Posted by Tamar on December 9, 2005, at 8:58:45
In reply to Levels of depression, posted by cubic_me on December 9, 2005, at 8:30:55
I think that’s a really good question. Perhaps different geographical areas have different provisions for mental health? Or do you live in the same community as these patients? It must be distressing to see people getting something you would benefit from but (for whatever reason) haven’t been offered.
I suspect that inability to function is probably one of the criteria for getting more support. If you are able to continue working (or training) then it may seem as if you are less unwell than patients who can’t hold down a job.
However, if you believe your ability to continue working is seriously at risk, you might get more help. And although speaking up is difficult, I found I got used to it… if you need more support, probably asking for it is the only way to get it.
It might also be a matter of diagnosis. As far as I can tell, it’s more difficult to get help if your diagnosis is borderline personality disorder than if it’s major depressive disorder. I think that’s a terrible state of affairs but an unfortunate reality.
I’m sorry to hear that your therapist says she can’t help you any more. How long will you have to wait to see someone else? Is your GP any good? Sometimes they can provide a lot of support, but you have to find someone who understands mental illness. If your GP isn’t very helpful, can you change?
I do hope you get what you need; it’s horrible to have to live with constant thoughts of suicide.
Tamar
poster:Tamar
thread:587221
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051206/msgs/587227.html