[leighe]

Typical, from a very early stage of dealing with mental health services we realised that I have serious trust issues, I've known for years. Not paranoia as such, I just doubt trust anyone enough to rely on them or let them get close.

Anyway, I've been trying to work on this and was doing OK, but then days like today happen and prove I was right to not trust anyone.

I'm supposed to be being discharged from.hospital soon into supported housing, there's a lot that need to be done first though, so my community psychiatric nurse was going to come to see me today, but surprise surprise she hasn't turned up, no phone call, no message, no nothing. So why exactly should I rely on her when I am discharged, I'm better off on my own.

Anyone else feel that the aftercare services or community support in mental health services is seriously lacking? (In the UK, or even in your own country if another).

Sorry, rant over....

[whenwillitend]

i can relate. i'm the same way. i used to have a therapist who would show up whenever she felt like it, or not at all, or forget me in the waiting room, just totally unreliable. it drove me crazy.

i can't tell you what to do about it, since i haven't figured that out myself yet. but i hope you hear from her soon and that she has a darn good excuse for standing you up.

Originally Posted by leighe

Typical, from a very early stage of dealing with mental health services we realised that I have serious trust issues, I've known for years. Not paranoia as such, I just doubt trust anyone enough to rely on them or let them get close.

Anyway, I've been trying to work on this and was doing OK, but then days like today happen and prove I was right to not trust anyone.

I'm supposed to be being discharged from.hospital soon into supported housing, there's a lot that need to be done first though, so my community psychiatric nurse was going to come to see me today, but surprise surprise she hasn't turned up, no phone call, no message, no nothing. So why exactly should I rely on her when I am discharged, I'm better off on my own.

Anyone else feel that the aftercare services or community support in mental health services is seriously lacking? (In the UK, or even in your own country if another).

Sorry, rant over....

[leighe]

Turned up a few hours late, no reason, no apology, and even tried to tell me I had the wrong time! Good job I keep a record of everything and had the ward staff who had made the appointment to back me up.

I think I'll be going it alone without a CPN.

[OctobersBlackRose]

I would say look hard, and dig deep to find someone that will do their job and best fit your needs, don't just settle and even if money is and issue find a support group. I had a really bad experience when I was 12yrs old due to a cruddy therapist and pyschiatrist ontop of that there wasn't even any "real" official diagnosis after my 2 hospital stays. I'am 20 now and am in the process of finding a professional to get me re-evaluated that will not just "push me aside" as a psychiatrist did about 3 months ago at my universities health clinic. It is unfortionatly a lot of trial and erroe. Hopefully this helps a little at least to say you're not alone.

Sorry to hear about that Leighe, yes sometimes things can get snarled up for everyone. You're fortunate to be living in the supported housing though. That has to be good news. You'll have a secure place to live and not have the worries that you would maybe if you just decided to be on your own.

Has this particular nurse left you hanging before? I've had some mental health counsellors over the years just plain bugger up their appointment books and left me wondering. Didn't happen often and they apologized for sure.

Just keep it cool and ask her about that when you see her. I realize you have a lot going on with plans and stuff but everyone can make a mistake right? Sure seemed like an insult and brought me down when it happened to me. But that was just my mood at the time. When I understood and forgave her I saw the situation for what it really was and it was cool.

I hope you get back on track with her and the move etc. sounds like a good situation. Canada has some similar things as far as supported housing goes. It can be such a relief for so many. We are fortunate to live where we do Leighe. There are bad times and days where it seems like things are lacking. And there are...but we're still pretty fortunate I believe. I hope the rest of this goes smoothly as possible for you.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Originally Posted by leighe

Typical, from a very early stage of dealing with mental health services we realised that I have serious trust issues, I've known for years. Not paranoia as such, I just doubt trust anyone enough to rely on them or let them get close.

Anyway, I've been trying to work on this and was doing OK, but then days like today happen and prove I was right to not trust anyone.

I'm supposed to be being discharged from.hospital soon into supported housing, there's a lot that need to be done first though, so my community psychiatric nurse was going to come to see me today, but surprise surprise she hasn't turned up, no phone call, no message, no nothing. So why exactly should I rely on her when I am discharged, I'm better off on my own.

Anyone else feel that the aftercare services or community support in mental health services is seriously lacking? (In the UK, or even in your own country if another).

Sorry, rant over....

That just s*cks.

I went thru this as well.

I had 2 visiting t's (one was a psych nurse) from 2 different places and they both did not act reliable.

And they expect me to trust them?

No way.

B.

[Leed]

I would defiinitely make NOTE of this, and if you DO keep the nurse service and she pulls this again I'd surely REPORT it. Your time is JUST AS important as hers. Yes, I realize that there are extenuating circumstances where she might be late -- but to not give you ANY explanation or apology, or ANYTHING is unacceptable. And it's just plain RUDE and arrogant!

I doubt that any nursing service would put up with that kind of behavior from their employees. So make sure you report it if it happens again.

I'm sure glad you got supporting housing tho! That's great and I'm sure it helps to relieve your mind.

Best of luck and I'm glad you're getting out of the hospital! God bless! Hugs, Lee

[leighe]

Thanks all. Don't worry, I keep a record of everything! If it happens again she's going to regret it.

[f.reliant]

Leighe glad you got your visit in. Leed's advice is spot on for two reasons: 1.) documenting and reporting these kinds of incidents are the only way to improve services. System can't fix itself if it don't know it's broke and 2.) When we take these kinds of measures, we feel more empowered and better about ourselves.

Regarding trust...and please bear in mind this is my own personal view...It' not so much a question of whether to trust, but who to trust. And yes, I occasionally mistakenly trust the wrong person. When it comes down to it though...I know the person I must rely on most is myself. There are no white knights and all that.

The other thing to remember...when someone does let you down, very often it has nothing to do with you. It’s not personal. While it affects you..sometimes in a very big way...it’s more about their own issues they have going on. Don't let peoples short comings with regard to you make your feel unimportant and undervalued.

I hope you get settled in well and find some support and a few trustworthy folks.
Best

[BrokenNBeautiful]

I will also take this advice, reliant.

Billi