The Nhs And Being Taken Seriously

[Ice_Fire]

Okay, so, as is obvious by the title, this mainly applies to people in the UK. But, any opinions are welcome.

Right so, I went back to my GP yesterday and actually broke down crying, which is very rare for me and I told her that my symptoms are bad, I keep having flashbacks in school and I feel on the verge of completely losing it.

My doctor's advice? 'Maybe the way forward is to bury it and move on with your life?' Really?! So, she's changed the anti-depressants and sent me on my way. I need more support than that. I...don't know. I saw a Community Psych Nurse who along with my T diagnosed the PTSD. But beyond that I've just been left to fend for myself.

Short of turning up at A and E and telling them I cannot deal with life, sort me out, I don't know what to do. :cry:

 

[JustBe]

So sorry you are having these difficulties Ice.

You're right, here in the states the medical system is different. I always thought National Health System was a better way to go, but now I'm not so sure. So many folks are hurting and being turned away. :(

 

[Bimble]

Hi Ice - am having a pretty bad time of it at the moment, but I can say my GP was actually the first to diagnose my PTSD and tried me with lots of different things before referring me on to a community mental health team, where I've been well looked after here.

I guess it's pot luck as to how good your GP is - I genuinely don't think some GP's see PTSD as it really is - they just see the after effects of the symptoms like the crying, feeling of desperation, being low - all signs of depression, which I think they see and react to. I was VERY lucky I think - I was so low and he helped me all the way.

Having now been on Quetiapine for many months, I have made a lot of progress, but it's still there, lurking, ready to pounce. Whenever I visit the place I had my accident, which was at another work site, it jumps out at me without fail every single time - people who don't have a clue how I'm feeling tell me to just get over it and just get on with it - so easy for someone to say, but I would just love, for one hour, that they think, feel and experience what I have to on a daily basis and THEN see what their advice would be.

I do think sometimes that unless people can see something to tell them you're not well, like a cast on a broken leg, stitches on a bad cut, eye patch on a bad eye etc...they just think everything is OK with you - hence the constant struggle with the perception of mental health issues, especially in the workplace.

Keep strong Ice - from someone who knows exactly how you feel.

 

[Abstract]

Oh I am sorry to hear that.

I think you need to work on getting what you need and not let anything stop you. The first thing I would do is see another Dr and ask to be referred on to see a psychiatrist that specialises in trauma. Tell them you have read up and this is what you need. If they will not do it then see another Dr. If you have to register with a different clinic then do that even.

You need to speak to someone who understands trauma and you need to ask for counselling with someone who understands trauma. Think of asking for EMDR.

Sometimes with the NHS you have to be a squeaky wheel. Most Dr's don't understand trauma. Good luck. Don't give up.

 

[Maggiemay]

*big huggles*

This makes me so cross - your gp has a duty of care. I bet if he experienced what you do just for 1 day he would think differently. This can't be burried, & flashbacks are a living hell!! :( If I could give you answers I would - maybe see another gp within the practice?

If it helps any, I am at my witt's end with the nhs too at the moment -- Had to fight GP for sedatives for sleep which is very distressing, and then got refused by the specialist trauma service for being 'too complex'. It's ridiculous. More money needs to be spent on mental health services within the nhs & people with mental health difficulties need to be taken seriously. :(

xxx

 

[maddog]

Good grief, these stories make me so mad, and so sad. I'm sorry that you received such invalidating and downright inappropriate feedback/advice. I know only enough about the NHS to know that it is, at least in some places, deeply flawed, and while we have a far from perfect system here in Australia, I do believe we are luckier than you folks in the UK as a whole.

As others have said, try to hang in there and advocate for a different assessment/referral, see someone else etc. It's so hard when we are at our lowest to have to fight in such a way, but honestly, you deserve better, and I do so hope you're able to find someone who can point you in the right direction of getting it.

Maddog

 

[Toria]

Nothing could EVER surprise me about the NHS anymore. I am sorry that your GP was so dismissive and I hope that you can find one that is more understanding and helpful.

 

[amethist]

Please dont stop trying to find the support you rightly deserve Ice_Fire.

Hubby is now on his 4th CPN, and what a good one he is. He has just been this morning and showed all the understanding hubby could ever want.

Go back to your GP and insist on being referred to the Community Psychiatric Team, they cannot refuse you.

 

[cherryblossom]

Amethist is right, you need to be referred to a mental health team, where you should be able to see a psychiatrist, and a psychologist / therapist. You CPN should be attached to a mental health team, so he/she could refer you to them. Speak to your CPN.

If you find your GP dismissive, see some one else at the same practice.

The problem is, that you have to fight for your rights, and when you feel low/depressed that is the last thing you feel like doing, but your CPN should be helping you to do that.

A&E is not the right place to go and get help, it can be very busy and distressing, and they will likely just refer you back to your CPN and GP.

You might like to check out the NICE guidelines for PTSD. The Touch (NICE use evidence based guidelines to provide recommended treatment to health care providers in the UK. Your GP should be following these guidelines, and if not, you have good reason to raise a complaint with the Practice manager and request a second opinion.

The NHS is seriously lacking with appropriate mental health care, which is unlikely to change any time soon. The best treatment I received was through a charity especially set up for women and men who have suffered sexual abuse / assault. I was assigned a trauma therapist, and given therapy every week for a year. I was asked to contribute to the costs, and asked to donate anything from £1-£40 pounds for every therapy session. I chose to pay £20 per week, but I would have been just as welcome, had I only been able to pay £1. I seriously urge you to see if there are any local charities who might be able to help. Again, your CPN should be aware of what might be available in your local area, but a google search might throw up something for you.

It's tough to keep fighting, and keep searching, and keep asking for help, but, sadly it seems the only way to get the right help and support.

Good luck, and don't give up :hug:

 

[Ice_Fire]

Wow! Thanks so much everyone for all the responses.

I contacted a friend of mine who happens to be in the local community psychiatric team and he gave me a number. Basically, I've referred myself and they are going to tell my waste of space GP.

I guess it would help if I still had my CPN but once my exams were over in the summer I basically got discharged. :rolleyes: Despite my protests. Not sure how to go about getting another one?

I've been given a number for an organisation called Savanna?

But it's the clinical side of it that bothers me. I'm not liking how my GP has just switched me to start different anti-depressants. My request for something to help me sleep got totally ignored.

Gone from being in shock/upset to just pain angry now.

Thanks everyone, I'll keep you all posted on any new developments,.if any.

 

[amethist]

Ice_Fire, some anti-depressants do make you sleep, they work while you sleep

So if you have to take them in the evening, there you go.

 

[KP the nut]

(((Ice))). Such good advice from everyone. I can only add my support. You deserve and have every right to treatment. I'm pleased you were able to refer yourself.

Please take care.