"12 month wait"

Initially got in contact with Exeter Das in January 2017 after suffering a severe bout of depression lasting for a number of weeks. As I was working I needed an evening time appointment which was why I was recommended by my gp to get in touch as my local practice did not offer evening appointments. I answered the questionnaire over the phone and scored in the highest bracket of depression, was told there might be a bit of a wait.

In August of that year I finally saw somebody to be assessed again as to suitability of treatment. I had two 30 minute sessions then was told I would be 'fast tracked'' maybe onto some level 3 treatment?

In late December of that year I was finally seen by a very nice, respectful member of staff for 3 sessions then told again there would be a further wait of a couple of months for any more.

I appreciate I was told there would be a wait but had no idea it would be that long which I find ridiculous as at the time of getting in touch i was pretty desperate. Luckily, I suppose, I am a long term sufferer of depression and have had severe spells before so do have some coping methods. I also have an understanding employer so managed to keep my job and avoided coming to any harm. I worry if someone else who was not able to cope so well was given such a waiting time what may happen regards their health if they were suffering as I was. I only opted for evening appointments initially to avoid the extra anxiety that taking time off from work during the day would have given me. If I had been told the wait would be so long (surely i could of been given an idea of roughly how long the wait would be? E.g. more or less then 6 months?!) then I would of reconsidered my options and probably gone for daytime appointments at my local health provider.