"Mixed support from community mental health services"

I am a service user of East London CMHT services in Luton.

Recently I was physically ill with a virus as from the weather change etc.

I got an appointment with my GP who was very good, since I had Covid twice I thought it was Covid. I have a very low immune system, asthma and fibromyalgia. Also have been having mental health issues so I have been in the services for a few years. I have dealt with a lot of discrimination, been treated like an animal at times. Not by everyone .

For instance I was ill and Charter House staff rang me to come for my injection which I have every 5 weeks. I explained to the staff I am sick in bed with flu symptom, coughing etc etc. They insisted I come for my injection. I was reluctant but went there in a very bad state. I dragged myself out of bed when I got there I was made to wait 45 mins coughing violently. Then, I have some memory issues and lost my temper, do you blame me.

It seemed a member of staff on receptionist thought it was funny. They said to me when is your baby due. At the time I felt so bad, I am already self conscious about my weight. I have an eating disorder, and due to medication I have put on weight. I went home and as very upset. I wrote an email to the manager. 

I went into depression, could not eat, sleep. 

I rang the Crisis helpline 111 option 2 they were so helpful . 

The best service ever. 

My GP practice, Larkside Practice, is amazing from the GPs to the receptionists. 

I have rang the crisis helpline a few times it is so good. They are understanding and very helpful. 

I got a call from my support worker who said why do you keep ringing the crisis helpline. Isn't that why they are there for, to help people in an emergency. 

If it wasn't for them and my family I would be dead.

As CMHT is disrespectful, push by buttons, I think they do it on purpose.

I have been to the mind crisis cafe amazing staff in Luton it's like a place where staff listen, with advice and care. I owe them a lot.

I have found some of the the staff in CMHT incompetent not all of them, I understand they are busy but these are vulnerable people they are dealing with. 

Why do people give up or end up in seriously ill and give up hope or end up doing stupid things like drugs, alcohol, violence? This is a vicious circle, I find myself going round in circles, when I am already unwell.  Every time  I admit I have issues and I will stick up for myself. But pls don't add more to my wounds. 

My GP is very good and I have an appointment with a nurse coming up. My medication needs reviewing . 

I got a call from the CMHT to say the psychiatrist is saying I'm on a low dose of depot. That's why I'm ill. No appointment till a month. I need careful monitoring as do other people on psych meds. So Frustrating.

I have physical health issues, asthma, fibromyalgia, anmenia am over weight, and side effects from the depot injection. Do I want more tranquilisation so I have a poor quality of life? All I want is to be independent and not have to struggle every single day and night. And my family have to put up with me too.

I am grateful for what I have, and thankful for the support I have received. And would if I could give back the respect I have received 

Thanks for reading.