How do go about getting a CPN? Community practitioner nurse

amyflood245

Hey, so I struggle with mental health and have done all of my life, I am diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, autism, anxiety and depression, my struggles are daily and seem to be getting worse the older I get, I was wondering how I go about getting extra support maybe from a CPN? 

Thank you 

Tori_Scope

Hi @amyflood245 I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with your mental health, and have been for a long time.

Are you receiving any kind of support at the moment? Is your GP aware of the problems you face?

This page on Rethink Mental Illness' website explains the system in what is hopefully a clear way. Perhaps you could give it a read and see whether you have any questions? 

amyflood245

Hi, thanks for replying, I have just come out of therapy which was twice a week for 18 month, 1 face to face session and one group session, I was then discharged but rang back up the other day because I was in crisis and they told me to self refer to talking matters to have a go at CBT again but sadly I think I’m therapy resistant as I have tried that many over the years and nothing has worked so I’m looking for more long term help 

cupcake88

Hi there sorry to hear your not well I also suffer with mental illness . I have cpn I only got one because I went into a major crisis . I had to go to a and e and I was referred to like a crisis team he looked after me and then they referred to a mental health community team . I think your gp can also arrange a cpn for you hope that info helps . Also I was recently in a mental health hospital I already had a team but they also refer people to a community team also x 

amyflood245

It’s awful isn’t it! I too have been in a mental health hospital for a few weeks not too long ago and had numerous visits to a&e but never once been offered a CPN 

Tori_Scope

That is really frustrating @amyflood245. Have you been offered any support at all (other than being told to refer yourself to that service) since being in hospital or finishing therapy? Who was it you called when you were in crisis recently?

I've sent you an email from community@scope.org.uk, please do give it a read whenever you get the chance. 

innocent21

With mental health services there's a postcode lottery. Services vary highly across the country depending on where you live. You should look up what your local NHS trust is for your area that specialises with mental heath, and visit that website to then learn about what services are available. To find this website it can't really be done reliably using the "services near you" search feature on the NHS website.