"No counselling/therapy provided"

Dear chassisqq45,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story on Care Opinion. Firstly, can I express my sincere apologies for the experience you have had. I am sorry that your contact with NHS Lothian Mental health services has left you feeling dismissed, misunderstood and not receiving the treatment that may benefit you. This is not the care we would want anyone to received.

From your story it sounds as though things continue to be difficult for you and you continue to experience intrusive thoughts which result in suicidal thoughts. As a result, I am concerned for your safety and therefore would like to advise you of people you may wish to consider contacting as a means of getting support. Firstly, I would continue to try and engage with your GP, they can support ongoing assessment of your mental health and if there are services who may be able to help you.

If you are unable to contact your GP or feel this is not somewhere you can gain support, you may wish to contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 or 11 who will be able to refer you into services who can support assessing your mental health.

I am aware you highlight in your story a lack of trust in NHS services and therefore I also want to highlight some other services who may be able to support.

-Edinburgh Crisis Centre - You can contact them on 0808 801 0414 or e-mail crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk– They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and provide community based, emotional and practical support at times of crisis; this includes face to face support.

-Samaritans operate a 24-hour helpline on 116 123. You can also e-mail or chat online – their e-mail is jo@samaritans.org and their webchat can be accessed through https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

-Breathing Space can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87. You can call between 6pm and 2am Monday to Thursday, and Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

-Shout – This is a free 24/7 text support service. They can be contacted by texting the word, “Shout” to 85258. You can also visit their website - https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

I acknowledge things can feel hopeless but please do reach out to these services and don’t lose heart. I will reach out to mental health services next week to see if they have any additional advice or support that may be of use to you.

Best wishes,

Mariska

Dear chassisqq45,

I wanted to add a further update to my previous response. Your story has been shared with the General Manager and Chief Nurse for review so any learning can be taken forward from your feedback.

I hope the suggested sources of support were of use. Unfortunately, due to the anonymous nature of Care Opinion it is hard to know if there are any other specific services, I can sign post you to. I would continue to advise you to link in with your GP or NHS 24 as a first port of call.

If you would like us to look into the difficulties, you have experienced with NHS Lothian mental health services in more detail please contact the Patient Experience Team with personal details. You can contact the team by telephone on 0131 536 3370 (Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm) or by email on LOTH.feedback@nhs.scot

Kind regards,

Mariska