This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Disgustingly poor communication"

About: Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust / Adult mental health Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust / Crisis resolution

(as a service user),

I am a survior of lifelong depression, anxiety, and trauma. Feeling suicidal after my mood had completely deteriorated, I was unable to contact my GP and got an assessment from the Crisis Team on my partner's behest.

The Crisis Team told my GP I had episodes of hypomania, and as a consequence my GP refused to prescribe medication and told me to wait for a psychiatric assessment. I waited nearly three weeks for this, only to be told I could try an SSRI. I told them I wouldn't as have had unpleasant side effects and no mood uplift before from these. I described my behaviour and asked the psychiatric outright, Does this sound like hypomania? and was not given a clear answer.

I was told that the psychiatrist would discuss medication with their consultant and let me know. The following day, it was clear nothing had been discussed. A day later, a different psychiatric came to my house along with a male social worker (as stated, I have a history of trauma and felt very uncomfortable having a man I did not know in my living room) and basically said my problems were due to excess alcohol intake and that they would give me an antidepressant that would help me sleep. 

Upon looking up this medication, I have been given 50mg when the recommended dose to START this medication is much greater. So of course, this medication has no impact on sleep or mood.

On the Thursday, hospital was discussed. On Friday, the intensive home treatment team. Now on Tuesday, because my partner missed a phone call as he was passed out asleep exhausted from looking after me, I was discharged. Nobody explained to me at any point the ramifications of missing a phone call.

Now, the only help offered has been from what I feel was an incredibly patronising OT who asks me what I want (medication, psychotherapy, a diagnosis, and a plan to ensure my safety) and then tells me what They can offer which is none of the preceding things. 

This is the sixth week I've been at home, without proper medication, unable to function and acutely suicidal. 
My partner has put his life and employment on hold to ensure my safety; an OT telling me to go on a walk to Golden Acre Park isn't going to do squat. Nor is being asked at my first assessment, when being acutely suicidal, so when are you going back to work?

Phrases that have angered me include: we're going around in circles (because I'm asking direct questions and being ignored) and what would you like us to do? (If I knew what treatment and diagnosis would fit, I'd be a psychiatrist!)

What WOULD get me better is medication, a care coordinator, a direct phone number, and a clear idea of what will happen and when. What WOULD get me better is, upon telling an OT that I don't want them involved with my care, is being told they'd make that happen rather than being told I'm stuck with the OT as they are part of the team.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k