[Maddie_Anne]

Hey everyone I'm English and wanted to start a thread where we can talk about the National Health Service, and the more specific nitty-gritty of care in England because due to all the budget cuts some of the care can be appaling (and I have my share of horror stories from them). Just wanted to make a place of support for what (although I am very greatful it is free) can sometimes be a horror show that is the NHS
Time for some venting people!

Hi Maddie. I live in the US, but I have a couple of friends in the UK with depression and anxiety and I have been shocked at the drugs they have been prescribed (old, awful side effects) and also at the lack of available psychotherapy. That's only the experiences of a couple of people that I've heard.

[Pikku Myy]

Very glad you are here Maddie all we need sometimes is just to be heard. Snuggles

[Fuzzybear]

Hi Maddie, I'm also from the UK.... Welcome!
(PM me any time if you're comfortable with that and I'll say more )

[dumburn]

Hi Maddie, over 13ish years I have received treatment in 3 different local authority areas, CAMHS, CMHT's crisis teams, and speciality services.
Due to the nature of the NHS I have had probably over a dozen different doctors (as much as i effing hate him, I'm thrilled to have kept my current Pdoc for over 18 months)
I have no idea how other professionals, CPN's AMHP's,Therapists and support workers etc. I have worked with.
I have experienced Good, bad, ugly and bloody frustrating service.
I consider myself lucky that overall my experiences have been good and that I have never experienced anything that I would call cruel, humiliating or dangerous or refer to as a horror story.

[Maddie_Anne]

Thanks for sharing Dumbum! I'm glad that you'd consider overall that your experiences have been good. I think it's something in the nature of psych's that makes them all ****ers unfortunately - but I'm glad you've kept the same one for over 18 months that's really good!