Let down by the mental health service

LegacyUser

Hi there,

I have schizoaffective disorder. I have been unwell of late. Hallucinations, delusions (so im told) and suicidal thoughts. I was linked in with the home care team about 1 month now, I feel no better and they said they are finishing up with me this week. I went to see my psychiatrist last week and he said everything I am experiencing is down to exam stress and it will go away its nothing to do with my disorder. He said the home care team would be "backing off". Despite me telling them I am still having symptoms. I already have a degree and a masters so I know what college stress is and I know I am unwell and it is the disorder not just stress. but now I am losing the support of the home care team and I am just told to go back and see the psychiatrist in 3 months. I dont know how I am going to cope on my own. Is there anything I can do to keep them engaging with me, or do you have to kill yourself before you get taken seriously!?

Big Bag of Chips

Op, I am going to let this thread run and hope some posters can offer you some advice. There are services available. Please know that you do not have to deal with this on your own.

We encourage people experiencing difficulties to talk to someone they trust and, if appropriate, to go to their GP. If you need help urgently and outside of GP hours, please go to your nearest A&E department.

Here at Boards.ie our moderators are not trained to support people experiencing difficulties. There are other organisations better positioned to provide specialised support. These organisations are listed below. We hope that you will follow these up so that you can get the help and support you need.

If you need immediate help:
Aware’s Support Line is open 7 days per week, 10am-10pm on 1800 804 848

The Samaritan’s phone line is open 24/7 on 116 123

Pieta offer one-to-one, face-to-face support. Click ‘Contact us’ to find the phone number and opening hours of your nearest branch on their site or email mary@pieta.ie for advice on getting an appointment.

If you need non-urgent help:
Aware have a support email service at supportmail@aware.ie

There are also a number of resources and supports available in this link.

Xterminator

OP, you have the option to check yourself into residential care. if you feel you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, go to A&E. see if there is any out of hours help through your team. But prioritise your well being over your exams.

your problems are very specific and lay people cannot advise you how to deal with your issues better.

The chronic underfunding of mental health services over decades has left us with the system we have. I can only suggest you look after yourself, and use the system as it is, rather than spending that energy railing against the system, while unwell. know your options, use the supportds that are available, in college etc.

Freedive Ireland

Hi OP sorry to hear what you are going through. Have you ever been to a hearing voices group? They are around the country but not everywhere. They are run by people who have or do hear voices and/or see things other people don't. There are varying estimates but about 10% of the population hear voices/see things other people can't.