"Social workers"

My story is about social workers. I had a nervous breakdown and have real trouble opening up to people. The social workers come into your house and although they're friendly and they do try to talk to you, I find it really hard to talk to some of them.Not every is out going, and not everyone finds it easy to talk. Sometimes I think the social workers think everyone is the same, and will just say what's wrong with them and if they say nothing, there's nothing wrong. That's not the case, I just find it more difficult to talk about these things. I have particular trouble talking to young social workers because they're always really nice but I don't feel like they'll know what it's like for me.

It took me a long time to get help, I was going all around the issue for a long time. I needed someone who understood me and could spend time listening to me. I need someone to just sit with me, and be really patient so that I feel I can open up to them. They need to spend time to get to know me, and I need to get to know them otherwise I won't be able to tell them anything.

Befriending would be great. I don't get out very much and because I care for my mum, it's very rare that I get out and about. If I could just spend some time with someone else who feels the same, that would be really good for me.

As a carer, I worry about telling doctors because I'm worried that they'll think I want them to take my mum into care. That's not what I'm asking for, I just want some help and some time to myself.

It's also hard for me to have people at the house, I have to go outside to meet the social worker, tell them to act like they've known me all their life and then let them in the house otherwise my mum is suspicious and she gets agrivated. Sometimes they look at me like I'm strange when I tell them to do this, like I'm being silly, but I know my mum best and I know this is the way to help mum feel comfortable.

I would like it if more money was spent on helping people who live at home, and are carers, to live happily and have a break when they need it.