I am not really sure why this service actually exists in its current form. I suffer from severe agoraphobia, social phobia, PTSD, and depression. I used the service about 5 years ago, when I was at an all-time low, and was offered CBT, which helped a little, but was a far cry from something that could be called a permanent solution. I struggled tremendously to access the service they made available to me, and felt bullied out of the service, because I was told I was not meeting their expectations. They clearly have very little understanding of the difficulties involved with someone who has my conditions, and seemed to expect me to be off their hands within a few months, and cured. Using their service made me feel like a total failure, and even more anxious.I recently had a severe relapse, and felt suicidal. My GP referred me urgently to the Mental Health team, who proceeded to take weeks to send me a list of helpline numbers, and absolutely nothing else. No explanation as to why I was still waiting etc. On calling them, I was told they had offered me a service in the past, and I had not cooperated! They said I was on a list for CBT (which has not worked for me). On explaining this, and asking for a different therapy, I was told I would need to do the CBT again before anything else was offered. Disgraceful service. They are letting a lot of people down. Now, I have to reach out to charity's for help, as I would not trust Pennine Care to actually offer any worthwhile help or care. If you value your sanity, I recommend avoiding this service, and seeking help elsewhere. They clearly do not fully comprehend the difficulties that people with my conditions have, and clearly can not cater their services to help the many of us out there that are struggling on a daily basis. If all you need is CBT, and very short term care, and you can manage to do it with little support, then their service may be for you. If however you have more acute needs and need more complex help and support, I seriously would not recommend them at all. They made me feel useless, worthless, and a burden. To feel as low as I did, and only receive a list of phone numbers six weeks or more after referral is disgraceful!
"Mental Health Care Non-Existent. No care or..."
About: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 7SR
Posted via nhs.uk
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