[Raindropvampire]

I just answered on a thread about are you a day or night person. It got me wondering if anyone here has ever heard of a shrink or T that had late night hours?? I've personally never heard of any unless they were on call at the hospital. Why is that?

In my own, albeit limited, experience I've known more people with MI that were night owls than day people. Wouldn't it make sense that if a clinic offered night hours they would make a killing? I know my mental health would greatly benefit if I could find a T or shrink with 3rd shift hours. I could guarantee I wouldn't have as many missed appointments. I'm not ashamed to say sometimes it's just too crowded during the day and I can't make myself go out. Plus it's when I get tired and want to sleep. Once I'm out waking up for an appointment isn't at the top of my priorities.

What does anyone else think? Who here thinks they would benefit if they could make appointments at night?

i think you bring up a valid point.

hmmm... i wonder why that is

know i'd benifit

[-jimi-]

No. I usually get really stupid appointments. Like 730... Like man... Who is even up at those hours? Also they don't let us book, if we get an early appointment that conflicts with work it can't be changed. I'm glad I don't deal with those people much...

[Gadgetsmile]

That's what I'm worried about... when I have to go back to work in feb I won't get the support because it's all office hours. Unless I get a part time job but then I don't think the job centre would appreciate that...

So it would be a really good idea to have evening mental health workers...

I'm lucky I've never heard of a 7.30 am appointment... I think I'd tell them where to go! Lol

[yellowted]

Originally Posted by jimi...

No. I usually get really stupid appointments. Like 730... Like man... Who is even up at those hours? Also they don't let us book, if we get an early appointment that conflicts with work it can't be changed. I'm glad I don't deal with those people much...

What, you mean to say there are two 7.30's in the day???? I thought there was only the one in the evening lolx

[yellowted]

Originally Posted by Gadgetsmile

That's what I'm worried about... when I have to go back to work in feb I won't get the support because it's all office hours. Unless I get a part time job but then I don't think the job centre would appreciate that...

So it would be a really good idea to have evening mental health workers...

I'm lucky I've never heard of a 7.30 am appointment... I think I'd tell them where to go! Lol

talk to your employment support worker at the jobcentre, employers these days have to make reasonable adjustments for things like this, as long as you make them aware at interview or at you pre-return review. they don't have to reduce your hours or give you extra time off, but should be able to let you leave for a couple of hours for therapy as long as you make up the time. I think the DDA (disability discrimination act) deals with this issue in more detail.

PS many people are reclasssified after appeal about ESA decisions, so if you are not ready to return to work you may be able to appeal the decision.

[Gadgetsmile]

Thanks yellow ted

It's a really long story, but I don't think my mental health nurse will sign me off and I'm fighting for a diagnosis because she is being awkward about it. Without a diagnosis I can't refer to the disability act, or claim ESA whether I feel like I can go back to work or not. I'm on income support because I have a child under 5. I did work until nov last year but I needed a break because I wasn't doing too great and needed some support.
I will try and see the disability employment advisor, at least I know I can see them because I have been to see the nurse.

I am very grateful that my therapist keeps odd hours like i do. We have had many, many late night sessions, that have started as late as 9 andlasted as late as 2 a.m. Last nights session on skype was..hmm... From about 1:30-3:30 a.m.

I think its a really good idea to have evening mental health workers. I think a lot more people would get the help they need.

[Raindropvampire]

I live in a fairly decent sized city but mental help services are pathetic here. When are people going to wake up and realize not everyone fits in the same box. People need help at different times. Mental health is just as important as physical health but it's like no one gets it. Either that or most people just don't care.

[ECHOES]

My appointments are evening appointments. I have had one as late as 9pm, but that was one she added to her day just to accommodate me.

I'm sure there are some out there with later hours, after the busyness of the workday is done, travel is easier, the ambiance is generally calmer
Good luck in your search!

[yellowted]

I do understand your frustration over getting a valid diagnosis, i still am fighting mine...I am unable to walk, have poor muscle control widespread throughout my whole body including breathing and swallowing at times and am double incontinent yet still have no 'physical' diagnosis, everything is put down to mental health eventhough my m/h team say there is nothing wrong with my m/h! so i do understand how no dx can affect what help you get.

you do have the right to talk to your m/h nurses superior and request a different one treat you. i did that with a really bad social worker, because it is m/h you have to be able to work with your team on an equal if no superior level else there is a risk of you becoming more stressed. anxious or depressed, so they tend to respond quickly to the phrase 'i do not feel i can work with this person'

if you feel ready to resume work then tht is a different matter, go for it.

Having a child under 5 should mean that the government can not legally force you into working. i would check this out if i were you, i am pretty sure they don't expect mums of under 7's to go back to work if they choose to be a house parent as up until that age it is seen that children still need a great deal of attention and stability from a parent.

I will say that although i am expert in Direct Payments, DLA, PIP etc. that i am not so great on knowledge around other benefits and having children.