I didn’t get sober to be “healthy”. I got sober because I nearly died, in the sea at 6am.
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When it comes to navigating the NHS for mental health treatment, you might expect a bit of a bumpy ride.
But my journey has felt more like a rollercoaster in a funhouse, complete with all the disorientation, confusion, and a few terrifying drops along the way.
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After three years of battling delays, mismanagement, and a sense of despair, I finally found my way to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), a flicker of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.
The Continuous Struggle for Care
Let’s rewind to July 2021. I was on a desperate quest for mental health support, trying to piece together a treatment plan while being shuffled between various services. Think of it like being a contestant on a reality TV show where the prize is decent mental health care, but the producers keep changing the rules on you.
I was tossed from Change Grow Live (CGL) to the Mental Health Rapid Response Team, then to the Assessment and Treatment Service (ATS), and finally to the Group Treatment Service (GTS). Spoiler alert: none of these stops provided me with a dedicated primary care worker or an actual treatment plan. Just a series of closed doors and unanswered prayers
A New Diagnosis, But at What Cost?
Fast forward to February 2024. After experiencing homelessness and finally engaging with a new GP, I received a diagnosis of ADHD. Oh, and by the way, I also got slapped with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) while seeking help in Amsterdam
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It’s a bit like ordering a side salad and getting a full buffet of mental health conditions instead. These revelations highlighted not just my struggles, but also the glaring failures of my previous care. I was left feeling like a puzzle with missing pieces, lost and frustrated
The Acknowledgment of Neglect
CGL eventually acknowledged my complaints regarding the quality of care I received, but let’s be honest, acknowledging a problem doesn’t solve it. It’s like a mechanic telling you your car is broken while leaving you stranded on the highway. However, they have changed processes for future people, which is awesome
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Their acknowledgment doesn’t change the fact that I’m still floundering without adequate support and intervention. The ongoing absence of proper care left me isolated and hopeless, trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled promises
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The Impact on My Mental Health
The toll these failures have taken on my mental health is nothing short of devastating. I’ve grappled with the aftermath of two suicide attempts, one on Halloween 2021, and the other on February 4, 2022
The NHS services involved were supposed to safeguard my mental health needs, yet they left me navigating the treacherous waters of despair without a life raft. It’s like being thrown into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim, with only your own strength to keep you afloat
Key Points of Negligence
Here are the critical points of negligence I experienced during my struggle;
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Prolonged Delays in Care
The significant delays in receiving proper mental health care since July 2021 represent a clear breach of duty. Each day felt like another nail in the coffin of my mental health. These delays caused ongoing distress and exacerbated my issues, making me feel like I was spiraling into an abyss with no way out
Lack of Primary Care Coordination
Without a dedicated primary care worker, my treatment became a disorganized mess. I was left without a stable support system, which is critical for anyone dealing with severe mental health issues. Imagine being in a maze with no exit sign, frustrating and disorienting
Ongoing Absence of Assessments and Treatment Plans
Despite my repeated requests, I still lacked a comprehensive psychiatric assessment or treatment plan. It’s like trying to find your way through a foggy night without a flashlight, nearly impossible
Medication Mismanagement
The medication dosages prescribed by my GP were never adequately monitored or adjusted. This mismanagement further contributed to my declining mental health, showcasing a glaring failure to provide the necessary care and support
Failure to Safeguard
The complete lack of appropriate measures to ensure my safety and well being is shocking. I had two suicide attempts that clearly indicated a failure to safeguard my mental health needs, demonstrating a serious breach of care. The NHS services involved seemed to be operating under the misguided belief that everything would sort itself out, spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Moving Forward with the PHSO
Engaging with the PHSO is a critical step toward seeking the redress I desperately need. I now feel a glimmer of hope that my situation may begin to improve and the same won’t happen to anyone else. With their involvement, I might finally see some light at the end of this very dark tunnel
If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to seek help. You deserve better than what the system often provides. Remember, your mental health matters, and there are those out there who are ready to support you, even when it feels like the walls are closing in. Your journey might be long, but it’s worth fighting for
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