Mental health Team, South Dublin

LegacyUser

I'm just looking for a little bit of information here, I've tried googling but as of yet I've got no-where!

I'm due my first appointment with the local menatl health team in South Dublin in the comming weeks and I'm slightly worried because I don't know what to expect....

I've had various issues with my father and domestic violence and self-harm over the last number of years and in the last few months have sought help from my GP and was referred to a councellor....And since then the GP and councellor felt it necessary to refer me further.

I was just wondering if anyone out there has had any prevous experience with these people?

Thanks

Kevster

Hi,

I have had no experience with that group in particular. However, I have been involved in the mental health 'scene' for the past 6 years now. What believe you should do is make a list of what you want to discuss with the specialist(s) at the meeting (i.e. a bullet-point list), and then go over it yourself a few times before you meet them.

Kevin

CDfm

You should discuss it with your GP and work out what treatment is available to you and work out a plan with them. Surely you want a better life so you should want to engage. If you had a kidney problem and needed dialysis or medication you would check it out.

Best of luck

LegacyUser

Hi

My wife and I received great help from these guys a couple of years ago they were really helpful and understanding we found dealing with them very straightforward and relaxed. I wouldn't think you have anything to worry about.

LegacyUser

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies...

Basically I'm just wondering what happens at one of these meetings...who do you see? what do they do? Is it just a chat or an full on evaluation!

RossFixxxed

I've been somewhere south dublin lately (where did you go?)

Keep in mind the staff in these places are trained for this. They're not going to interrogate you or make you feel uncomfortable at all. They will ask, usually, quite open generic questions about your relationships, work, family, etc etc to gauge where problems may or may not lie.

The crowd I went to seemed to be for quite severe cases. They offer a live in arrangement. I felt like someone with a chest infection in a lung cancer ward to be honest. It is so hard to find appropriate care here without paying to the teeth. Keep an open mind with it but in cases like mine I guess trying everywhere is the way to go.

If anyone can add to this I'd REALLY appreciate it. I'm struggling a bit myself and the place I last went to actually set me back. I want a professional in an office to provide me methods and strategies. I was treate das one of their usual patients, who cannot handle their day to day life, and I felt worse for it. In one way at least I'm not in that league, but it scared me greatly and was NOT the way for me. I can't afford the 250 quid approach.

I've gone to the stage now of talking to a UK organisation about setting up in Ireland to help people like us out there, so ALL contributions of ideas etc are HUGELY appreciated. Always go to professionals but let's help each other out too. Shared information is great in these things.

CDfm

worried167 wrote: »

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies...

Basically I'm just wondering what happens at one of these meetings...who do you see? what do they do? Is it just a chat or an full on evaluation!

I have a friend who was dealling with some issues and had been hospitalised and has had gotten great help including assistance with housing and getting on a college course she had not completed.

No probs really - but you need to have an open mind and a life plan and thats what they can help with.

Go and listen to what they have to say.

LegacyUser

Thank you both!

I'm basically going because my father abused myself and my mother for the past 17 years and is continuing to do so. My basic problem is that I can't seem to escape!

My GP said that they will help me with various coping stragies and therapies and stuff while he will montior the effect of my current meds.

I am going into this with a medical card and also as I am in college I have zero money!! My GP did not recommend in-patient care in my case as I kind of rejected the whole thing and this is the only way he could get me into the system.

As far as I know I am awaiting an appointment with St. James if that makes any sense??

I will try and go into this with an open mind but I can't be pushed too far or I will crack up!

Thanks again.

Jen

ggirl

I haven't seen a team like you are talking about but have been seeing one psychiatrist for the last few years since I had a major breakdown. All I would say is to think of where your life currently is and where you would like it to be (realistically). You deserve to be well and happy. Make notes of what you would like to talk about in advance because you often find in these situtations that you forget things on the spur of the moment. Be honest about how you are feeling and feel secure in the knowledge that the people are there to help, not judge, and will have heard similar stories before. I don't know what your personal issue is but mine is depression / bi-polar disorder and I felt entirely alone for years. Now I know there is plenty of help out there. Apart from medical help there are great organistions like Aware running support groups for people with depression and the Samaritans if you ever need someone to talk to. You are never alone. There is help available 24/7. And, whatever you are going through, stay strong and believe in your own ability to get better. I never thought I could but life is fantastic now!

ggirl

For anyone suffering from mental health issues who feels they will never recover, I thought this might be an interesting and hopefully inspiring read. It was in last week's Times. I am not very good at posting links so I hope it works ok!

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/1229/1224261336378.html?via=mr