"A really positive experience"

I was referred to the Community Mental Health Team 3 years ago, after being signed off work by my GP due to work-related stress.

From the start, they were very attentive. I was given medication for my horrible anxiety and to help me get to sleep easier. They were great with this, as they always made sure to ask me how I was getting on with it, listened to my concerns, and changed my dosages as needed until I found the right balance for me.

I didn't have to wait long at all to be seen by the team, and they were very kind and approachable. They gave me numbers so that I could contact them if I ever needed help, which I needed to do once, and it was really relieving to talk to somebody. I was also able to message them whenever I needed to if I had any questions.

The head of the Mental Health Team personally wrote a letter for me to my workplace when they started to treat me badly. I felt like the Community Mental Health Team was on my side and listened to me, which I feel is always the most important.

When I had to leave my job because I had been singed off for a very long time, the team helped me with the forms of evidence for applying for benefits, so I wasn't without money when I was unable to work.

Early on, I had mentioned to the team that I thought I might be autistic. They were very supportive and helped me get together lots of evidence that I could submit for a specialist to look at. I got a call from the team member I had been working closely with, called Lisa, and she told me of my diagnosis. She was very kind and was great at communicating with me about any updates in my case and letting me know when to expect to hear back. It was a long process, but I am very relieved with my diagnosis, and I know it will help me in the future to explain my needs and difficulties.

I was able to get weekly meetings with the Mental Health Team, so I could talk about the struggles I had that week, and they would work through them with me. They were good at assessing what I needed and directing me to further help; for example, when my OCD was causing me lots of problems and my panic attacks felt out of control, they referred me to a psychologist. She worked through lots of workbooks with me, and we had long discussions, which helped me fix negative habits, be kinder to myself, and understand why I was feeling the way I was.

The main member of the Mental Health Team I saw was Lisa. I had stress for lots of different reasons about going to my appointments, especially because I struggle to leave the house, but seeing Lisa wasn't one of my anxieties. She was really kind and friendly, and put me at ease. I felt like she cared about me, and she was really nice and accommodating to my husband too, who I needed to attend my appointments with me due to my anxiety.

I really appreciate them allowing him to be with me during my appointments. I feel like it has helped him better understand my anxiety and stress triggers too, so we can work through them at home easier.

Overall, I had a really positive experience, and I want to thank Lisa, especially, for being so welcoming.