Yes, it’s official, I’m no longer a psychiatric outpatient. My worker at YP-place is… well… stunned. I’m being fairly practical about it though – there was no longer any clinical need for me to see them.
I think, however, that this may have some knock on effects. It’s a bit of a surprise to go from my (temporary) care-co, who thinks I’m still fairly low, and has been discussing such riveting things as CPA and individual budgets with me, to being told by my psych that I’m “a lot better” and “should look for work” – well there goes my nascent ESA claim down the pan then…
I am slightly perturbed by the fact that it’s a good thing (apparently) that I haven’t had any panic attacks recently. As far as I’m aware I’ve never had a panic attack, unless having one while slipping halfway down a cliff-face and dangling on a single safety rope counts. Even then I stopped panicking once someone had sorted my ropes out and I was able to climb down. Perhaps I should also celebrate the continuing existence of all four limbs and my sense of smell?
I’m also not sure where my priorities should lie now – originally I was planning to claim some benefits while I worked on getting into a routine where I eat, sleep and have clean clothes every day, plus getting out of the flat a bit more… but apparently being economically active should be my first priority, and a step towards curing me.
Hmmm, I’m not sure, but I suppose it’s feasible that if I force myself into a part-time job that everything else will fall into place again.
Now all I need to do is find a job advert looking for a confused, slighty malnourished and rather pongy mentalist!
Does this mean you’re gonna lose the OT/Care co-ord? I think your Psychiatrist sucks, and fails at making judgements…
This discharge does seem somewhat out of the blue – did the psychiatrist know about everything that is going on? Just seems rather rapid…
Anyway I hope it turns out to be a good thing.
Take care,
Differently
When you texted me this I was astonished. I really don’t understand psychiatrists. It sounds like he didn’t know you very well!
Even if there is little for him to do clinically, surely he must understand it was helpful to have the care-coordinator looking over you.? Surely he could have coped with 6 monthly reviews, just to keep you on the books incase of emergency? I find discharge scary because when they cut the strings if you do need their help again, getting reattached can be difficult!
I am glad you still have your worker at YP place, so you’re not completely alone. It shouldn’t be down to the voluntary sector to do this though.
What does your GP think? Do you have support there that can help? Do they think you should find work?
I think your initial plan made more sense than rushing into work. You need to get yourself into a routine, perhaps do a few hours a week volunteering or something to see if you can manage it and then look for a real job. This could still be open to you – your GP may agree that is a better idea and will support your ESA claim? Don’t rush into a return to work and take things slow.
You are right that work may help. It can give you something to get up for, something to do, financial help and a sense of achievement. All things which are helpful to maintaining mental wellness and avoiding depression, but you also have to find a balance – nothing stressful, not too many hours etc. Don’t just take the first job you find either as if you have to do something you hate, you are setting yourself up to fail.
I hope things go okay. xx