For 20 years I've been suffering with depression, but I've never been treated for it because I'm able to successfully hold down a full-time job and have good relationships with friends, family and significant others. Recently, I had a severe episode and attempted suicide.
The Ealing Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team looked after me in hospital, came to my home to visit me several times after the episode to make sure I was okay, and have assisted me in accessing services I had no idea were available in Ealing.
The psychiatrist I saw spent a whole two-and-a-half hours with me discussing my condition and my history, and explained that I don't have typical depression, but symptoms of Asperger's syndrome and personalty disorders, so I would benefit from psychotherapy.
Having suffered with depression for the last 20 years, this was the first psychiatrist I have seen in 15 years, with various GPs testing various other methods because I was "not that sick".
It's terrible that it took a suicide attempt before the NHS would listen to me, but now I feel I am being listened to, cared about, and finally getting the treatment I need after 20 hard years.
Thank you Ealing CATT, you have given me hope and optimism for the future.
"I finally feel like I'm getting the help I need"
About: Ealing IAPT Ealing IAPT London W13 8RA St Bernard's Wing / Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team St Bernard's Wing Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Team UB1 3EU West London NHS Trust / Assertive outreach West London NHS Trust Assertive outreach UB1 3EU
Posted by Grateful Patient given Hope (as ),
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