It’s been some time since I received the referral. However it was only recently that I had my first appointment, and there really wasn’t much happening in between, besides total radio silence and confirmation by means of a letter that I have been put on a certain waiting list. The fact is, waiting itself impacted me quite as significantly as whatever had caused the referral initially. On the one hand, you tell yourself that your condition doesn’t require any urgent treatment; on the other hand, you know that your case is definitely severe enough for you to be referred at all. As far as helping me survive this process goes, it required some rather simple actions: walking the same way every single day, texting a certain friend of mine rather than becoming silent, as well as keeping track of my condition via an application called Liven.

I feel stuck in a fluctuating episode that has been dragging on for weeks. I'm on medication but still early in the titration phase, so it's not doing anything.

I've called 111, and they told me to watch netflix and sent an email to my cmht for them to pick up on monday. Today, the duty team called and said they could try to bump me up the care coodinator waiting list and gave me some coping strategies such as plunging my face into cold water.

I've hit a wall with coping strategies. I have left feeling worse after the duty team call.

How to get through that gap where you're symptomatic and have to wait for the medication to work. I am struggling, no si thoughts, although I have relapsed with sh, which is why i think they are suggesting coping strategies. I don't honestly know what will help, and I don't really want to just suffer through it until the medication works.

hey, first time poster long time lurker!!

so I’m gonna keep it brief but essentially I’m under my areas HTT and over the past few days they’ve mentioned me being voluntary inpatient over and over and asked me to consider it numerous times. I’ve explained that given me being autistic and other factors I believe inpatient would make me far worse. today they came out and said they’re now having to consider getting me detained via the mental health act.

I was just wondering for those of you who have been inpatient voluntarily how easy it is to discharge yourself? I’m worried about going in for various reasons but I’m just worried even if I went voluntarily I’d have trouble being discharged quickly if I realise the environment is making me worse. however I’d obviously rather go in on a voluntary basis rather than be detained and forced into a situation I don’t want.

so yeah what does discharging yourself from a voluntary inpatient stay look like? thank you!

i'm 99% sure i've been struggling with OCD (mostly pure O switching between ROCD, existential OCD, BDD and harm OCD) for years but have never been diagnosed. it's recently gotten so bad that i've taken time off work because i'm so preoccupied with mental compulsions and the distress, anxiety and depression it's causing me are becoming too much. i spoke to my GP about going back on fluoxetine (i was on it between 2016-2024 for depression and it helped) and they agreed to do that but didn't make any referrals or ask me any further questions.

does anyone know how to access a diagnosis through the NHS? is going private my best bet? i'm hoping another chat with my GP will result in a referral but i'm not sure how likely it is i'll get the help i need, especially quickly. any advice is helpful, thanks in advance.

This honestly feels like a rage bait post but I promise it is my genuine experience and I'm just so so lost.

I have struggled my whole life, have childhood and adult trauma, probably have PTSD stacked on top of CPTSD because there were some individual traumatic events mixed in with the other stuff (e.g. witnessing a family member's attempt, my own attempts and other things).

I can't work, struggle with dissociation, anxiety of just about every flavour, panic attacks, I'm borderline agoraphobic and I'm now very socially isolated.

I lived in England for most of my life and the furthest I ever got was the CMHT saying it sounds like I have CPTSD but without being in crisis, they couldn't help. I gave up. For a while, I sort-of started managing things myself.

I moved to Scotland but then crashed out again. I no longer believe this is 'just' CPTSD for a number of reasons. I have tried 5 different antidepressants and they don't help. CBT doesn't help. Parts work made things worse. I've tried so many things.

I reached out to my GP and got a referral to psychology due to concerns about bipolar (mum has it) or BPD. Things have escalated and I'm self harming. The psychologist "assessed" me. Conclusion? They *think* I might have CPTSD. All the damn questions were about CPTSD! They were about nightmares, flashbacks etc. none of them were about classic bpd or bipolar symptoms. They weren't interested in talking about how the medication was affecting me (negatively). They told me to go back to the GP about it. There's nothing else the GP can prescribe. I already know I have CPTSD. That wasn't what the appointment was for.

This understates how much I've tried to get mental health. I didn't just reach out this one time. I've been back to GPs again and again trying to get suitable help. I've had 3 different kinds of free therapy on the NHS. As I said, I've tried multiple medications at this point, and not *once" have I been formally assessed for any mental health conditions beyond depression and anxiety.

I desperately need to find my community but I feel like a fraud. I heavily relate to certain diagnoses threads and conversations but it doesn't feel like my place to join in because I'm not "bad enough" because I don't have a diagnosis. I don't know which resources I'm supposed to be looking at. I could get private DBT, knowing it can be effective for BPD, but money is tight and I don't want to waste it if I don't have BPD. If it's bipolar, then I think DBT isn't supposed to be as effective.

So, how do you actually get assessed for mental health illnesses?? What am I doing wrong? How do I access the help I need? Genuinely, is a hospital stay my only option?

Hello, I'm a 21M and have had depression for a very long time, feeling stressed daily, can hardly get out of bed. I also have very bad social anxiety, and have really hard time socialising even in low pressure interactions. It started getting bad around age 15 so I've been like this for about 6 years, is it worth talking to a GP? Will it actually make a difference? I'm so used to living like this I can't even imagine anything else so that's why I'm asking really. I've tried to fix things myself but didn't work out, I always fall back to my same routine where I wake up late and basically do nothing all day. Also, what should i expect if I do reach out to a GP? I live in the UK btw.

I’ve been self harming on and off since I was 15 and I’m now in my early 20s. I have been clean for a year or so but then last night cut myself quite badly and I am probably going to do it again.

I was previously under the CMHT in one city and had therapy and a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with EUPD and autism, but when I moved to a new city last year the new CMHT wouldn’t take me because I was relatively stable. My GP continued the medication I was on thankfully though.

I don’t know if it’s worth talking to the GP again because I feel like I’m sliding and I don’t want to get worse, but also I don’t know if they will be able to do anything or what I would be hoping to get out of it.

hi, i had a phone call assessment a few days ago with talking therapies and the person i was talking to asked me if i think i could have depression, and when she asked me to speak more about my symptoms she said that it did sound common in depression. the letter i received also said “During your assessment we discussed your main problem to be depression”.

i thought services like this couldn’t diagnose mental conditions. we only spoke for about 40 minutes and im not sure i feel comfortable that she said i sounded depressed in that timeframe. i know they have to identify something in order to treat me but idk i was confused

Hi, I was wondering if anyone might have some tips to help me please? Kinda going through a horrible situation with work and a friend who I work with right now where they’re probably going to leave soon. I’m feeling concerned about them. I also don’t have many friendships outside of work so them leaving will be a big loss. My mind is going into an overthinking cycle, I can’t concentrate on anything and I feel really sad. I’ve spoken to a gp and they’ve referred me to silver cloud and counselling, but that’s not for another few weeks. Thank you for any help.

Hi all! Sorry if this is under the wrong flair but I’m genuinely so stumped as to how I’m supposed to deal with the constant reminder of how bad it can get every single time I even look down at my legs or arms.

I’m SO much better now, like currently I’m very glad to say that i genuinely love my life and I’m having so much fun, but now I’m just left with the constant reminder with how bad the scars on my legs and arms look.

I’m not an insecure person by any means, I’ve kind of gotten over myself with everything that used to be a touchy subject - like I’m not going to stop looking like a literal pole with how tall I am and how I’m built and I’m over the fact that my quads are always gonna gain muscle more than anywhere else for some reason so my legs look a little funny, but nevertheless I’m the leanest I’ve ever been while actually being healthy and eating enough and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been!!
But I just can’t get past how bad the scars look, they aren’t even silver and flat - most of them are purpleish and some are raised for some reason and they aren’t even in a hideable spot! They’re literally on the front of my thigh and the top at the side, the ones on my arms aren’t as bad but you can 100% see them.

I want to start swimming to go alongside the fact that I run and cycle competitively alongside weightlifting, but I just can’t cope with how bad they look but I’m also SO weird about having stuff on my legs while I’m underwater because for some reason I feel like I’m gonna drown, so I can’t even cover them up!! It just feels like I have a constant reminder of what I used to do to myself that everybody has a full view of. Like I’m so scared of making others uncomfy or if I make somebody want to do it?? I’d feel so horrible!!

It’s strange, because I’m fine with wearing shorts to run in and just to frolic around in and even the skimpiest bikini you’ve ever seen while abroad, but I think it’s the fact that I can’t really make the rest of me look good while wearing a swimsuit to swim laps rather than tanning 🤷‍♀️. I just don’t know how to get over the fact they’ll always be there until i literally die when I’m literally only 17 now and I’ll probably at some point get people asking about them, i already had somebody ask if I was okay once when I was mid-set at the gym loll.

I know that essentially they’re the same as other scars and I’d NEVER judge anybody else for having any form of scars because that’d just be horrible, but it just feels so different when it’s myself rather than another person, especially when it’s my own fault and partly choice that they’re there.

I’m just not sure what to do, like how in the world do you even deal with the constant reminder of what you used to do to yourself and how bad they look when everything else is literally fine?? Like oh my god I don’t want to make people uncomfortable with the sight of them

I'm on two types of benefits at the moment. I'm struggling with money and that's impacting my mental health, causing stress which is causing flare ups for my crohn's disease. I worried ever since I Started getting universal credit that maybe I'm wasting my time and money here being at home all day? I've got a lot of other issues, and have been told here that I can't get a job. But I have been trying to make a life for myself, I tried socializing which didn't work out, and tried treating the problems which didn't work.

The only things I question about whether I'm doing good for society is what I use my money for? Like I need a new PC to replace my existing to be able to run programs for my music and artwork. I've been doing these hobbies for years now. With the purpose of trying to contribute to society by bringing joy or intrigue. I also tried writing for a while too, and video editing. I'm not sure if I'm valuable in that sense. I'm not sure if I should feel bad for using benefits for it.

I wanted to work and it's stronger than ever now during this cost of living crisis. I'm not sure if I'm fit enough to do it though, the commitment would be challenging. Worst part of it is my specialty is more to do with IT than any of these. The only reason I'm doing these hobbies is because it's a dream of mine. To do either would be something that would make me happy.

Called 111 today. What a waste of time that was. They just told me to watch Netflix, help with the cooking and take a cold shower. I wouldn't be calling if I hadn't tried those things first, they don't even scratch the surface in helping.

My private psychiatrist mentioned schizophrenia or first episode psychosis. I ended up in a&e today after a too much medication incident (censoring the word). Mental health team said it sounds like autism more than schizophrenia.
I’m hearing voices, seeing things, feeling bugs crawling over me. I believe Leon brittan is stalking me and the government. Nurse said bugs crawling and voices isn’t schizophrenia, genuinely don’t know what’s going on. Any experience?

I’m 32 F. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with depression. I was housebound for eight months & prescribed Sertraline which made me gain 5 stone. I stopped taking it after a year and decided to beat the depression naturally. I started walking everyday, I found a job & I promised myself to just keep pushing forward. My life slowly started falling back into place and I found a love for life again. 12 years on, I’m back in that dark place that I promised myself I’d never fall into again. I fought so damn hard not to be here but life events happened & I’m back in a situation I didn’t want to be in. I finally had the mental break down this week where my brain and mind just fully snapped & went to the GP to ask for help. I was told to try sertraline again but I said no due to the previous weight gain. The GP prescribed me fluoxetine. I am hesitant to take it. I really thought coming out if the first time I was sort of erasing the depression but now I’m thinking did it really go anywhere? I’m actually a very positive happy and bubbly person but this depression has kicked my ass and I’ve been defeated. Right now I just feel so tired, fed up and just want to switch off. I’ve come here to get some advice and have the following answered…
How do you get back up?
Is this a forever cycle?
Shall I try the medication?
Does anyone else struggle to talk to their parents about things like this?
Can I come out of this naturally?

Hi. I've been contemplating on seeking a professional when it comes to mental health. I'm probably scared and anxious, but also don't know where to start. I guess it's a little better since you can fill up a form online now, but I don't know how to... begin. I've been suffering for years, and I just always try to survive on my own. I'm here because I want to work on myself. I also have eczema and I work as a nurse, I think everything is just falling so heavy on me that I'm getting very stressed. I'm not diagnosed, but I know that I have something. I just don't know how to start. I've asked a friend on how they did this, but a part of me is still worrying. Idk what I'm worried about exactly...

EDIT: I'm 33F. I had history of SH and have some passive thoughts.

I've been starting to seek out professional help but wanted to be aware when medical professionals would break confidentiality and what that means exactly. I've tried googling but haven't found much and this isn't something I'd be asking friends or family about.

From my understanding its generally "if it prevents harm from themselves or others" as well as "in the best interest of the public" (although that part seems more relevant to legal cases). Suicide seems pretty cut and dry with weather you have a plan or not, I've heard that from multiple different people and have had that exact question asked in any sort of risk assessment I've done. However I don't know what the cut off for self harm is? If they think its going to keep happening? If it'll lead to serious long term harm or death?

Also who would they break confidentiality to? I'm an adult so would that be my emergency contact, or some other kind of organisation or company like a mental hospital?

Thanks for any help

Just like the title said. Growing up somewhere in Africa I have had hallucinations when I had malaria so I know what that feels like. I’m just wondering how one would “hear voices”. Is it like your own voice? Someone else’s voice? Does it feel like the person is in your head or close to you? I’m curious!

Procrastination is ruining every aspect of my life. I have a great job, I know exactly what I need to do, I am qualified and capable of doing it, but I just can’t force myself to start tasks. I have sat sobbing at my PC screen mentally yelling at myself to do something and I can’t

I end up working until 2/3am just to try and get a days worth of work done. 20 hours in front of my laptop to eak out 5 hours of work. It’s having massive implications on my marriage, my abilities as a parent, and my mental health

I feel like I’ve read every productivity “hack”. Pomodorro - I get distracted or get lost in a thought for an hour. Breaking down tasks - I struggle to start writing the list. Deadlines - not an incentive until they get very painful

I’m so full of shame and guilt. My workplace isn’t aware (I hope) and I get by with the evening work and working my days off. Catch ups and work updates cause me anxiety attacks it’s gotten so bad.

I just don’t know what to do anymore. This has followed me in every job I’ve had. Please, is there a resource or a book that anyone has found to help them initiate and stay on track of a task? There must be something else out there I’ve missed