mental health service failings
hello!
Between 2016-17 there was 14,106 complaints lodged towards various mental health trusts around England. Hundreds of people have taken their own lives due to the lack of resources and support for those in need.
In order to receive adequate treatment there are certain boxes that must be ticked. It seems you can not be too unwell as your then deemed "too complex" but you also can no be too "functional" as then you are seen be a well adjusted member of society who does not need treatment. If your difficulties can not be easily fixed, or progress can not be recorded on a chart you are bounced from one professional to another.
When I turned 18 I was transferred from child to adult services. I was disappointed that I had not made enough progress in child services to be discharged, yet hopeful that the multiple professionals available In adult services would enable me to make positive change. After waiting 11 months to receive a psychotherapy assessment I was told I was not well enough to have talking therapy just yet so was then referred for art therapy assessment. 6 months later I was told by the art therapist that I must have talking therapy before I start art therapy. So what was I suppose to do?
I became unwell, hopeless and desperate for someone to say they could help.
Eventually somebody did, an incredible charity reached out to a specialist psychotherapist to help me come to terms with my diagnosis and learn ways to manage it. Three years went on and through a lot of hard work, tears, defeat and triumphs I got to a stage where I had accepted my difficulties and the limitations they put on my life.
I had yet to discuss in-depth the trauma from my childhood, but my time had come to an end with said therapist and I now had to return to my local trust.
12 months later I had finally been allocated a psychotherapist. I was hopeful and opptomistic - this did not last very long.
A single word was not said by the therapist and this caused a lot of anxiety and fear as being in a room alone with someone not knowing what will go on is triggering and difficult. I explained this to her but she said she would not talk in sessions because she would then only be reinforcing my fears.
She would not tell me when I had dissociated and presented as a different part, this was scary because I felt unsafe and un-contained especially knowing that some parts present a big risk and can self harm and put me in dangerous situations.
I was told I had no right to ask about her therapeutic approach, i was intimidated and my experiences were invalidated.
The detrimental effects that my local mental health trust have caused has been extensive and damaging for all of me. I'm no longer able to enter the building without dissociating, and no longer feel safe to be present.
A supposed place of safety and support has now become a place of fear and anxiety.
Between 2016-17 there was 14,106 complaints lodged towards various mental health trusts around England. Hundreds of people have taken their own lives due to the lack of resources and support for those in need.
In order to receive adequate treatment there are certain boxes that must be ticked. It seems you can not be too unwell as your then deemed "too complex" but you also can no be too "functional" as then you are seen be a well adjusted member of society who does not need treatment. If your difficulties can not be easily fixed, or progress can not be recorded on a chart you are bounced from one professional to another.
When I turned 18 I was transferred from child to adult services. I was disappointed that I had not made enough progress in child services to be discharged, yet hopeful that the multiple professionals available In adult services would enable me to make positive change. After waiting 11 months to receive a psychotherapy assessment I was told I was not well enough to have talking therapy just yet so was then referred for art therapy assessment. 6 months later I was told by the art therapist that I must have talking therapy before I start art therapy. So what was I suppose to do?
I became unwell, hopeless and desperate for someone to say they could help.
Eventually somebody did, an incredible charity reached out to a specialist psychotherapist to help me come to terms with my diagnosis and learn ways to manage it. Three years went on and through a lot of hard work, tears, defeat and triumphs I got to a stage where I had accepted my difficulties and the limitations they put on my life.
I had yet to discuss in-depth the trauma from my childhood, but my time had come to an end with said therapist and I now had to return to my local trust.
12 months later I had finally been allocated a psychotherapist. I was hopeful and opptomistic - this did not last very long.
A single word was not said by the therapist and this caused a lot of anxiety and fear as being in a room alone with someone not knowing what will go on is triggering and difficult. I explained this to her but she said she would not talk in sessions because she would then only be reinforcing my fears.
She would not tell me when I had dissociated and presented as a different part, this was scary because I felt unsafe and un-contained especially knowing that some parts present a big risk and can self harm and put me in dangerous situations.
I was told I had no right to ask about her therapeutic approach, i was intimidated and my experiences were invalidated.
The detrimental effects that my local mental health trust have caused has been extensive and damaging for all of me. I'm no longer able to enter the building without dissociating, and no longer feel safe to be present.
A supposed place of safety and support has now become a place of fear and anxiety.
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