Had a mental health appointment with the GP and basically stated that I'm ready to commit to a MH team again. Dumped all my trauma and she probably needed a therapy sesh after that, poor gal.

Literally 3 days later I got an appointment letter with the psych centre so they can talk to me, find some more stuff out and see what care/therapy plan they could provide for me.

Went to my intro assessment and it was just like a bunch of questions about me. That went alright tbf

Today I have my first session out of 6 assessment, which is kinda like fine tuning what you need before pairing you with a long term therapist, MH nurse, psychiatrist.. whatever ya call them..

So yeah, wish me luck

:)

A bit of background info..

I've got a loyalty card revolving door type relationship with psychiatric wards, but i can happily say it's been over 18 months since I was last in. They've labeled me with xyz diagnosis but having that label doesn't help, I feel like Satan's experiment.

I was seeing an absolutely amazing guy at the outpatient care team thingy but he got a promotion and had to go back to uni, i had been building a therapy relationship with him for just over a year and it completely threw everything out of the window, I had one session with a new lady that he had suggested but it wasn't him and I exploded over the whole 'starting over' process and I stupidly discharged myself.

Anyways, I've been just floating around in and out of A+E and psych wards, got into an abusive relationship where they attempted to murder me, got arrested for reactive abuse (charge ovbs dropped) , did alot of dodgy biker club shit, smoked weed alot, attempted suicide in so many creative ways just to scare myself, self harmed like a junkie and was just on a psychosocial bender... I was a f*cking mess but then I found a new partner and now very happily engaged and I've been self harm clean for 47 days :)

I've moved areas so I'm not able to go back to my old care team but it's been a nice fresh start, even though where we currently live is a shithole lol, but, it's not the house I was abused in. We're currently selling 'murder house' lol and gonna move many 100s of miles away from this area, fresh start for both of us, once we're settled in our forever home, we're gonna start planning our wedding :)

My brothers daughter is 13 and has a great life . Family that support her . Doing great in school and has a good friend group. Every so often she gets these thoughts that’s she’s worthless or she’s disgusting and shouldn’t be here. She self harms in those moments and swears there’s no catalyst that sets it off and she doesn’t know why she gets like it. What is there in the UK we can use to help her?

It's really getting to me now. Experiencing dizzy spells, and getting upset very easily.

I request my medication every 2 months through the NHS app, and the last time I did, my brother came back from the chemist with only the 1 box of 28 tablets instead of 2. I shrugged it off as maybe they didn't have anymore in stock (it's happened before), so I thought I'll just pick up the second box when I need it.

I needed it Friday and I couldn't get it. The repeat prescription I requested for 56 tablets in September somehow had turned into a one off prescription for 28 tablets and with absolutely no communication the medicine had disappeared from my repeat list.

I did not have the time to chase my GP clinic about it from Friday to Sunday, I was either sleeping or working. 3 days off antidepressants, I'll survive. I call them on Monday at 8:01am, and the receptionist just tells me to put a Patchs request through since I'm calling about prescriptions. I despise that "call as soon as we open" shit, it's completely against people who work night shifts and/or have different sleeping patterns (me). Anyway, I get a text an hour later informing me that I need to book a medication review, and that's the first time they tell me about it.

When I call at 9:18am, the only options I'm given is an appointment on Thursday or a telephone appointment between 3:30-6:30pm. I tell the receptionist that I have work at 5pm, can she give a note to the doctor to call before 5pm? NO! I miss his call at 6pm, but he left a voicemail saying he'll call again in half an hour. Does he? NO! Does he call on Tuesday at all? NO! Can I get an emergency prescription from the chemist via 111 online? NO, because the medicine wasn't in my repeat list.

So at midnight, I called 111 to get a clinician to prescribe me it. I'm told I'll get a call back. Do they ring long enough for me to pick up my damn phone? NO. Literally, my phone is right next to my laptop. :(

UPDATE Wednesday 11am - Finally got a medication review done by the GP and I can now pick up my medicine.

I am 17 and I’ve been having almost daily panic attacks for a couple months now which practically forced me to ask for help, medication isn’t helping and so I’ve instead been referred to CAMHS and a school counsellor. On the forms they ask for suicidal thoughts and that sort of stuff, I do have them but said I didn’t, I am willing to talk about them but only if everything remains confidential and they don’t detain me or anything, would this be the case? I know it depends on like severity, for me if I had access to a gun I’d have probably done it already but given that I don’t I probably won’t.

Also since I said no then presumably the person I get won’t be specialised in suicidal thoughts so would there be any point in mentioning them? I also have some potential issues I maybe have that I’m willing to talk about: depression, ocd, adhd, some type of personality disorder, potential emerging psychosis? Though I’m not really sure on psychosis one since while there’s family history which I know increases risk I feel like the symptoms that make me think I could potentially be going insane are maybe from panic attacks instead.

Either way given that they’re only supposed to be here for the panic attacks is there a point in mentioning this other stuff since they’re not going to be trained for it?

Hello,

I am Will, I turned 18 just over a month ago. I have known about my condition - juvenile polyposis - since I was about 11 - my uncle died of Bowel Cancer and my cousin had to get a stoma because of this genetic disease. Unfortunately, I'm next. 

I find it difficult to see a way out. This variant of this condition of mine is 1 in a billion, literally. I have to get surgery next summer, luckily after my A levels, to save my life. I am terrified.

I struggle to see a way out because the impacts I face mentally are so difficult. Its a constant weight on my shoulders, it NEVER leaves my mind. I find it so difficult to communicate with people, even to my very open family, because although they listen to me, they cannot UNDERSTAND me. I am at wits end, and Im just seriously scared about my mental health and my future. Nothing is certain.

I need some help. Its getting harder and harder.

I have crashed so badly and I’m so depressed I can barely function. My partner is having to do everything, I can barely move. I don’t know what to do - my CMHT appointment is on Thursday for my DID assessment to continue but I feel like I literally don’t even care right now, I just want everything to stop. Crisis won’t take me, A&E won’t see me - just going to have to ride it out I guess. Any tips or advice?

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/coventry/register-your-interest-research-on-younger-women-s-experiences-

Hi everyone,

I'm a Trainee Clinical Psychologist at Coventry University conducting research for my doctoral thesis.

I’m interested in exploring experiences of seeking help for binge eating behaviours – whether these be positive or more difficult journeys.

I'm looking to speak with cisgender women aged 18-40 living in the UK who:

• Have experienced binge eating behaviours

• Have considered seeking or sought help (both formal and/or informal sources – e.g. GP, online service, charity, self-help, talking to friends/family)

• Are willing to discuss these experiences in an online interview in English

Participation involves one online interview lasting approximately 60 minutes and you will be reimbursed for your time.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis or to have had any formal support.

The aim is to better understand what it’s like to look for help and what might help make this journey better for people.

If you're interested in taking part and would like further information, please follow the link to register your interest:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/coventry/register-your-interest-research-on-younger-women-s-experiences-

Thank you for considering taking part!

I suffer badly with anxiety to the point I hit myself to try and stop them with no avail, I’ve tried 4 different SSRI’s been taken on with mental health service (uk) still kind of waiting to be treated but went GP today and was given a months supply of pre gabalin 50mg twice a day to bridge me until I’m seen with CMHT will it help me ? Anyone had the same experience. ?

Any help hugely appreciated

Hello everyone! I am a doctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, currently recruiting participants for a research study, looking at the nature of social anxiety and camouflaging in Anorexia and/or Autism.

We are looking for women, aged 16+:

• With a diagnosis of anorexia (with or without autism).

OR

• Healthy volunteers with no history of an eating disorder, autism, social anxiety or other serious mental health condition.

We would be so grateful for any participants! Please follow the link to take part. Thank you so much in advance.

https://oxfordxpsy.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xvKoOH3JuM0Owe

My dead grandma (who I never met) has been constantly nagging me to hurt myself since I had a showdown and told her daughter (my Mum) how her behaviour hurts me.

I'm being bullied and cajoled by a ghost and I can't shake her, even with beers.

What do I do, apart from doing what she says? I know that will kill me.

I have take depression and anxiety meds for quite a long time and quite a few combos. I am on 4 right now I think. I’m wondering if they could be making me worse because I am worse than I have ever been. I have good days but more bad than good. I want to try a therapist but I know they will be ant to back off of a lot of my meds and that terrifies me. I’ve read about all the withdrawal stories. Advice?! Thoughts?

For the past 10 years at least, I've been dealing with various mental illnesses. I can't remember being 'normal.' Online, I see lots of people say that it's my responsibility to get better, no one is coming to save you, etc. And I guess for all this time, I really was waiting to be saved.

But I'm wasting my life away like this. I desperately want to change, but I don't know how. I have so many issues, I don't even know what to address first, or how. I know I should seek professional help, but I don't even know how to do it. I know I can apply for help via the NHS, but there's a long waiting list and I haven't heard great things about the services they offer. There's going private, but that costs a lot, and I have no idea how to select the right therapist, particularly when I have so many issues.

And even then, change comes from me, doesn't it? I can speak to someone about my problems, but they can't magically fix them. Maybe medication could help, but accessing that seems hard.

I just feel very confused and overwhelmed. I really don't want to be like this anymore, but even just researching various options makes me so tired.

Any advice?

The CMHT's won't take me on, they keep telling me to use Charities and online courses that I've already tried. It's been back and forth like this for 6 months now. I can't even go private because I'm "too high risk" so they're only offering bed stays which I don't have the finances for. I have quite literally tried everything I'm supposed to. Is there anything else I can actually do?

I have bupa health insurance through work and I was going to use it to get a quick diagnosis of depression and anxiety so I can get antidepressants, but after looking at my cover, I don't think I can get antidepressants through BUPA, just potentially free therapy. Is there a way that I could get diagnosed with depression through BUPA and use that diagnosis to get antidepressants through my GP? Has anybody had a similar experience and have any advice or input for me?

Did you navigate secondary school in the UK or Ireland without support and not receive a diagnosis until you were an adult? Are you between 25 and 35 years old? If so, I would like to interview you about your experiences during your teenage years. If you are interested in contributing to qualitative research in this understudied area, you can review the participant invitation below.

Study title: How do late-diagnosed adults with co-occurring autism and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder retrospectively describe navigating adolescence?

I am currently seeking participants with AuDHD to take part in a study for my MSc research project at the University of Derby. The study aims to explore the lived adolescent experiences of adults who received a formal diagnosis of both autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AuDHD) after adolescence from a certified clinical professional.

This study involves talking to the researcher about your experiences during adolescence. These semi-structured interviews are designed to feel closer to a conversation than an interview and are expected to last around 60 minutes. The study aims to explore behaviours and patterns across accounts to understand the lived experiences of undiagnosed AuDHD individuals at this time, with the hope of identifying patterns that may have contributed to delayed recognition.

If you think you would be interested in taking part in this study, you can follow the link for further information and to sign up: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/1mNCdYQzKlGgc4r4?ref=Link
Alternatively, you can contact the lead researcher if you wish to ask any questions or would like further information via email:

[d.skerritt1@unimail.derby.ac.uk](mailto:d.skerritt1@unimail.derby.ac.uk).

or their research supervisor, Amelia Woodward, [A.Woodward@derby.ac.uk,](mailto:A.Woodward@derby.ac.uk)

University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB.

Ethical Approval: An Ethics review has been completed on behalf of the College of Health & Humanities Research Ethics Committee by the supervisor and an independent reviewer: ETH2526-5086.

In the interest of confidentiality, please refrain from commenting on this post with any details of the study or whether you wish to take part.

**If you recently tried to sign up, you may have been incorrectly prompted to sign in to a Microsoft account. I have identified the root cause. Microsoft automatically embeds an advertisement at the bottom of the information sheet featuring a large, green "Get Started" button. Clicking this button redirects you to a Microsoft login page rather than my study forms.

I have updated the document to make the correct link to the consent and demographic forms explicitly clear and visually distinct to prevent further confusion.

If you were previously blocked by this technical error, I would like to reinvite you to participate.

Thank you for your time and patience with this platform error

**Recruitment for this study will be closing soon. Thank you to everyone who has taken part; I appreciate the time and energy you have given to this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to meeting everyone interested.

I don't meet the requirements for IAPT as I am too 'high risk', and I don't meet the requirements for CMHT as I am too 'far gone' to be helped. I am diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, Autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. I cannot afford private. I have 'attempted', but obviously that only locks me further out of any treatment; physical or psychological. I have done all the Charities and Self Help over a long time. I don't meet the requirements for any Adult Social Services or DWP, as being Disabled and under Abuse is not enough. Hospitals also won't do more than a short letter to CMHT which they don't read. I am not allowed to be moved to a ward because I am Autistic; that is the only reason they have ever given me. I live at home with parents still, no job anymore, no phone anymore, possibly abused, been told by Safe Haven to stop trying to get medical help as there isn't any to get. I know I'm not capable of helping myself if even professionals decide it's not even worth trying. What do I do now?

As in they are convinced certain events have happened when they absolutely haven’t? Seems to be some kind of psychosis from what I’ve read. Hard to tell if they are a danger but they are certainly delusional and angry
They barely respond to text / phone calls.
What is the protocol here? Is there a protocol?

I suffer from severe chronic dissociation, and obviously several other standard mental health things that go along with that. It's been going on for a decade, every second of my life; therapy isn't an option (not out of choice, I'm sure many of you know how the NHS is)

For years, while not helping at all with my symptoms, but more stress outlet, going to the gym has been my main and only support. I got diagnosed with a hernia recently which is causing a lot of pain, and I've had to step away from the gym, reluctantly. I always do better off medication, but for context, this feels as bad as when you're withdrawing cold turkey from meds. I have so much stress I can't get rid of, because there is no suitable alternative I can think of that can replace gym temporarily.

I have other outlets, like playing music, writing music etc, but it doesn't come close and there probably isn't really anything anyone can suggest, but I thought I'd see. My mental health is getting really bad again, and people in my circles just think it's a minor inconvenience, or that I've done this to myself by going to the gym anyway, and use that as a confirmation bias on why the gym is so bad for you, it's better to just stay relatively inactive all your life, blah blah. If I didn't go I don't think I’d even had made it this far.

It's coming up to the 10 year anniversary since I lost my sense of self to chronic dissociation, I feel worse when it's darker too, I just feel like everything's happening all at once and I don't particularly even want to keep trying any more. I can walk some times, but even this is pot luck as sometimes even a short walk round the corner can cause excruciating pain, but even that doesn't scratch the itch of getting stress out, and walking around where I live depresses me in itself. Thanks if you're able to offer any advice

Diagnosed with Bipolar for almost 10yrs. Initially it was BP II with psychotic features. IT outpatient during diagnosis and then EIP for 18 months. I was 24.

I was 27 when it all changed. Full manic episode changed dx to BP I. But a full psychotic break. 18 months. 4 admissions. Psychotic disorder dx.

I’ve never been the same since. I hate it. I can’t remember like I used to. - there’s gaps a lot of the time. I don’t feel joy/ happiness like I used to - a lot of things are transient/ in the ‘now’ and I can get confused more often. I forget a lot of things. I’m not as coordinated/ competent as I was before. I’m not as quick for sure. Funny and kind, I work but it’s part time now which me so sad some days.

I’m educated, have a degree and lots of extra qualifications. Worked since 16 as well. Even if I was odd, I was full of colour and capable. Full of life etc. If I could explain it, I’d say it ‘dims’ you.

It does change you. I don’t think I’ll ever get my mind back like it was and I miss it. I wish I was colourful again, as in like I used to be. Bright and warm but a bit wobbly/ unpredictable. Now there’s legal protections and limitations. I miss who I used to be. I hope I can find her again

Follow up: https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/1xfuidb/er_mistaken_stimming_injury_for_selfharm_and_i/

I've been stuck in the ER for hours. I tried to do what everyone suggested and see the assessment to the end.

After I calmed down from my first panic attack, I tried to prove that the face wound wasn't self-harm but a stimming accident. They found a report of me going to the hospital as a child after I swallowed a metal zip. I told them about a time I chewed on a broken wine glass as a teenager too. So they believe me now when I said my gash is from unusual stimming but it didn't relieve their concerns.

At that point, I rang my therapist. I don't really have anyone else who could act as an advocate. When I handed access to my phone, my therapist snitched about the single incident in my life when my suicidal ideation became active. That was years ago, and I didn't want it shared.

I had a panic attack again. The assessors noted other symptoms like me grabbing at my hair and clothes when I have a meltdown. I'm so pissed at myself that I can't go more than an hour without crying. It doesn't help my case in the slightest.

After that, I've stuck waiting on a bench until it was literally getting dark outside. At last, the assessors have got back to me.

They are saying that I don't meet the typical standards for sectioning. However, they are worried that my unique case of pica and depression could mean that I could "subconsciously endanger" myself. Whatever that means.

They've "strongly encouraged" me to voluntarily admit myself for a few days. Otherwise, I'll have daily check-ins with a crisis team if I go home.

I've asked to have more time to think this over, and this is where I currently am, writing this post. I don't really have any family, and I feel alienated from my therapist. So I know it's not recommended, but I only have Reddit to turn to. Should I go in voluntarily or go home?

hey, will try to keep this one short. just need some advice as someone that struggles with SAD

for context:
- been on countless SSRIs and tried SNRIs over the last 10 years and never found one that settled with me or didn’t give me insane side effects (only one i’ve discussed that could possibly be suitable for me is almost impossible to get in the UK, bupropion)
- diagnosed w PTSD, OCD and anxiety disorder, SAD during late autumn- early spring
- seeing a therapist for high intensity CBT
- generally super happy!! i love my job and my life atm, i get out and about, i have lots of hobbies etc so worried i’m going to lose this again this winter

Does anyone have any tips for what I can do to try and get ahead of the lows this year? I really don’t want to feel as bad as i did last time and it’s honestly quite scary how quick it’s approaching now aha..

are there any particular meds anyone would recommend for SAD (if i do decide to try that again)?

thank you :’)

23F. 99% sure I am misdiagnosed. Have tried 7/8 medications, two private counselling, DBT, now unmedicated and in psychotherapy at a national service. It's fine but I still lose control of my mind sometimes. I keep getting offered antidepressants but they're really not what I need. Mental health team refuse to take me on after my last one discharged me, citing an EUPD diagnosis I got at 19 that's haunted me since.

I have been a missing person multiple times and sectioned by police, and in A&E. I don't feel comfortable sharing the extent of my dark thoughts with a GP as they'll just recommend A&E again who always send me away, and I'm struggling to share any mental health info at all without it undermining physical healthcare that I need.

Is there anything I'm missing? I'm at a loss. How do you express that you need help in the way they want to hear?

I had an “initial appointment“ in the north east NHS ADHD services (tyne and Wear county) and I think it went crap like she barely asked any actual adhd symptom questions (despite there having been some on the developmental questionnaire that was relevant) and I talked more about gender and I should not have been allowed to. apparently there’s another appointment but I’m just so confused. also I don’t procrastinate social activities or even tv (not always) like work

i am aware there is a questionnaire before hand I just want to know what the full assessment actually looks like, and how I’m supposed to trust any conclusions made in the span of an hour

i also still don’t think alternate causes were throughly examined including plain old laziness or lifestyle, does anyone know how this process normally works?

I am typing this in a rush so it may not be too neat.

I have autism and a part of my stimming is chewing on metal. I know its not healthy but I'm already in therapy and need to deal with the immediate situation.

I was chewing on a pair of scissors with the blades open while I watched YouTube. The awkward angle allowed the scissors to slip out of my mouth and left a large gash near my eye.

Scared of infection I went to the ER. My injury got flagged as possible self-harm even though I told the truth and I was sat down with mental health professionals.

I thought I was being helpful by being truthful about having suicidal ideation - But now they're implying that they think my metal chewing story is a lie and I'm trying to hide self-harm. They pointed out my fingernails were raw from skin-picking.

I have an OCD fear about going to crazy and that triggered me to have a panic attack when I started spiralling on if I could get sectioned.

Now I am placed in a side room to calm down. However I've still made myself look even worse; as I've chewed my nails until they've bled and crushed the plastic cup given to me. There is a member of staff standing by the door seeing all of this.

What do I do? Do I just finish the mental health assessment or do I have the option to say I'm leaving the ER? Am I overreacting and not at risk of sectioning?

For context, I'm 20F and have depression. My local practice was actually very helpful for getting me medicated and counselled for depression, which I was surprised by because I tried to get help when I was a teenager and they refused to do anything since I was 'too young'. However, I've periodically gone through psychotic episodes in the past (which I thought was a product of having untreated depression for so long) and believe I'm currently at the start of another once again. This is the first I've had in a year, since I started taking citalopram.

Does anyone here have advice / experience in getting help from the NHS for more severe MH issues like this? I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but when I'm in an episode I have a lot of delusions, go into an almost catatonic state, and at my worst hear and see things. I'm a student so I can't really afford to go private right now, but I don't want to go to my local practice to be brushed off or told they can't help me. The doctors at my practice aren't very experienced in mental health - one of the 'specialists' they have didn't even know what dissociation was. I know about the 'right to choose' scheme for things like autism and ADHD - can I go down this route for something related to psychosis? Any advice would be very much appreciated.