Telephone appointment with psychiatrist

Albus_Scope

Oh blimey that's quite the wait @Jane315STARX but that does unfortunately sound about right. Mental health services are under a huge amount of strain with a lack of staffing, so it can take a while to get those appointments. Hopefully you can get a slot from a cancellation soon though.

Jane315STARX

I agree but It was him who said he would speak with me in 4 weeks on February 11th then a letter went out recently to say that he couldn't make the time.Then another to say that the replacement for this appointment has now been put to May.So I've only spoken to him for 23 minutes Ever.All he did was prescribe Quietipine which I emailed to say no based on the fact that I've never actually taken it etc etc ( long story).The whole system is broken so with this and the political and benefits system the way it is I can see people ending their lives on mass and can totally see why it's happening. I'm not saying I am currently in that state of mind but there really is nobody to help.G.ps are always not as useful as they used to be because of the intense pressure they are all under

Rosie_Scope

Really sorry you're feeling the strain of the system @Jane315STARX, it's really not in a good place and so many people are struggling. Hope the appointment goes well when it finally comes around.

Jane315STARX

Thanks x.

Jane315STARX

So after waiting since February for another call from this psychiatrist.He called today and in brief said that my only options really were to take strong anti depressants or pay to see a private specialist psychotherapist ( as the waiting list on nhs is over a year)

Bluebell21

Hi @Jane315STARX I am so sorry this has happened. Could you perhaps go and see your GP and ask for a referral to a different psychiatrist.

Please take care of yourself.

Jane315STARX

Thanks BlueBell21.I think in my area this is the only team that operates within the nhs ( I've looked it up).He works within a trust and so the outcome would unfortunately most likely be the same.Its not him personally making the decision.Its the situation I think we are all in as it seems mental health services are so stretched.But I appreciate your kind words x

Jane315STARX

Today I've decided that I've got absolutely nothing to lose with the situation both myself and my son are in so I've sent a message to my GP practice telling them how incompetent I think this psychiatrist is.I was thinking it over.I think giving someone a diagnosis over the phone in 26 mins then telling them you will speak with them in 4 weeks ( but then dont) then cancelled appointment the following month.Meaning no contact for 3 months then followed by a 19 minutes telephone call saying are you up for a different medication is not a way to treat a patient.let alone someone who is trying to cope with what I am ( i.e a suicidal teenager).So on this basis I've let the GP practice know and see what they say

Bluebell21

I think you have done the right thing @Jane315STARX I think it is time we all started complaining more for the lack of service we are getting. It is all right Labour saying the NHS waiting lists are going down this is because people are not getting the treatment they need and telephone calls when they need to be seen face to face.

Good luck let us know how you get on.

Take care.

Jane315STARX

I have just had a message back with a face to face appointment in 2 weeks with a gp.So atleast that's something.I did have the option of next week but it would be a time when my son was at home and I can't leave him alone for obvious reasons and couldn't take him with me either and have nobody to leave him with so it's 2 weeks

Rosie_Scope

Good on you for making that call @Jane315STARX, it's good that you're letting someone know that the way you have been treated isn't acceptable. I hope the appointment with your GP is helpful.

Jane315STARX

Well I imagine the GP will probably feel nervous about putting what I said across.I said he was "a pillock".But at this point in my life I've got nothing to lose because even if they decide to take away any potential services.I don't actually care.As I said in my message "this Dr has made me feel worse".I went to them looking for help for the first time in 20 years ad services have gone so far down the pan that I now understand why there are so many suicides

Jane315STARX

Looking at it from the outside.you have a single mum with serious mental health issues I.e depression and anxiety with a suicidal teenager,no family or support network and this psychiatrist has treated me to a diagnosis in 26 min phone conversation ( which most of was 15 min discussion about location and medication history).Then 3 months later a 19 minute follow up.So I think it says it all