep my composure for the most part. It took a round half hour. Told them about the sexual abuse but I didn't really feel comfortable telling them it was my 2 brothers....so I just said the people that abused me weren't around any more and also didn't want to go in to the eating disorder either but I think she would of already know that from when I told the MH nurse....maybe that detail can be added later? Maybe I've started off on the wrong foot, I don't know? I start high intensity CBT group session in Feb and am on the wait list for trauma focused therapy, which she said there is a long wait list for, so could be a few months....just glad that assessment is over now!

[Stella180]

If you don’t tell them the truth they can’t help you effectively so you are wasting your time and theirs. I know it’s not easy to talk about these things that make you feel vulnerable but holding it all inside isn’t helping you so you need to get it out.

[Suzi]

I do agree that if you only give them part information they can't help completely.... I know it's really hard to talk about, but it is so important....

[Pixie85]

I will tell them it all when I'm assigned a therapist....I just found it hard to come out with today.

[Suzi]

That's fair enough. You've done brilliantly by going and telling them anything. You should be proud of yourself for doing that, and you should try to be kind to you for the rest of the day and tomorrow at least as the "anxiety hangover" as we call it in my house is going to be tough...