Struggling to get help

[Doolhof]

I know this is a place where we are supposed to encourage and support each other, to offer suggestions of where help may be received and to try to be positive in our experiences of reaching out for mental health guidance and care.

Unfortunately that has not been my experience for a long time living in the country.

My GP kept telling me he would make an appointment with me to do a mental health care plan. That took about 6 months. At an appointment I basically told him I needed help, could he please do the plan that day and not make me wait another 4 weeks for a next appointment.

The psychologist he recommended sent me an email stating with the information the Dr had written in the referral she was unable to assist me. She had not even met me!

Wait another 4 weeks for another Drs appointment.  A new psychologist was recommended, I had to drive to the city for this one. Had to wait a couple of months for an appointment. My appointment was to be on Thursday this week. Received an email from the psychologist stating "due to changes in his circumstances he is no longer able to offer me sessions".

I go to the local hospital and am told "the Doctors are too busy seeing more important patients to be able to see you".  The Nurse/Sister actually stated that to me over and over.

Looks like me and my sick mind are just going to have to keep trying to support myself until it doesn't work any longer.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Dools

I like the idea of the chat/craft group. What kind of crafts do you enjoy? Unfortunately, I don’t have a crafty (or artistic) bone in my body, but I do appreciate the effort people put into their crafts. 

Sitting by the water with a coffee and a book is a great outing too. Sometimes it’s just about getting out of the house and enjoying a change of scenery. I often sit at the beach and watch the sea after my walks, good for the soul.

Totally get it about procrastination. I find once I push through and get started on whatever it is I’ve been procrastinating I can gain momentum. Chip away at it when you’re ready. 
Kind thoughts to you

[Doolhof]

Hi Summer Rose and all reading,

I'd like to get to the beach more. I will make an effort to schedule in more trips there. It is lovely the pond in out town has water at present, for a few years that was not the case. It is a nice place to sit and relax if you can tone out to the truck noise cruising through town.

Mainly I crochet at present, can do basic knitting, have tried embroidery, quilting, cross stick, card making and a few other crafts. There are craft exhibitions in in nearby towns at present so I hope to go for a look tomorrow after family leave.

I will try not to procrastinate about it, find the motivation I need and actually go to have a look. 

I also used to enjoy splashing paint about as well, but have not done that for a long time. I had wanted to join in painting classes but they were too expensive. I have you tubed a few examples of how to paint so may try that again.

Walking has not been happening while I have visitors here so I will start that up again when they leave.

Hope you are keeping well Summer Rose, regards form Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi Eagle Ray,

Thanks for the explanation about perceptions of other people's reactions and out own misunderstandings. I have Borderline Personality Disorder along with other issues so my mind sometimes runs away with thoughts and untruths. 

My work situation has not been so flash for a long time either. I was continually bullied by staff immediately in my area and when I went to talk to management about it, I was told it was because I didn't fit in! I don't have trouble with any other staff in the building! A previous co-worker was in tears from bullying also and then she had enough and left.

That kind of behaviour does not help a sense of self and well-being. 

I'm going to persevere with gaining entry to the volunteer position as it is something I believe I will enjoy. I will look for other ways to fill my days and find ways to interact with people.

Having family here this week has been lovely.

Our weather was quite cool yesterday, we had been out for a drive so it was lovely and warm in the car. 

Wishing you and all reading a good day, regards form Dools 

[quirkywords]

Dools

it is sad when people make the workplace uncomfortable and stressful.

In my volunteer job I find people can be bossy and there is  much politics and so much confusing information so I do not know who to believe. You can crochet and work and do many things well. You are kind and understanding. 
Hope life gets better. 

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Dools, I’m sorry you had to deal with that bullying. Workplaces are meant to be inclusive but sometimes do the opposite.

My current volunteer work is in the same kind of place as one I left where there was bullying and poor management, but the good thing is the people in the current place are lovely and it’s a supportive workplace environment. It’s restored my faith that such places exist. So I hope you get to have some positive experiences in your volunteer work.

There are many options for volunteering too, so you can always explore other options if the next one isn’t your cup of tea (but I hope it is).

 I’m glad you have been enjoying family visiting. I look forward to hearing more about your walks on the walking thread if you post there.

Take care and have a lovely weekend.

[Doolhof]

Hi quirkywords,

Some people just don't seem to be happy unless they are making other people miserable! I also believe some people have no idea how horrible they are to others.

As my shifts have changed at work, I no longer see Miss Bully anymore, she is still my team leader and does not keep me informed nor pass on information that is required. The confusing information part like you wrote is a waste of everyone's time.

Hope you can persevere in your volunteer role. I'm trying to find the best in every day and to be thankful.

I'm really pleased with myself for stepping out recently and joining in with local festivities and craft exhibits. I talked with random people and didn't feel so lonely. 

Work again today so will see if there are any nice surprises to enjoy.

Regards to you and to all reading.

[Doolhof]

Hi Eagle Ray and to all reading,

The bullying in my work place was horrible to the point I was belittled in front of other staff because I was not aware of protocol changes that staff member had not told me about. I was yelled at just about every day, spoke to the back of that staff members head as she would not even turn around to look at me. And I was the one who was not fitting in!

Thankfully there are nice staff I meet during the day for a fleeting hello, how are you.

Yes, there are many volunteer roles I could choose. The role I am applying for is one I am hoping will be very rewarding and a place where I can give of myself and be accepted for who I am.

I'm back at work today so will make the most of all the positive interactions I have with people there. 

I have been on some walks and am about to leave the house now, have just been waiting for the sun to get up! 

Wishing you well for your volunteer role and life in general. All the best everyone from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

Yesterday I was contacted by the volunteer place and was given a link for a course I had to do on line. I managed to complete that. I have also sent in a copy of my Covid vaccinations they required. Life certainly is different now! 

All we are waiting for now is the police clearance, hopefully that won't take long.

I'm also going to apply for a casual work position on line and see what happens there.

Recently I've been having panic attacks going to work so need to work on that! Maybe I need to change my going to work routine? Take a different road, leave early and take a short walk before I start work, write down an  affirmation to read before I leave for work. Any other ideas?

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

Yesterday I went to see the new psychologist. The first appointment is always interesting, explaining your life story all over a gain to another person. Opening wounds and trying to find ways to patch yourslef up again after the session.

I had brought lunch a and a thermos of coffee with me. After the appointment I went to a small park had my lunch and watched the birds and a rabbit for a while then had a walk along a street at the back of the small town I had driven it.

It took me 1 1/2 hours to drive to the appointment due to road works and the distance required to reach this new psychologist. She has agreed to try a Zoom meeting next time so we will see how that goes. Hopefully our internet will not be down that day!

The lady was very gentle in her manner and I didn't once feel like I was about to have a panic attack and had no need to bolt out the door, so that was a good start. 

Hopefully I can gain by her assistance and have the courage and enthusiasm to help myself as well.

I struggle with a sense of purpose, of worth and where might I belong in this world. 

[Summer Rose]

Hi Dools

Sounds like you got off to a great start. It takes a lot of courage to face the first appointment, so well done.

Sorry to hear about the long trip. I think given the circumstances Zoom would be a good option.

I’m just so glad that you persevered and got there. It was a lot of effort for you, but you’re definitely worth it!

Kind thoughts to you