Seeking Mental help is Mental Overload in itself!

I went to my County Mental Health services today and it was hell.I go because I'm in dyre need of assistance on mananging my mood and the way I live my life and I don't know how help myself on my own.So I have to take the bus which costs money and is jampacked with rude people.It takes about two hours just to get there so I'm already in a panic,then I get there and they say they've been trying to contact me for days and no answer,so its my fault and what do I want them to do?!Ugh,you would think that those mental health officials would understand how horrible it is to go day after day of feeling like your going insane!some do,but most don't.Its just frustrating!

HelplessHope,

You sound very frustrated! I'm so sorry this happened to you. Just a point to clarify though, was the health department trying to contact you to re-schedule your appointment? So that when you got there today you had no appointment?

I can't imagine how frustrated you must have been when they told you about the change. Is there any way to get any different transportation for the next appointment so that you aren't so anxious when you arrive? Our county has volunteer drivers for people that need to go to appointments. They are usually retired senior citizens, but churches sometimes have people that will do that type of thing also.

I hope things get straightened out for you and you are able to get some help soon.

Wow, that almost scares me into anxiety attack just thinking about having to take a bus anywhere!

Do you have any meds you can take before you leave to calm you? Any friends or family that might be willing to drive you?

I hope something can be done! Please post again and let us know this turns out...

Sorry you had such a bad experience. It might be worthwhile to call in advance to confirm the time and date of your next appointment.

Hey, do you have an iPOD? The bus ride sounds like a mixing pot for panic...it would be for me....do you have an iPOD where you can play relaxing music during the ride?

How are things, HH?

You are so right. Sometimes the hassles on top of the trauma you are already experiencing can really put you in overload. I have a few horror stories of my own that were so stressful I ran home and hide back under the covers. It is frustrating for sure. I am sorry you got a run around after going to all that trouble to ask for help. So not fair.

Some good advise has already been offered but I will just reinforce the value of confirming any appointment before you leave the house and going armed with things that will help you cope. Whenever I have to go for an appointment I take a book with me that I mostly pretend to read since I am usually too stressed to absorb any of it. Mostly I am just giving myself positive self talk while pretending to be reading. I also carry a rock in my pocket that I can rub between my fingers to help me stay grounded. And I carry a small pad of paper and a pencil in my bag or pocket so that I can doodle or write poetry or other stuff just to give me something to focus on besides the anxiety of waiting or a place to vent silently if something frustrating happens.