Is there a DFW way to see a psych? *help needed pls!!*

Jenna

I don't know if this counts as Money Saving? If it's against the rules pls tell me and I'll delete it ... just could really use some help with this ...

Okay ... *deep breath* ... basically I've been feeling really down lately and it's not my life at the moment, which is good (lovely OH even though he's not had his own LBM yet lol! nice (though rented) flat, a job that doesn't constantly stress me out, and some nice friends for the first time ever really).

It's past stuff.

Some background, if it helps:

Although I have a good life now, it's not always been the case and I've had some bad things happen.

Now I find it hard to get to sleep, have horribly realistic (and v. violent) nightmares, wake up in the middle of the night, and am constantly frightened. Constantly expecting something dreadful to happen to ruin all of this. I can't relax anywhere, which is really very ridiculous, and jump when even a small noise happens (such as a phone ringing - I mean come one, how scary is a phone?! lol).

I've even stayed in all this weekend - despite several invites out by friends - so I don't need to go to a (loud, full of drunken men) pub. Please understand, by the way, I don't hate men and I'm not frightened of men per se - most of them are very lovely, and of course I'm going out with one whom I love to pieces!

It's just that some environments trigger off (very realistic) thoughts of certain things in my past. I saw a psych once (referred by my doctor) and she called them "flashbacks" which I suppose is descriptive enough but is nothing like what you see in the movies so yeah.

Current situation:

I talked to my friend about some of what happened and she's made me make an appointment with my doctor. I'm really worried about going!

She thinks I should see a professional about it and try to sort it out that way. I don't exactly disagree - it's been several years since this stuff and it's still ruining my "personal" life with my OH , my social life and my health from lack of sleep, permanent stress etc.

But...

1) I am scared as hell of talking to someone I don't know about this (I've known this friend for ages so it's different to talk to her about it, if you see what I mean)
2) Psych's seem really expensive (I looked online), between £25 - £80 p/hour, and it seems an awful lot to pay out. I've thought of only going once every 2 weeks / once a month but it's still quite a bit really I think!
3) What if I pay out all this money and still don't feel better? For the first time in my life I'm able to pay out a good amount off my debts ... why take a chance on just wasting the money on something that's useless?

Right - I'm sorry to have rambled on at you all - any help / advice would be really, deeply appreciated right now as I just feel really stuck with it all and don't know where to turn.

Coolmum66

Hey Jenna

Babe - I really feel for you. Please, listen to your friend and go and see your Doctor. You may be able to get some counselling on the NHS.

Although I don't know your situation, I can honestly say that your peace of mind and well being is worth more than any money in the bank. Ok - so your dfd may be put back a bit. Would that be such a bad thing if it meant you were able to sleep at night without nighmares etc.

Even things that have happened to you ages ago can come around and bite you on the bum! The fact that you have a good life now does not mean that past experiences will go away. Your partner loves you and your freind obviously care lots about you too. Take some time for you honey.

I'm not trying to tell you what you should do, or be judgemental at all - but have been there and done it kind of thing!!

Take care babes.

Coolmum x

skint_spice

Hi Jenna,
I hope your GP refers you quickly to see someone but it's a bit of a postcode lottery so there may be some wait. If you can afford it and NHS help isn't available personally I'd seek some help privately. On the upside one of my friends suffered depression a few years back and saw the doc, she was referred pretty quickly on the NHS for six sessions to begin with and felt it did her the world of good as she'd spoken to me and other friends about her problems but speaking to someone who she didn't know and wasn't worried about upsetting/worrying helped a lot.
Some things are more important than money and I think your physical and mental health should be your priority. Good luck. x

Hotpoint_2

I'm currently on a 4 month waiting list to see someone. It can take ages for NHS things.

BizzyBek

Sadly there are long waiting list in the nhs system but do go to your doctor and I would think one thing they may put you forward for is CBT (cognitive behavourial therapy). It's a very good therapy which will help you change the associations you have formed that trigger feelings off. They won't delve into your past, and it is a very constructive therapy where you work with the therapist rather then you opening your heart and them lecturing! It really will focus at controlling and retraining the body's respone to triggers. Hope that helps

Spendaholic_Chick

If you hve to wait a long time for the NHS to help, some companies have schemes where you can get subsidised counselling, or even free. Speak to your HR dept and ask if your company can help at all.

Good luck hun x

nicola1982_2

The NHS or if you are at university they sometimes have free counselling services from trained psychologists.

Lucy1982_2

Hi.

If you feel you need so speak to someone I would go and see you doctor. I managed to get some counselling for free and I was put on a CBT course which was really helpful.

But try to keep smiling and to remember that you are loved by the people around you.

x

cat4772

Jenna,

Counselling and psychiatric support ARE available on the NHS.

IN GENERAL, psychiatric support is provided by qualified doctors who specialise in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe drugs where needed. You rarely have a 'choice' about which psychiatrist you see.

Counselling is provided by non medical staff, (usually have a basic and higher degree in the psychologies). Counsellors / psychologists can offer advice and coping strategies but they cannot usually prescribe drugs. If you have no 'rapport' with one counsellor, you can often easily transfer to a different one that you might find easier to talk to.

As I said, they are both are available on the NHS but there might be some kind of waiting list before you get to see someone. First point is your GP - talk to him/her and take it from there. Good luck.

Cat.x

claireac

Hi Jenna,

I'm sorry you're not feeling great at the moment, but there's always a way out of these things!

After my exceptionally awful divorce from abusive ex my youngest son had lots of probs, and the psychiatrist they referred him to wasn't exactly helpful! The best thing I ever did was go to our local Crisis and Support charity. They gave my son free counselling (it was very good too!), although if you could afford it they asked you to make a contribution.

I would get in touch with a similar charity local to you (most towns/cities have them) and see what they say.

Also Relate may help, they offer counselling and the cost is dependant on your circumstances. You don't have to be in a relationship to see them! Or what about the Samaritans??

I'd have a phone round and see what you can find.

Love
Claire x