Mental Health Support

Katapolt · 30 November 2017 at 9:51AM

Hiya,

I was wondering if anyone can recommend some good websites maybe that can offer free counselling or mental health support?

I have explored all options my GP can offer, and i cant afford the £50 an hour most around my way seem to charge (i know its an investment in ones health, but when money is already causing stress it wont help).

I was hoping others may have found support or comfort from places and may be able to help.

Thanks in advance :A

elsien · 30 November 2017 at 9:54AM

Many of the support sites are diagnosis specific - might help if you're willing to say what area of MH the support would be helpful for.

Katapolt · 30 November 2017 at 10:07AM

Honestly i'm not that sure. I think i have a lot of repressed memories from childhood/young adult trauma and im looking to try and find a way to work through it all.

PeacefulWaters · 30 November 2017 at 10:13AM

Does your employer offer any sort of counselling service?

Katapolt · 30 November 2017 at 10:16AM

No, i work for a really small family run business, and im still fairly new to the company so i dont want them to think theres anything wrong with me really.

JayJay100 · 30 November 2017 at 10:18AM

A friend of mine is using something called Silver Cloud to help her through the grieving process of losing a close family member; she wanted face-to-face counselling, and at first she felt that she'd been fobbed off with this, but now she says that it's brilliant, and she prefers it.

Edit - just looked it up, and it's a NHS thing, so you may already know about it. If not, here's the link: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/online-mental-health-services/Pages/silvercloud.aspx

onomatopoeia99 · 30 November 2017 at 10:40AM

Has your GP referred you to an MH specialist / team who will be able to give a diagnosis, since you don't seem to have one?

There is a process which starts with the GP, but doesn't end there. I don't have direct experience, though some here do. A friend of mine has been going through it for about 18 months, starting with her GP, who referred her on to a local MH team, got a diagnosis from either a psychiatrist or psychoanalyst (she did tell me, I don't remember) that she was sent to a year or so back, and is waiting for DBT at the moment. She can't afford to pay for it herself, so has to wait. While my friend's current problems were triggered by a specific event last year, they have their roots in her childhood which has affected her entire adult life.

If things get very bad for you, the Samaritans are always there to listen.

Katapolt · 30 November 2017 at 10:44AM

I originally had counselling almost 7 years ago after being referred by the NHS, and then about a year ago i had CBT through the NHS and have been told i have anxiety with PTSD and depression.

Its more that most things are under control, but its these repressed things that every now and then crop up, and i wont even know until something seemingly random will trigger it. I just thought as an adult now its best to try and talk to someone about these things, maybe try and uncover what i've been suppressing and address them.

My GP has said that since i have done the CBT and i have been on medication there isnt really any other help they can offer.

Ames · 30 November 2017 at 11:01AM

There may be a charity in your town that offers counselling for a small amount (usually £1). Your GP should know if there is.

IAmWales · 30 November 2017 at 11:18AM

There is a process which starts with the GP, but doesn't end there.

Unfortunately for many mental health treatment does stop there. CBT and drugs is about as much as you'll get unless you are quite severely ill.

I would echo the suggestion of looking for low cost services. Also some therapists will offer a reduced cost service to a limited number of clients as part of their commitment to mental wellbeing for all.

Katapolt, also look into what type of therapy may be suitable for you. CBT is not suited for longer term, deep rooted issues, perhaps look at psychodynamic therapy and EMDR for traumatic issues.

Could you afford an initial assessment? It might be worth paying just the once to get some guidance on what may help you, and to get a feel for what psychotherapy feels like. It can be extremely intense, but worthwhile in the long run.

tikki999 · 1 December 2017 at 9:55AM

Go back to your GP and ask if EMDR is available on the NHS in your area. This is a specific trauma therapy and is pertinent as you have a diagnosis of PTSD.

Mental Health Support

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