Tomorrow I am starting a private course of counselling for my panic disorder as I have been on the NHS waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy for 3 months and literally could not wait any longer for some professional help. It seems that in general, patients are 'chewing at the bit' for counselling or therapy for these types of disorders which makes me think of whether the NHS have made adequate concessions for them.
On average 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health problems in their lifetime which begs the question of whether the NHS are catering for this amount of people. I would like to argue - they are not.
Mental health issues have been much of a taboo subject in past generations leading to recent campaigns such as 'time-to-change' encouraging an end to mental health discrimination. You yourself can pledge to talk about mental health here http://www.time-to-change.org.uk.
I do believe it is paramount that mental health issues such as panic disorder are addressed just as other common complaints such as asthma, diabetes or any other medical issue would be.
I myself have felt ostracised and self conscious because I was worried what other people would think about my illness and this is unacceptable. Sufferers of mental illness can feel very vulnerable and frightened by their experiences and need the help and support of others.
Although I have plunged myself into an ethical debate into the morals of society I will return to my diary, much to your relief I am sure..
I am slightly apprehensive about my session tomorrow because I will have to indulge in my fears for at least 30 minutes to a complete stranger but I know that taking these steps is very positive and surely this is better than constantly ringing 'Michelle' at the NHS who tells me 'can't tell you where you are on the list babe because I cant tell' hangs up and never rings back much to my annoyance. I do not want to get my hopes up or pretend it is going to be a miracle cure and ill come out a new woman because sometimes it is a real struggle to just get through the day BUT I know this is the first step to getting rid and that can only be a good thing.
By journeying with me through treatment I hope this helps you to battle your demons& give you a real indication of what happens and the feelings or experiences associated with it. I will reiterate it and reiterate it again, you are not alone and you will never be alone. We may be a minority but we can still be a community.
See you tomorrow!
On average 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health problems in their lifetime which begs the question of whether the NHS are catering for this amount of people. I would like to argue - they are not.
Mental health issues have been much of a taboo subject in past generations leading to recent campaigns such as 'time-to-change' encouraging an end to mental health discrimination. You yourself can pledge to talk about mental health here http://www.time-to-change.org.uk.
I do believe it is paramount that mental health issues such as panic disorder are addressed just as other common complaints such as asthma, diabetes or any other medical issue would be.
I myself have felt ostracised and self conscious because I was worried what other people would think about my illness and this is unacceptable. Sufferers of mental illness can feel very vulnerable and frightened by their experiences and need the help and support of others.
Although I have plunged myself into an ethical debate into the morals of society I will return to my diary, much to your relief I am sure..
I am slightly apprehensive about my session tomorrow because I will have to indulge in my fears for at least 30 minutes to a complete stranger but I know that taking these steps is very positive and surely this is better than constantly ringing 'Michelle' at the NHS who tells me 'can't tell you where you are on the list babe because I cant tell' hangs up and never rings back much to my annoyance. I do not want to get my hopes up or pretend it is going to be a miracle cure and ill come out a new woman because sometimes it is a real struggle to just get through the day BUT I know this is the first step to getting rid and that can only be a good thing.
By journeying with me through treatment I hope this helps you to battle your demons& give you a real indication of what happens and the feelings or experiences associated with it. I will reiterate it and reiterate it again, you are not alone and you will never be alone. We may be a minority but we can still be a community.
See you tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment