[silver_moon]

Ok, so I guess Im not totally alone, I have you guys on here and I'm really thankful for that. I've found things easier since I got told about PC. But, as comforting as that is, it isn't the same as contact with 'real' people (please don't be offended by my use of the word real... just didn't know how to put it, hope you get what I mean).
I do have my mum for support, but she has big troubles of her own to deal with (some the same as mine and some different) we try to help each other, but when we're both depressed it's very hard. Also, we can't be there for each other all the time (I don't expect anyone to be). I don't know, maybe I'm feeling a bit bitter because I've no friends anymore and god knows I'm trying my hardest to get out and make friends.
I've been through one lot of 'self help' counselling and I'm on the waiing list now to see a therapist, been on it for many months now and things just seem to be getting harder.

Can anyone in the UK tell me roughly how long they were on the waiting list for counseling for?
I'm just struggling and need that extra bit of help to get me on my feet again.

for everyone
Molly

[Fuzzybear]

Hi molly,
I'm sorry things are hard right now. I suggest you go back to the doctor and emphasize how bad you're feeling and that you need therapy urgently.... that you're feeling worse due to the wait. Sometimes in the UK doctors need an extra "push" to give us adequate support and help.

We're here for you, post as much as you need to

[Pseudonym]

I don't live in the UK, so I can't tell you anything about that, unfortunately.

I wanted to ask what sort of things you were doing to try to make friends, though. I find it extremely difficult to do that sort of thing. My lovely sis recommended http://www.meetup.com/ , which apparently has a UK section. I've found an awful lot of groups, the existence of whom I would never have suspected, there. Haven't actually gone, though, for various reasons :P

Kind of weird that there aren't real life forums for dealing with depression, when obviously there's such a great big community online, but honestly, wouldn't you rather go to the Ghost Tracking club (ghosts.meetup.com) than sit around with all those sad sacks?

I'm sort of on the fence about it, but I think the best policy is to try to keep the discussion of depression out of your real life, if making friends is your #1 priority. Once you've found a few you can trust, you can engage them in conversation about it. But critically, we need to go out and have fun from time to time, and forget about this moping we do.

See you at the Ghost Tracking Club! *hug*

[Doh2007]

You don't need to apologize. Sometimes you just need a real life hug. Until that time, here's a psychic hug.

[RozG]

Hi Molly

I got told the average waiting time is 3 - 6 months but if you have anybody who can push it a bit for you (i.e. a social worker) you shouldn't have to wait any more than a month....but unfortunately you do need somebody who can push it for you.

Good luck and don't give up ok...i know it's not the same as IRL support but we are here for you....and as we're both in the UK you could always have my fone number if it would help any.

hang in there ok... ((((((((molly)))))))

[silver_moon]

Thanks to all of you guys for your support, I know I'd find it a lot harder without this site.
Thanks Pseudonym for the meetup link, was useful although I'm not sure if I'll get the courage to go to anything, I'm trying to work on that.
Kalamity_Jane... I haven't got a social worker or anyone that can push my waiting time forward, just me. It just feels like I've been 'forgotten about' if that makes sense. When I first went to my doctor for help she sent me to a counselor who sent me to a 'self help' person (not qualified counselor, just a 3 appointment thing over a few weeks), didn't help at all so she suggested I went to WellWoman's centre, so I did n about 3 years on from first getting help I'm on a waiting list to see a counselor.

thanks to everyone again
Molly

[Pseudonym]

Thanks for posting, Molly. I know it can be hard to take steps for yourself. There's no rush. Just try when you feel like it, k? Glad that you're on the waiting list. Waiting is tough, too, but use that time to your advantage and figure out what it is you want from the counselor.

*hug*

[Fuzzybear]

Hey Molly,

Maybe it's just me but I think there's something a bit wrong with the help you've received so far. (No one should have to wait that long or be given only three sessions, in my opinion)

Did the doctor say how long you'll be seeing the new counsellor for after the wait?

No pressure to answer, it makes me rather grrr though hearing of others who suffer as I have done because of the inadequacies of the NHS. I don't have a social worker either but have received better help when I don't let them "forget" me. It's easy to feel that way, for sure, and to feel undeserving because of the way some of the staff may treat us. Thinking of you

[silver_moon]

My doctor hasn't been very helpful without my depression. She helped to start with by getting me an appointment in the first place, but didn't seem to want to help after even when I said it wasn't helping. This second time I went out and did it without going to my doctor (going to Well Woman's Centre) because I know I need help, I'm also seeing another doctor now who's more interested in my health.
All they said when I got put on the waiting list this time is that the counsellor will ultimately decide on how long I see them.
I have health problems as well as the depression and my doctor and NHS aren't being a great help there, I've been the one phoning up reminding them that I'm still in agony and need to know what's wrong and how to treat it. It's just so frustrating!

Molly