I feel very sad and angry that you felt compelled to make a decision to overdose, intentionally, in order to get the services you need. I don't like the decision. I don't like any idea that says it's the only way. I don't like the system. I don't like a whole lot of stuff about it all! But I still really like you, Denise. I do.
GFN
This bit (and a lot of the rest) I agree with 100%.
The problem with the NHS is that it is second to none in terms of dealing with acute illness of one kind or another, but not so strong in dealing with chronic conditions. Mental health is right at the bottom of the heap, with inadequate provision at every level.
Sometimes all that is left is to tell people like myself and Denise that if we have a problem, to go to A&E and ask for the duty psychiatrist, and then I suppose, hope for the best. As you know, I have been three weeks without my psychologist, with the advice to ring the Samaritans if I have problems in the meantime. I have not done so. It would take a great deal of courage - more than I have - to walk into A&E, and then wait four or five hours for someone to come and then explain the problem to them. You would need a fair amount of emotional stability to achieve that. Chances are, all you would get would be a letter to take to your GP.
I think I have said before that in my area there is no provision whatever for third level (long term) support for mental health conditions, other than eating disorders. You have crisis care, for overdoses, and acute care for those who need admission. You have short term counselling (maximum 12 weeks). But there is nothing else, unless you pay and go privately. But even then, you can waste your money, as I did, and end up with an incorrect diagnosis. Other parts of the country differ, depending on how the health authorities spend their money.
As far as I know I am the only person in my county receiving long term therapy for ptsd, and that is from a psychologist specialising in eating disorders, because that is the only kind available.
And it took me 6 or 7 years to find that, with a lot of internet searching and determination. I just refused to give up, and kept trying one avenue after another after another. Without my daughter, I am sure I would not have kept going so long.
I think there is, indeed, excuse for those in the UK who cannot find a way through to the help they need, and who do not make it through. All the books I read, all the internet self assessments I have read, all say 'you need to seek immediate professional help'. This is much easier said than done, in my experience.
