"What An Awful Service So Far"

I have suffered from anxiety now for nearly two years and despite various treatments from both the PCMHT and my GP, there has been no improvement in my condition. Indeed, the vast amount of physical and mental anxiety symptoms I have now have far exceed those I encountered when this condition 'appeared'.

As I had seen several people within the Primary Care Mental Health team at St Helens, Merseyide all of whom were very nice; I was finally referred to the Access and Advice team. Today I felt particularly down and could see no solution in sight with not even a date for my referral appointment. In addition to this, my physical symptoms were worse than they have been in a long time... and that is something that takes some beating!

In hope of advice.. something I assumed the Access and advice team would be able to help me with.. I first of all spoke to a gentleman who put me through to the secretary, this lady was very useful and when I explained how low I was feeling, she kindly asked if I would like to speak to a practitioner who may be able to help. I had already explained to this lady how down I was and how debilitating my anxiety had become. The gentleman I was then passed on too was about as useful as a wet match.

His primary concern was that the PCMHT had not mentioned that I had already been through CBT with them. He also made a point of telling me that my alcohol consumption was not the right way too deal with the anxiety and that he would refer me to a Lifestyle team (yet another referral) to speak with someone on this matter. When I explained however that work was becoming extremely hard, as was life in general, and asked if he had any advice that I could use until the referrals came through. His answer was 'No, not at the moment'! Then... silence. Astonished I said my goodbyes politely enough and ended the call.

I would like to know how this man can justify telling somebody he could not offer advice to somebody who is, to say the least, struggling to cope with anxiety and who had explained this several times? How did this man not consider that I may well, in desperation, have decided to end it myself?

I would like to know how after two years of enduring a horrendous time, I can be told there is nothing that can be done at the moment. Essentially, sit and wait... not a great suggestion for someone struggling to cope!