I was wondering what advice you could give to someone who has asked for help at their GP and hasn’t received any word from them. Last year in September I was suicidal and was suffering from anxiety, I told my parents and they took me to the GP, he listened and seemed to take me seriously but a year later and i have not heard a single word from the NHS regarding any ways to access support. Before this time i had had one CBT session with a therapist under addaction but she got sick and after a while addaction stopped checking up on me. I am still suffering greatly and feel let down by the system, what can i do now?
Sam
Hi there,
Doctors, nurses and everyone working at the NHS do a very difficult job and are under a lot of pressure - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still get the best care possible. Sometimes mistakes are made, but there are things you can do to make sure it's put right. It's important to try to minimise the impact it has on you and your health, and that you are receiving the help you need.
The first step is to go back to your GP and ask what happened and why you weren't contacted. They should be able to give you an explanation and offer you a way to get help now. There are usually different options available to you depending on what kind of help you're looking for, and they should be able to explain each one to you. This first step gives them the opportunity to put things right and to get you the help you need.
If after this you still aren't getting any support, then you can complain. The NHS has clear ways for you to make complaints and if you need help you can ask a parent, carer or teacher to help you make a complaint.
It is possible to get mental health support privately – but it isn’t something everyone can afford. You shouldn't have to do this as the NHS is there to help you, but if your parents are able and willing to pay then you can find one through the BACP. Private support might mean getting help faster.
Childline has lots of advice about anxiety, stress and panic, and how to manage these if you are struggling. If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, Childline counsellors are available 24 hours a day either online or on the phone. It's not the same as therapy but it can help to have someone listen for a while.
I hope this has helped, thanks for sharing.
Take care,
Sam
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