A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I live in London and I desperately need mental health rehab, as in, to go somewhere and check myself in where I can get 24hr care. Such as for a few weeks.I know that there are private places like this available but are extremely costly. Does anyone know if any such thing is available on the NHS for free?Of course, I know I need to speak to my GP about this for further care, but I find as with anything on the NHS it is better to gather as much info as possible to not get "fobbed off". So I want to know what could be available out there for me first before going to my GP to discuss what further steps I would like to take.Incidentally, in regards to my symptoms, I feel as though I am on the verge of a nervous/mental breakdown. I am alone. I have no family or friends who can support me with this hence I feel it would be safer to check myself somewhere, where I can get the necessary help. At the moment I feel as though I need 24hr support and ongoing counselling as I am having problems focusing on or doing the most basic tasks. Again, dont want answers that say "speak to my GP" I want to know what resources could be available to me first BEFORE I discuss with my GP what path I want to take.Many Thanks Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 January 2014): Hi
First of all try and understand that when we feel 'desperate'the help we need or want is not always that easy to get, so we have to cope with how we can help ourselve's, while we wait to get through THE SYSTEM, which comes from GP'S and A&E as the aunts and uncles have already stated.
In the present moment, Are you aware of EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY? this is something that we can do for ourselves. Please don't think what I am about to tell you is just ARTY FARTY.
Play music you enjoy, either dance or just gently sway to the rhythm and then pick a paint brush up and canvas... be creative. Creativity the ancient healing arts are always something that 'we can do for ourselves' and as a profession used world wide. The finance side is only a few oil paints/oil and brush and canvas and a willingness to let go of everyday troubles 'FOR A MOMENT' listen to the music, feel the rhythm and rest our minds.
If you feel desperate and alone until professional help arrives...keep reaching Out, samaritans, are a phone call away as are places like this, people who will talk with you.
You are not 'alone' please don't be frightened, you can come through this painful time.
A
female
reader, oldbag +, writes (10 January 2014):
 A friend in your situation, with deep depression and anxiety was so frustrated she booked herself into the local mental health unit. She had had treatment via medication for many months via her GP and it didn't help, her friends supported her but we couldn't be there 24/7.
So to grab attention she overdosed on anti depressants and painkillers, when taken to A&E said she felt suicidal, unable to cope and wanted to be admitted to the unit, she was that day. We were relieved as we were out of our depth and knew she needed professional help.
It was lucky somebody found her, she timed it so they would I suspect, but shows the desperation she had reached,frustrated at waiting for appointments or help.
I would make sure you explain exactly how you feel, how low and how its affecting your quality of life, get that across loud and clear whoever you talk to. Be prepared to wait for assessment as the GP will try medication. Get your symptoms written down so you can verbally be understood.
My friend is home now, she has a support worker who contacts her weekly, she has had a 'care plan' put in place so she goes to a group that does occupational activities and is assessed monthly by a psychiatrist, is on medication, she has returned twice to the unit but has improved a great deal.
I would go to A&E first, physical or mental, its there for an 'emergency' and you recognise you need help.
Good luck x
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A
male
reader, no nonsense Aidan +, writes (9 January 2014):
I’m afraid we have to say speak to your GP, because it’s your GP that will have to make a referral for you to a hospital. This would presumably be to a mental health trust (for those who don’t know the NHS, trusts are the organisations which own hospitals). There are quite a few: in South London, for example, there is South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, or St George’s and south West London mental health NHS trust, to name just 2. Search for mental health trusts near the area of London you live.
Your GP is likely to recommend treatment outside of hospital first, for example referral for counselling and, if appropriate, treatments for depression. Admission to hospitals is a last resort.
IF you would like some help in advance of your GP visit, I suggest you look at the charity mind.org.uk
And give them a call, they also have support and resources.
Finally, you can talk in confidence to some-one at any time by ringing Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, or emailing
[email address blocked]
I wish you all the very best.
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A
female
reader, AuntyEm +, writes (9 January 2014):
 The most direct route to accessing NHS care is to go to your local A&E. They are available 24hours a day and will know what services are available locally that can help you.
I know in patient services are exteremly limited and although that isn't what you want to hear right now, it is the truth.
Rather than you knowing as much info as possible before looking for help, they will want to know as much as you can tell them about how you are feeling so write it down, even if it's disjointed and doesn't make sense.
If you are thinking of harming yourself or committing suicide, you must seek emergency help. I know it's frustrating going via your GP and some doctors are better than other at understanding mental health, but a hospital will have a duty psychiatrist on call the whole time and it's just a quicker way to be seen and heard.
Counselling can take longer to put in place, simply because the system is overloaded. It doesn't mean your illness is any less important, it just means there arn't enough available resources that you need and you may have to wait.
Don't forget that you can call organisations like the Samaritans if you are in crisis or just need to talk. Their counsellors are highly trained and will check back with you to see how you are. They also do not mind how many times you call or how long you need to talk.
I have total sympathy for how you feel, it can be a living nightmare when you feel so unstable but you have to carry on like nothing is wrong...it doesn't take much to break a person when they don't have a good support system and it can be very very frightening when a crisis comes upon you.
I wish I could reel off a big list of places with open doors that you could walk right into, but I work for the NHS and kinda know how it operates.
You can also contact MIND which is the UK mental health charity
http://www.mind.org.uk/
They are a well established organisation and offer their own counselling services and guidance.
It may take a little longer to organise but there are organisations and people out there who can support you through what you are feeling. Never feel bad about going to A&E, never feel you are wasting anyones time if you really feel as if you need the help.
Its important that you are recognising that your feelings and behaviours are slipping and you have the presence of mind to seek help and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you cannot see it at this time.
You can also write your thoughts and feelings here on DC and I know there are a host of brilliant agony aunts here who will always do their best to give encouragement and support but if you feel you are in 'unchartered' territory, seek emergency help from your local A&E.
Good luck and hugs for you xxxxx
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 January 2014): Please visit MIND
http://www.mind.org.uk
They are a mental health charity in the UK. If you are in need of urgent help, they have a contact you can use I believe 24hours a day. They will be able to answer the questions you have and recommend your next steps.
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