HSE Mental Health service

cena · 26-06-2016 10:13PM #1

Have ever had to use the HSE Mental Health service. How did you find the service?

Owryan · 26-06-2016 10:17PM

Yep, and i followed the directions off a map

cena · 26-06-2016 10:18PM

Owryan wrote: »

Yep, and i followed the directions off a map

Not good so??

26-06-2016 10:19PM

The HSE does not have a mental health SERVICE. It does not provide a service to people with mental health issues. That's left to the private sector and voluntary sector.
For every person that dies on our roads, several commit suicide. Yet there is a hundred times the effort put into road deaths than suicide prevention.

cena · 26-06-2016 10:23PM

Deleted User wrote: »

The HSE does not have a mental health SERVICE. It does not provide a service to people with mental health issues. That's left to the private sector and voluntary sector.
For every person that dies on our roads, several commit suicide. Yet there is a hundred times the effort put into road deaths than suicide prevention.

Whats this than. http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/Mental_Health_Services/services/

iwahgao7 · 26-06-2016 10:26PM

cena wrote: »

Have ever had to use the HSE Mental Health service. How did you find the service?

Is there a particular service, institution or issue that you are interested in hearing about?

cena · 26-06-2016 10:30PM

iwahgao7 wrote: »

Is there a particular service, institution or issue that you are interested in hearing about?

First time post. Do you work for the hse?

bridgettedon · 26-06-2016 10:32PM

cena wrote: »

Have ever had to use the HSE Mental Health service. How did you find the service?

It can be very hit and miss. Also services in each county can vary so you may not get treatment you need but the next county to you may have it. Not very fair. Waiting times can be long. Rarely meet same psychiatrist at appointments which can hinder diagnosis.

I have recieved highly rated talking therapy through the hse. Treatment which has transformed my life. However like everything with the hse resources are limited and will be given to others who are deemed worse off than you.

26-06-2016 10:32PM

cena wrote: »

Whats this than. http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/Mental_Health_Services/services/

Have you ever been a recipient of the so called HSE Mental Health services? Have you seen the length of time it takes to see a psychiatrist or get a hospital bed for mental illness in this country?
2 weeks ago someone I know shot himself in the chest. He was left waiting months to get help from the so called mental health services. It failed him just like it fails hundreds of other people in this country every year.

Letree · 26-06-2016 11:17PM

I was sent to see a psychiatrist and they put me on meds and sent me to cbt. At no stage could i talk about my actual problems. The psychiatrist assessed me for mental illness and the cbt talked about how to avoid behaviors that were keeping my anxiety bad. There was nobody that i could have talked to about things i experienced in the past or problems i was having. I think you just have to pay for that privately from what i can see.

Potential-Monke · 26-06-2016 11:27PM

From my experience in dealing with them, not as a client, they've a lot of room to improve. Be it fobbing off to another department or person, or even service, or letting people with suicidal tendencies walk out of "secured" units, there seems to be no interest in helping. It appears, to me, that the people working there are either just there to do the bare minimum or they don't have the resources to properly tackle the issues. I'd go to my GP before them, as my current GP is amazing and genuinely seems interested in helping.

xLisaBx · 26-06-2016 11:31PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

The HSE does not have a mental health SERVICE. It does not provide a service to people with mental health issues. That's left to the private sector and voluntary sector.
For every person that dies on our roads, several commit suicide. Yet there is a hundred times the effort put into road deaths than suicide prevention.

There are so many suicide prevention campaigns that I can't even begin to list them all, I'm not even going to try. It is drilled into us, as a nation, that we should speak up and seek help.

This is achieved through social media, TV, Radio, Schools, Colleges, posters etc. People will kill themselves either way, but the effort is certainly put in to combat it.

Sometimes, I feel that it can be over-targeted as an issue. Where I live, you can be waiting 2 weeks for a GP appointment, and it's a lot of mental health service seekers that get emergency appointments. So many hotlines and walk in services are available for the suicidal and self harming, but if somebody is physically ill, they can't call a hotline for antibiotics or other medication. Yet they seem to be less of a priority.

I just don't believe any more services are required for mental health, well not much more anyway, because every second campaign seems to be about suicide and depression.

bridgettedon · 26-06-2016 11:34PM

Imagine if Pieta house didn't exist, how many more suicides would we have per year. Do the hse provide money to that service or is it public donations.

26-06-2016 11:36PM

xLisaBx wrote: »

There are so many suicide prevention campaigns that I can't even begin to list them all, I'm not even going to try. It is drilled into us, as a nation, that we should speak up and seek help.

This is achieved through social media, TV, Radio, Schools, Colleges, posters etc. People will kill themselves either way, but the effort is certainly put in to combat it.

Sometimes, I feel that it can be over-targeted as an issue. Where I live, you can be waiting 2 weeks for a GP appointment, and it's a lot of mental health service seekers that get emergency appointments. So many hotlines and walk in services are available for the suicidal and self harming, but if somebody is physically ill, they can't call a hotline for antibiotics or other medication. Yet they seem to be less of a priority.

I just don't believe any more services are required for mental health, well not much more anyway, because every second campaign seems to be about suicide and depression.

Have you ever needed to avail of the mental health services in this country Lisa?

Xyzforsure · 26-06-2016 11:41PM

Have been through the system sadly a lot in the last ten years.

In my view it is old obsolete buildings, doctors who rush to get through their waiting lists and don't listen. Quick solution always seems more meds.

If you want professional help you need money.

I wish you well.

bridgettedon · 26-06-2016 11:47PM

Xyzforsure wrote: »

Have been through the system sadly a lot in the last ten years.

In my view it is old obsolete buildings, doctors who rush to get through their waiting lists and don't listen. Quick solution always seems more meds.

If you want professional help you need money.

I wish you well.

When it comes to mental health I think having the means to receive private care makes the world of difference. Short waiting lists, choice of therapy, same psychiatrist at appointments.

biko · 26-06-2016 11:49PM

They made me a Boards moderator..

percy212 · 26-06-2016 11:50PM

It is shockingly bad. Very long waiting times. Different "doctors" every visit. NO counselors. A complete failure in my eyes. Go private if you need help.

26-06-2016 11:51PM

There are ongoing campaigns on a regular basis in an attempt to make us aware of the importance of looking after our mental health and addressing the stigma that goes along with it.

Unfortunately these campaigns don't quite join up with the services on offer. Suicide is a huge huge problem in this country. Yes in some cases individuals will take their lives regardless of the help they have been given. Some. We must help all who present with suicidal ideation.

Mental health care isn't a one size fits all. A poster earlier mentioned they attended cbt when that wasn't what they needed. In the HSE you take what you are given. Now I do believe that those who have severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or major depressive disorder and are in the system as inpatients, the care is very very good.

For those who require weekly ongoing therapy without a psychiatrist's input? It's a different story.

Dyr · 26-06-2016 11:54PM

xLisaBx wrote: »

This is achieved through social media, TV, Radio, Schools, Colleges, posters etc. People will kill themselves either way, but the effort is certainly put in to combat it.
.

We have social media campaigns about cancer but we don't use that as an excuse for closing cancer wards

sunbeam · 27-06-2016 12:05AM

Letree wrote: »

I was sent to see a psychiatrist and they put me on meds and sent me to cbt. At no stage could i talk about my actual problems. The psychiatrist assessed me for mental illness and the cbt talked about how to avoid behaviors that were keeping my anxiety bad. There was nobody that i could have talked to about things i experienced in the past or problems i was having. I think you just have to pay for that privately from what i can see.

A clinical psychologist should be able to provide you with the kind of therapy you are looking for-provided that there is actually one based in the HSE community mental health team in whatever sector you are in. I faced the mother of all battles to be referred to one, but am hopeful it will help be face some serious long term issues which underlie my depression. CBT may work for some, but I personally found it completely useless.

r93kaey5p2izun · 27-06-2016 12:15AM

I have used it for myself, found it poor enough, eventually paid privately, found it quicker but still seriously lacking. I have extensive experience of it as family of a very seriously mentally ill person. I can't even begin to describe how utterly dreadful it really is and what a complete failure the system really is when it truly matters

Afaics it's all about inadequate superficial help for depression and anxiety, reasonable care of voluntary patients with serious psychiatric illnesses and sfa for those with serious psychiatric illnesses who can't/won't get treatment - then it's all about sweeping it under the carpet and lamenting what a terrible tragedy it all was when it inevitably all goes wrong. Then forget about it until the next time.

Letree · 27-06-2016 12:15AM

sunbeam wrote: »

A clinical psychologist should be able to provide you with the kind of therapy you are looking for-provided that there is actually one based in the HSE community mental health team in whatever sector you are in. I faced the mother of all battles to be referred to one, but am hopeful it will help be face some serious long term issues which underlie my depression. CBT may work for some, but I personally found it completely useless.

I would be in the same boat as you. Also i have been down the anti depressant road and i will not go down that road again. Not because of any major issue i have with them but they just didn't do much for me. I have a lot of crap id like to get off my chest and get ironed out and meds or cbt isn't going to help me. Im sure it would help others but its not what i need.

RayM · 27-06-2016 12:33AM

cena wrote: »

Have ever had to use the HSE Mental Health service. How did you find the service?

I used it around three years ago as an outpatient and found it to be quite good, but very, very stretched in terms of funding and staffing. As far as waiting lists are concerned, I think that varies from place to place. After being referred by my GP, I had to wait less than a month for a fairly brief appointment with a psychiatrist. He was clearly extremely overworked. All he really did was ask a few questions, scribble down some notes and prescribe medication. There was no couch or anything

It took place in a tiny windowless room in a community health centre. Reminded me of police interview rooms that you see on television.

I then had two or three appointments with a community psychiatric nurse, and group therapy for six weeks after that. Overall, I'd say it was helpful.

xLisaBx · 27-06-2016 12:40AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Have you ever needed to avail of the mental health services in this country Lisa?

I have! I started purging at 8 and self harming at 9, was nearly admitted at 15, but on the mend now

My post sounded harsh, but it upsets me when I, a rather ill person, cannot get an appointment with the GP because they prioritise mental health services so much. Mentally ill people have options like lifeline, pieta house etc. I have no other option but to see my GP in order to get a prescription for emergency medication. If said medication is not administered on time, I can end up hospitalised.

27-06-2016 12:47AM

xLisaBx wrote: »

I have! I started purging at 8 and self harming at 9, was nearly admitted at 15, but on the mend now

My post sounded harsh, but it upsets me when I, a rather ill person, cannot get an appointment with the GP because they prioritise mental health services so much. Mentally ill people have options like lifeline, pieta house etc. I have no other option but to see my GP in order to get a prescription for emergency medication. If said medication is not administered on time, I can end up hospitalised.

I'm afraid I don't quite understand this.
Say for example I needed to see my doctor. I would ring in the morning asking for an appointment. Regarding medication then you order your script in time before they run out. You make an appointment with your go in time so as you have enough meds.

xLisaBx · 27-06-2016 12:49AM

Bambi wrote: »

We have social media campaigns about cancer but we don't use that as an excuse for closing cancer wards

I don't want to close mental health services. It's just all we hear about. Believe me, I know just how important they are, but I'm tired of the endless campaigns and donations.

I notice that Ireland does very little to prevent the key issues that lead people to self harming and suicidal behaviour. These include bullying, poverty, homelessness, rape etc. But once you are self harming and/or suicidal, this wide variety of options become available. To me, that's just not good enough. Issues that lead to such a poor mental state need to be tackled. Then less people would need to avail of mental health services, so we would have adequate services as they are now.

Of course this wouldn't be a fool proof idea, some people have chemical depression and other illnesses. A certain level of mental health services are always required.

Shint0 · 27-06-2016 12:53AM

xLisaBx wrote: »

There are so many suicide prevention campaigns that I can't even begin to list them all, I'm not even going to try. It is drilled into us, as a nation, that we should speak up and seek help.

I just don't believe any more services are required for mental health, well not much more anyway, because every second campaign seems to be about suicide and depression.

You do realise that not everybody who commits suicide has a mental health issue. Targeting suicide prevention is not a solution for the multitude and variety of mental health conditions.

As Persepoly asked you have you ever been a user of the HSE mental health service or any mental health service? The general public drones on about seeking 'help' and if only people sought 'help' and knew that 'help' is available and all they have to do is rock up to their nearest mental health service provider and get all the 'help' they need then everything's alright with the world and crisis averted.

Sometimes the actual problem is the 'help' and many who have been users of such services can attest to that.

xLisaBx · 27-06-2016 12:54AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I'm afraid I don't quite understand this.
Say for example I needed to see my doctor. I would ring in the morning asking for an appointment. Regarding medication then you order your script in time before they run out. You make an appointment with your go in time so as you have enough meds.

If I call my GP in the morning, I'll be waiting a week at an absolute minimum for an appointment. I'm actually not entitled to repeat prescriptions (like many others), because I need antibiotics and steroids every time I fall ill. And if they are not taken within a few days, I will most likely be hospitalised.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 27-06-2016 12:59AM

There is such a horrible stigma attached to being mentally ill and I think the more people take it seriously and recognise it as being just as important as a broken leg or a chest pain, the better. Mental Illness left untreated can kill. It should be an absolute priority, just as much as any other life threathening illness.

It's not a dick waving competition. I have a flu, you're a bit sad. They're both as important as the other.

xLisaBx · 27-06-2016 01:01AM

Shint0 wrote: »

You do realise that not everybody who commits suicide has a mental health issue. Targeting suicide prevention is not a solution for the multitude and variety of mental health conditions.

As Persepoly asked you have you ever been a user of the HSE mental health service or any mental health service? The general public drones on about seeking 'help' and if only people sought 'help' and knew that 'help' is available and all they have to do is rock up to their nearest mental health service provider and get all the 'help' they need then everything's alright with the world and crisis averted.

Sometimes the actual problem is the 'help' and many who have been users of such services can attest to that.

Back down the thread I told Persepoly that I have availed of mental health services. The reasons are outlined too.

But help is available, I'm not sure where you are mistaken here? Pieta House, Lifeline, GP, Referrals, company counsellors and A&E.

HSE Mental Health service

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