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"Had a interview to see if they could help me"

About: Tiverton Hospital / Silverlea Community Mental Health Team

(as the patient),

I was arranged an interview to meet with some people to see if I was eligible for treatment. I was happy about hopefully receiving the treatment I need. However I had an interview with a nice doctor but she had a student with her who was gaining work experience by being with the doctor. The student being my age put me off and made me talk less open about certain aspects of my life. I was asked if this would be okay but I'm too shy to say anything and felt bad for the student who would be missing out on the experience. During the interview I was asked whether I would take medication as well as the counseling they would offer but at that time I didn't want to take medication due to being unsure about it and the numerous common side effects that come with it. I am now on medication due to having no support or help from anyone and began thinking that suicide was the only realistic way out. I'm now on medication but  the side effects of them have made my anxiety and life worse. I now over sweat too much all the time, trouble sleeping due to sweating and the current heat.

I didn't have a great experience and I think that to only offer support if you take medication isn't great support. I can't now re book an appointment through them as I have to go through another service (DAS) and receive a referral from them. Due to me feeling that when I was speaking openly to DAS, they didn't really care for my problems and spent most of the time going through risk assessments and him talking. This is no longer an option and I have no means of support. Feel a little betrayed because of all the adverts  and social media campaigns  offering mental health support but in reality they have very limited resources to provide good, helpful and accessible options. I've found these options not very understanding of my problems and in the end of no help to me.

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Responses

Response from Ruth McClelland, Communications & Engagement Officer, Devon Partnership NHS Trust 5 years ago
Ruth McClelland
Communications & Engagement Officer,
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Submitted on 19/07/2018 at 13:37
Published on Care Opinion at 14:46


Thanks for taking the time to tell us how your recent appointment at Silverlea went. We are really sorry to hear that it wasn’t a good experience and especially that you felt you couldn’t say ‘no’ to a student being present at your meeting with the doctor.


We would like to clarify that we don’t just offer counselling support to people if they agree to take medication. If you are not happy to contact DAS (our Depression and Anxiety Service) then please get in touch with us so we can discuss some alternative treatment options. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) will be happy to look into this for you. Please call them on Freephone 0800 073 0741 or contact them by email dpn-tr.pals@nhs.net


If you have concerns about your medication, you could contact our Medicines Information Helpline for advice on 01392 675688. Medication can very often be helpful in managing your mental health but sometimes it takes time to find the right one for you and the right dose. Our specialised pharmacists will be able to answer any questions you have including what other medication is available and they can send you written information about the medication which you can discuss with your GP.


We look forward to hearing from you soon and would like to apologise again for your poor experience.

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