Confidential info on CBT waiting list times in NHS

So, I just came off the phone with a lady from the NHS who deals with CBT in this area. What I was told is absolutely disgusting and this is why it is paramount to support charities such as 'REthink' and others that push for change in the mental health sector.
The waiting time for any therapy in the NHS is 45 weeks. Yes weeks. Excuse my french but are they f****** mad!! Ive been on the list since April 2011 and apparently still have 10 weeks before I receive an appointment. What a good job I pay for therapy privately. But this is completely unnacceptable for people who cannot afford it and are desperate.
If you are in this position go to your GP and explain to them you need them to send a letter to the therapy services to hasten your appointment. Exhaust all of the self help techniques you can and talk to friends and family. It is alledged by the member of staff I spoke to that 500 people a month are referred to therapy services with only 5 clinicians. One thing that is clear is that the NHS is certainly not catering for the mentally ill and it is completely immoral and inhumane. If you need therapy make sure you are referred ASAP.
I do not want this post to worry you as you CAN help yourself. I havent had any CBT and just talk to my person centered therapist. You made not need it and waiting lists may be quicker and shorter where you are. Keep hopeful but also realistic. There is help out there, it may not be CBT and you will get better!

Happy shrove tuesday!

First of all I hope you've had your pancakes today!
I had a bad week last week and combined with my partner going away for a few months I was alltogether quite down in the dumps emotionally. Yesterday after I went to uni I decided to ring my friend 'H' to talk to her about how I felt. She also has panic attacks but has booked a holiday, holds down a job and does allsorts of things I havent mastered yet. I spoke to her about how down I was feeling and how I felt like panic attacks were again stopping me from living my life. She asked me what was the worst thing that was going to happen to me when I panicked. I said I dont know and she told me nothing. Of course I knew nothing would, its the fear of fear. This has put me in an optimistic mood. I know being frightened is absolutely horrible but its just a feeling and nothing bad is going to happen. Im going to keep telling myself this when I feel a bit anxious and keep thinking positive thoughts. I am going to starve the monster.
I felt quite bad when I started to let it take hold of me again as though Id failed but Ive not. I still go out and Ive come a long way. Sometimes you just need another kick up the bum to put you back on track. Im going for a run now as I find that quite relaxing and productive.
Have a lovely day!