Has anyone got any spare hope?

earthbound_misfit

I don't even know why I'm writing this. I'm sick of fighting on despite all the crap that's happened to me that I just had to fight through without support, and now years later I get benefits and finally treatment... but now is too late, because the ConDems are in charge. How am I supposed to go back to work without time to get better? Already I am planning for self-employment asap despite being assured by MH team that I don't need to worry about work for now... but I cannot work on my ideas at all because every single day there is something else, something that takes time and energy to sort out, usually sparking the horrible memories in the process.
Today I need a new sick/fit note. I kept meaning to make appt. last week but repeatedly forgot due to all the other stuff I was trying to deal with, not least being in a bad mental state. Anyway I thought it would be ok as usually if it's just sick note I need they squeeze me in at the end of surgery as it's 2 mins.
But not today. First appt is at the end of the week - fine. It's with a Dr who frankly should be struck off (his patient feedback webpage bears testimony to this), he doesn't believe in mental health problems, doesn't know who the Community Mental Health Team are (they are the people for a GP to refer suspected cases of mental health issues to), and used to work for Atos. He has previously refused to write me a sicknote, instead giving me a lecture. He says Atos always make the right decisions and are helping people.
My CPN (communtiy psych nurse) told me last week that if there were any problems getting a sick note, to get the doctor to call her. She said not to worry.
She is off sick - all week apparently (not that anyone bothered to let me know my appointment this week would be cancelled!)
They say - "speak to the duty worker".
The duty worker says "take responsibility, we can't sort it out".
Apparently it's not in my notes that she said to call re. sick note so they won't help.
I cannot see my own GP until next week. My money would have been stopped by then.
I don't think I can do this anymore. I will never be able to support myself if I have to keep focussing on this sort of thing instead of actually getting better.

welshee

No sorry i am using all my hope up wishing i did not pay so much income tax.

But i wish you the best of luck.

WantToBeSE

Have you made an application for some kind of disability benefits (sorry, i dont know the name of them , but i am sure that others will), or is your MH not termed as being that severe?

Have you started your therapy yet? Can your Therapist help at all?

Horseunderwater

Oh sweetheart - am sending you one of my (((((((((hugs)))))) - not much comfort I know.
Are there no other GP's in your practice who can issue the med 3 to you? You should be able to get them for periods of up to 3 months at a time. That would save some of the problems. The GP can backdate it to when the last one ran out, so although money may stop you will get it back in due course.
Can I suggest that you write down a to do list and pin it up on the fridge and each time you do something tick it off or put the new date it needs re doing by the side of it. It may help you to keep things in a less stressful way perhaps. Letting you get a little better. Your CPN once she is back needs to write your notes up properly too. It seems that you're being let down by all sides at present. I hope that you can get sorted out soon.

Sharlord

I share your pain - have been there!

If you can, I'd try popping in to your GP and having a word in person with one of the receptionists. Say you've seen the doc before, and that you're not sure if he'd be the best one to talk to about your specific needs. Odds are that they'll know what he's like and completely support you.

If all else fails, ask to see a nurse at the surgery instead, who may be more sympathetic.

Ames

Oh hun, hugs. I've been there with needing help and finding that all my support team are off at the same time, it never rains but it pours, eh.

Does your surgery offer on the day appointments? All the ones I've been to have done, you have to call at 8.15 and keep trying till you get through. Or is there a nurse practitioner at your surgery who can issue sick notes? It's usually easier to get an appointment with her at mine.

As for the doctor, one who doesn't know who the CMHT are is less than useless! When you're feeling stronger and up to it maybe making a complaint will make you feel more empowered?

Jemma-T

earthbound_misfit wrote: »

My CPN (communtiy psych nurse) told me last week that if there were any problems getting a sick note, to get the doctor to call her.

I cannot see my own GP until next week.

My money would have been stopped by then.

You'll have to wait there's plenty of people much worse off.

If it's purely a money thing then take responsibility and put a bit of money to the side every week for stuff like this.

You must help yourself more. Yes form-filling and hoop jumping is annoying but there's people who do all that and still get very little or nothing.

mha_2

earthbound_misfit wrote: »

I don't think I can do this anymore.

I have often thought the same thing in times like you describe in your post. Finding a safe, secure place within can often be a life-saver.

I will never be able to support myself if I have to keep focussing on this sort of thing instead of actually getting better.

Although a lot of the external issues you are experiencing is contributing to the negativity your feeling atm, reminding yourself that this period in your life will come to an end eventually and you will smile again does help - believe me.

In my experience, if all else fails, and your feeling very low and desperate, a trip to A&E is often a good starting point to the right mh help and support.

Good luck and chin-up.

Ames

Jemma-T wrote: »

You'll have to wait there's plenty of people much worse off.

If it's purely a money thing then take responsibility and put a bit of money to the side every week for stuff like this.

You must help yourself more. Yes form-filling and hoop jumping is annoying but there's people who do all that and still get very little or nothing.

But she doesn't have a problem with form filling and hoop jumping, the problem is coming from things outside her control.

dandelionclock30

For all the people who are unsympathetic to people who have mental health problems lets hope you are never affected. You would be singing a different tune then.
O.P just tell the G.Ps receptionist you dont want an appointment with DR X because hes incompetant regarding your difficulties and that you need to see one of the other DRs instead. If they wont accomodate you ask for a copy of the complaints procedure and say that you are going to complain as you think hes not fit to do the job. Also say that you will also complain to his professional body. They will find you another Dr trust me.

Jemma-T

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

For all the people who are unsympathetic to people who have mental health problems lets hope you are never affected. You would be singing a different tune then.
O.P just tell the G.Ps receptionist you dont want an appointment with DR X because hes incompetant regarding your difficulties and that you need to see one of the other DRs instead. If they wont accomodate you ask for a copy of the complaints procedure and say that you are going to complain as you think hes not fit to do the job. Also say that you will also complain to his professional body. They will find you another Dr trust me.

That all sounds very stressful (and more form-filling).

Not much lack of sympathy in the thread people are just saying get a bit of a grip and wait a few days for the CPN or favoured GP to come back.

If the OP can post a message here there's lots of hope for them. Just plan a bit in future for these sorts of problems (which will keep happening on ESA etc).

Having the disabled or generally unemployed jumping through a few hoops -no matter your illness or status- is the new public opinion sport and it'll not be getting any easier.

Plan, ask for help, keep calm and take as much responsibility as you can.