Quote:
Originally Posted by FlawedSystem
OMFG where do i start? This is for the "walk in" mental health clinic in nyc. SO, I get there at 9AM, and there's only one person ahead of me, keep that in mind. I first have to walk through a metal detector and strip down of all my metals by police. I have to wait and be seen by three different staff before even getting considered being put on a WAITING list of 4 weeks for just a therapist. (I'm coming here for anxiety and trauma related issues also keep that in mind) Now its about 1:30 and had to wait for everyone to go on their lunch breaks. I was sent to go pay right then and there even though I haven't even been seen by a therapist or doctor yet. By the way, waiting "hall" has no magazines, tv and not permitted to use cell phones. I paid, waited some more and then was called in again only to be asked for a mandated Urine Drug and blood test. I was then told to come back the next day just to speak with another staff to determine if I was eligible for the WAITING list of 4 weeks and to go over my test results. So i had to wait there for 6 hours with only one person in front of me....I asked if the drug test was necessary and they informed me everyone had to take one. I asked the board of directors if she could ensure me with a personally stated note attached to the drug test that these test results would not be shared with anyone without my consent and she refused. The result of me trying to get "Help" only ended in elevated stress levels, loss of money/time and more hopelessness. I had already been calling around for a MONTH trying to get help and the clinics either were "no longer accepting new patients" or just kept passing me along the system referring me to other people. Not even the suicide hotline was any help. Conclusion, theres only access to "Help" to those who have money and those who are trying to hurt themselves or others, everyone else can fend for themselves.
|
Yeah I am kind of worried about having such experiences, but I guess I'll see what happens. If that's the only sort of thing I will find then I think my position will be thanks but no thanks and I'll give fending for myself a go...which might be hard since I can't function on a job. But its gotten down to the point I have to do something so trying to get help is my plan, but if the 'help' just alienates me further then I am not quite sure what I'll do, but I guess I'll worry about that when and if it comes to that.
I just find it interesting because I am trying NOT to hurt myself, I mean I cant even count the number of times I probably would have attempted suicide if I didn't drink or smoke instead to calm myself down so I could re-think things and not act on uncontrollable feelings. Also I don't typically hurt others...I am afraid with my PTSD that startle/survival mode reflex could get me in trouble though so I sometimes am worried about hurting people but is nothing I'd want to do. But I see your point and that does seem to be the impression I get...basically be the sort of person we want you to do, live the lifestyle we want you to or no help for you. I just hope there's at least some good resources where I live but I don't know.