[EverythingCanWait]

I have just received my test results, and the NHS has said that I have 'low self esteem and obsessive ruminations' and have sent me a pack on how to get over self esteem issues.

The NHS websites use the term 'low self esteem' as a symptom. I'm so confused. I don't understand.

They said that 'further structured assessments are required are required' and it's just making me wonder if they don't have enough information and they just are telling me they found a symptom.

This isn't the first time the NHS have angered me or confused me. It's getting to the point where I don't ever want to get sick so then I don't have to encounter the NHS.

So can anyone explain how I can be diagnosed with what seems like a symptom and according to this pack they've gave me has most of the symptoms of depression...

[Perna]

Low self esteem can cause depression. It is not just a symptom of something else but an actual problem that can be worked on and fixed but which doesn't require, actually can't really use, the medical profession to fix.

If they said further assessments are required; it sounds like they want you to come back for more/different testing and to see what they might be able to help you with? I would give them a call and ask them what you are supposed to do next?

It sounds like you might want a counsellor from them to help learn how to work on the ruminations and self esteem issues but I think you all have a really long waiting list for counsellors.

[EverythingCanWait]

Okay, I am just a little worried they may have gotten something wrong, because the things they have wrote are occasionally wrong. Such as my self harming and my education. So I'm just wondering if they may have other things wrong too...
I think I might get in contact with them then... Thank you.

[Perna]

It is hard to know what they mean, especially if you are just starting out with mental health issues and trying to find your way around. It is not quite like regular medical issues where pain in your arm means you have a broken arm which is then treated. Sometimes symptoms, like your ruminations, for example, are better left alone for a bit while the cause of the ruminations is looked at and worked on and sometimes a symptom can be worked on by itself and it will help the whole feel better. Think about pain and where it is and whether it is fixable by itself (broken arm) or needs a lot of research to find the core problem (stomach/intestinal pain) and that is worked on instead.