Desperately Seeking a Psychiatrist

[Alex43]

Is anyone able to recommend an adult psychiatrist in the Newcastle area? Or does anyone have any recommendations as to how to fast track to get an appointment? My daughter is waiting to be assessed for a personality disorder. I have a GP referral but there is such a long waiting list at the one I have been referred to and in all honesty I am not sure my daughter or we, as the family can wait that long. We are reaching desperate times..... I have called a few that I have found online but no success. We are from out of area too so don't have any local knowledge.

Thanks for any help out there.

[Quercus]

Hi Alex,

Feeling desperate and struggling to find help is a horrible feeling for everyone involved. My husband was in a similar position, watching me fall apart. He said he felt powerless and frightened.

Although I know it will be hard to hear, I have to say first that recommendations aren't allowed here (this is an anonymous forum and it wouldn't be safe to allow that).

But I wanted to post anyway. To simply say one thing... please stubbornly keep trying. Your daughter is fortunate to have you willing to fight for her.

If you get to a point where you feel your daughter is at risk it it time to go to the emergency room. In an emergency situation she will see a psychiatrist. It isn't ideal but the option is there.

What we did was ask everyone we knew. I had a referral to a psychiatrist and the wait was 6 months. Hubby knew I couldn't get through that. So he asked absolutely everyone. Friends, colleages, managers, family, local GPs, local hospitals, chemists etc.

Then he called every one he found until he found a cancellation. I had to go back to the GP that day and get a new referral. It saved my life.

If you phone ask to be put on the cancellation list. You'll get little notice but anything is worth a try.

I hope you find support for your daughter soon.

It is also worth considering counselling for yourselves once you are satisfied your daughter is safe. Caring for others can be exhausting and distressing.

Nat

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Alex43,

As Quercus has said, we can't offer recommendations to specific practitioners. There is a directory that I have linked here. https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist

I wonder if there is any interim support that your daughter has while waiting for the psychiatrist appointment? There are some programs available depending on your daughters age like visiting a headspace centre where you need to be under 25 years old to attend, but there may be other services or groups available? You could even contact some private mental health facilities in the area to see if they have some guidance for you on psychiatrists in the area.

If you need immediate support, don't hesitate to reach out to Lifeline 13 11 14 or even the Local Emergency if required. Caring for someone who is going through high levels of distress can be really overwhelming. Be kind to yourselves and if it feels right, post again here. We are listening.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn