Depression

[HighPeakFox]

17 hours ago, chrishlcfc said:

LCFC are seriously making me question my positive thinking mantra at the moment.

 

So tough, I realise where we’ve been and what we’ve been through. But all i ask for us to compete and some effort shown and we’re even lacking in that at the moment 😢

I politely and kindly suggest not using football to aid your recovery from depression, and also not bringing the football into this section of the forum. 

[chrishlcfc]

3 minutes ago, HighPeakFox said:

I politely and kindly suggest not using football to aid your recovery from depression, and also not bringing the football into this section of the forum. 

Ok sorry. I wasn’t lying how they make me feel though. But I’ll bare that in mind in future. 

[HybridFox]

Bit of a bad week tbh. All the doom and gloom with City and while suddenly being ghosted on what I thought was turning into a promising relationship. Sigh

[TJQuik]

On 11/01/2023 at 22:44, TK95 said:

Bit of a bad week tbh. All the doom and gloom with City and while suddenly being ghosted on what I thought was turning into a promising relationship. Sigh

The same thing just happened to me, I feel your pain.

 

Shit social life, cost of living crisis, mental illness and now wondering if one of the things that gets me through life is going to nosedive and go out of existence.

[TJQuik]

On 07/01/2023 at 08:33, weller54 said:

After just 1 day of cutting the pill in half I feel crap!!... headache and awful nightmares last night!..... don't think coming off these is going to be easy 😪!!

Please don't attempt this without seeing a doctor first.

[TJQuik]

.

Edited 15 January 2023 by TJQuik

[filthyfox]

I had fun writing this to work...

 

Just part of a "FYCK OFF" email i sent them

 

4.11        I received a letter to attend a attend Formal Absence Review Meeting, as part of the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure, on 11th January 2023.  This letter contained the phrase "the possibility of the need to consider terminating employment on the grounds of medical incapacity."

4.12        Pursuant to the point raised in 3.1 (depression is recognised as a disability within the this Organisation), the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure is not the correct procedure.  The Absence Caused by Disability Procedure should be implemented instead.

4.13        In any case, I have grave concerns that the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure would not have been correctly followed, even if it had been the correct procedure.

4.14        The sample letter on the Intranet page relating to the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure indicates that a report should be received from Occupational Health prior to the invitation being sent to attend a formal absence review meeting.  This Occupational Health Consultation was not conducted prior to the letter being sent.

4.15        I am utterly stunned that the words "possibility of the need to consider terminating your employment on the grounds of medical capacity" were included in an attendance summons to review absence caused by mental illness.  The wording of this letter should have been considered thoroughly before their inclusion. 

4.16        This letter has caused me much additional anguish since the letter's receipt, which could, and should have been avoided.  Depression is hard to manage at the best of times, and certainly receiving such a threatening letter is bound to cause further trauma to anyone, let alone someone of fragile mind.

4.17        The last contact I had with my Management Team to appraise them of the ongoing situation was on 4/1/2023.  There should be nothing within this Statement of Fact that comes of a surprise, as I have been open and honest at all times.   The letter received is dated 5/1/2023.  There was no mention of this letter due to be sent during that telephone call.  I would have thought that, given the gravity of the issue portrayed, that this would have been discussed at the earliest opportunity.  I certainly do not believe that the decision to send such a letter, with such content, was made in the short time between that telephone conversation and it being sent.

4.18       The meeting mentioned in 4.11 was cancelled on Tuesday 10th January owing to "unforeseen circumstances". My Management Team knew that I was aggrieved by the way this meeting was called, and I feel it would have been more decent to give a proper explanation. Using the phrase "unforeseen circumstances" is a cop-out of responsibility and respect.

4.19       It should be noted only the meeting was cancelled, and not yet rearranged.  I am still being subjected to the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure.

4.111        What I am looking for in respect of this issue, is a formal apology for the incorrect procedure being followed and the insensitivity of the letter that was sent, as well as for the unnecessary anguish that was caused by it to a loyal Team member who is endeavouring forthrightly to resurrect his mental fortitude.

 

4.2  Incorrect recording of absence 

4.21       I have had three periods of absence noted since 1/1/2022.  

4.22      All three of these were caused by disability (depression/anxiety), and I respectfully request that these be recorded separately to normal sickness absence, as per the Absence Caused by Disability Procedure. 

[casablancas]

On 07/01/2023 at 08:33, weller54 said:

After just 1 day of cutting the pill in half I feel crap!!... headache and awful nightmares last night!..... don't think coming off these is going to be easy 😪!!

As a mental health nurse … ignore the advice given. Take as directed and come off with the support of gp, mental health practitioner or a pharmacist. 

[TheLittleBigMan]

What's everyone's opinion on the horrendous waiting list for free counselling in Leicestershire? Soz if this has already been done and dusted. I waited 2yrs for my last lot (Leicestershire counselling service). Apparently its 3yrs now and you can't even get on the list. About 6 months if you can afford private mind you... 

[Raj]

20 minutes ago, TheLittleBigMan said:

What's everyone's opinion on the horrendous waiting list for free counselling in Leicestershire? Soz if this has already been done and dusted. I waited 2yrs for my last lot (Leicestershire counselling service). Apparently its 3yrs now and you can't even get on the list. About 6 months if you can afford private mind you... 

I originally was referred begrudgingly by my (at the time) crap GP to Let's talk wellbeing part of the leics/notts nhs trust.

This was pre pandemic and ot took months for the referral to get me a date to see a psychiatrist who eventually diagnosed  me with cyclothymia.

I dread to think what the waiting list is like now,, like you say its years.

Pathetic really, but this is where we are now in this country.

Try the let's talk wellbeing path if you can, might be best yo have a few options open to you

 

[Izzy]

35 minutes ago, TheLittleBigMan said:

What's everyone's opinion on the horrendous waiting list for free counselling in Leicestershire? Soz if this has already been done and dusted. I waited 2yrs for my last lot (Leicestershire counselling service). Apparently its 3yrs now and you can't even get on the list. About 6 months if you can afford private mind you... 

In my experience, there's little to no waiting list if you go private.

 

I paid £45 for a one hour session each month for 12 months and it was the best money I ever spent.

 

I realise that not everyone has the spare cash to afford it but if you can, I'd highly recommend you do.

 

Waiting three years is absolute nonsense. 

[weller54]

1 hour ago, casablancas said:

As a mental health nurse … ignore the advice given. Take as directed and come off with the support of gp, mental health practitioner or a pharmacist. 

Thanks... I'm still taking 10mg (after cutting down from 20mg about 3 weeks ago)...have a meds review on 6th February, so will discuss next step then.

I haven't noticed too much difference in my mood since reducing the dose.

[TheLittleBigMan]

I really do think that these waiting times are having a major impact on peoples mental health and would even go as far as suggesting that includes loss of life. When I was told of the prospective waiting times I was astounded. I was able to manage stuff as my mental health matters are nothing new to me so in a weird way I felt like I was one of the lucky ones. I cannot imagine what it would feel like if you were a person experiencing mental health issues for the first time being told you would not get the support you needed for several years.

I think it's also worth a mention the obscene amount of money being made through the sale anti depressants, especially when they have become the only immediate source of relief available to those who cannot afford to go private for counselling, of which with the current cost of living are the majority of people.

I have contacted the council, PALs through the NHS and even contacted the Leicester Mercury in an effort to get this in to the public domain and none were interested. There is a story here that needs to be told and I would urge anyone you can say or do even the smallest thing to get on that sh*t. There is no help better than help we give each other.

 

That's my two pence worth. Keep on keepin on.

     

[casablancas]

31 minutes ago, weller54 said:

Thanks... I'm still taking 10mg (after cutting down from 20mg about 3 weeks ago)...have a meds review on 6th February, so will discuss next step then.

I haven't noticed too much difference in my mood since reducing the dose.

It’s not so much the mood. Risk of sudden withdrawal syndrome and other ill effects. I tend not to dip my toes in this thread as this sort of stuff is my day to day at work. But to all reading don’t have advice from others it has worked for. It may not be the same for you and risk will possibly increase. I know nhs is in its arse. But if you can’t get in with gp or mental health professional try a pharmacist. 

Edited 26 January 2023 by casablancas
Thanks for catching @weller54

[casablancas]

13 minutes ago, TheLittleBigMan said:

I really do think that these waiting times are having a major impact on peoples mental health and would even go as far as suggesting that includes loss of life. When I was told of the prospective waiting times I was astounded. I was able to manage stuff as my mental health matters are nothing new to me so in a weird way I felt like I was one of the lucky ones. I cannot imagine what it would feel like if you were a person experiencing mental health issues for the first time being told you would not get the support you needed for several years.

I think it's also worth a mention the obscene amount of money being made through the sale anti depressants, especially when they have become the only immediate source of relief available to those who cannot afford to go private for counselling, of which with the current cost of living are the majority of people.

I have contacted the council, PALs through the NHS and even contacted the Leicester Mercury in an effort to get this in to the public domain and none were interested. There is a story here that needs to be told and I would urge anyone you can say or do even the smallest thing to get on that sh*t. There is no help better than help we give each other.

 

That's my two pence worth. Keep on keepin on.

     

There’s so much wrong with this statement I’m not even going to begin. There is help, it’s stretched but it’s there. I see 20+ people a day all in a similar position. Wanna make changes then change the government. I’ve worked all through covid, had to be redeployed to a unit and hospital I was not qualified to work on, last colleagues through covid and still go support people with mental health issues. I don’t complain and love my job. There is no two year waiting list, if it is its area specific and not across the service. Nurses drs want to care but are hampered. There is a responsibility to also try and manage one’s own mental health. People seem to want a quick fix and there isn’t one. 

[weller54]

6 minutes ago, casablancas said:

It’s not so much the mood. Risk of serotonin syndrome and other ill effects. I tend not to dip my toes in this thread as this sort of stuff is my day to day at work. But to all reading don’t have advice from others it has worked for. It may not be the same for you and risk will possibly increase. I know nhs is in its arse. But if you can’t get in with gp or mental health professional try a pharmacist. 

Thank you...but I'm reducing my citalopram not increasing it, so surely serotonin syndrome would only be a concern if I was increasing the dose?

[casablancas]

2 minutes ago, weller54 said:

Thank you...but I'm reducing my citalopram not increasing it, so surely serotonin syndrome would only be a concern if I was increasing the dose?

There Can also be a risk with sudden withdrawal but yeah my bad bro. Misread post and yes it’s with sudden increase  again my bad    

[TheLittleBigMan]

7 minutes ago, casablancas said:

There’s so much wrong with this statement I’m not even going to begin. There is help, it’s stretched but it’s there. I see 20+ people a day all in a similar position. Wanna make changes then change the government. I’ve worked all through covid, had to be redeployed to a unit and hospital I was not qualified to work on, last colleagues through covid and still go support people with mental health issues. I don’t complain and love my job. There is no two year waiting list, if it is its area specific and not across the service. Nurses drs want to care but are hampered. There is a responsibility to also try and manage one’s own mental health. People seem to want a quick fix and there isn’t one. 

I'm speaking from experiences just like you so my post is valid. The lack of funding for mental health support and the stress the staff are going through is a part of the story that needs telling. I'm on the same side despite how misguided you may find my post. No-one should accept the way things are and change doesn't start and end with voting. I admire and respect the hard work and sacrifice you make everyday and i'm grateful for it - thank you. Taking responsibility for ones own mental health requires long term support which is the thing that's getting increasingly difficult to get, resulting in the quick fix approach which is generally the meds. I don't know the answers but just thought sharing my thoughts was at least trying to do something. 

  

[filthyfox]

49 minutes ago, weller54 said:

Thanks... I'm still taking 10mg (after cutting down from 20mg about 3 weeks ago)...have a meds review on 6th February, so will discuss next step then.

I haven't noticed too much difference in my mood since reducing the dose.

You lucky bugger... maybe you don't need them?

 

I am completely drained right now (day four of sertraline after a week of cold turkey)

[TJQuik]

Weekends are tough

[filthyfox]

On 26/01/2023 at 11:25, filthyfox said:

I had fun writing this to work...

 

Just part of a "FYCK OFF" email i sent them

 

4.11        I received a letter to attend a attend Formal Absence Review Meeting, as part of the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure, on 11th January 2023.  This letter contained the phrase "the possibility of the need to consider terminating employment on the grounds of medical incapacity."

4.12        Pursuant to the point raised in 3.1 (depression is recognised as a disability within the this Organisation), the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure is not the correct procedure.  The Absence Caused by Disability Procedure should be implemented instead.

4.13        In any case, I have grave concerns that the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure would not have been correctly followed, even if it had been the correct procedure.

4.14        The sample letter on the Intranet page relating to the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure indicates that a report should be received from Occupational Health prior to the invitation being sent to attend a formal absence review meeting.  This Occupational Health Consultation was not conducted prior to the letter being sent.

4.15        I am utterly stunned that the words "possibility of the need to consider terminating your employment on the grounds of medical capacity" were included in an attendance summons to review absence caused by mental illness.  The wording of this letter should have been considered thoroughly before their inclusion. 

4.16        This letter has caused me much additional anguish since the letter's receipt, which could, and should have been avoided.  Depression is hard to manage at the best of times, and certainly receiving such a threatening letter is bound to cause further trauma to anyone, let alone someone of fragile mind.

4.17        The last contact I had with my Management Team to appraise them of the ongoing situation was on 4/1/2023.  There should be nothing within this Statement of Fact that comes of a surprise, as I have been open and honest at all times.   The letter received is dated 5/1/2023.  There was no mention of this letter due to be sent during that telephone call.  I would have thought that, given the gravity of the issue portrayed, that this would have been discussed at the earliest opportunity.  I certainly do not believe that the decision to send such a letter, with such content, was made in the short time between that telephone conversation and it being sent.

4.18       The meeting mentioned in 4.11 was cancelled on Tuesday 10th January owing to "unforeseen circumstances". My Management Team knew that I was aggrieved by the way this meeting was called, and I feel it would have been more decent to give a proper explanation. Using the phrase "unforeseen circumstances" is a cop-out of responsibility and respect.

4.19       It should be noted only the meeting was cancelled, and not yet rearranged.  I am still being subjected to the Long Term Sickness Absence Procedure.

4.111        What I am looking for in respect of this issue, is a formal apology for the incorrect procedure being followed and the insensitivity of the letter that was sent, as well as for the unnecessary anguish that was caused by it to a loyal Team member who is endeavouring forthrightly to resurrect his mental fortitude.

 

4.2  Incorrect recording of absence 

4.21       I have had three periods of absence noted since 1/1/2022.  

4.22      All three of these were caused by disability (depression/anxiety), and I respectfully request that these be recorded separately to normal sickness absence, as per the Absence Caused by Disability Procedure. 

Well.  They didn't FOAD.  Got a meeting on Wednesday.

[FoxesDeb]

9 minutes ago, filthyfox said:

Well.  They didn't FOAD.  Got a meeting on Wednesday.

Did they give you a proper response to your email?

[filthyfox]

1 hour ago, FoxesDeb said:

Did they give you a proper response to your email?

Hahaha... no.

I wasn't expecting one either.  I just wanted them to know that they couldn't **** me around.

 

Still going in ready for war though (if my head can manage it).

Edited 28 January 2023 by filthyfox

[kyleolly]

On 26/01/2023 at 20:16, TheLittleBigMan said:

What's everyone's opinion on the horrendous waiting list for free counselling in Leicestershire? Soz if this has already been done and dusted. I waited 2yrs for my last lot (Leicestershire counselling service). Apparently its 3yrs now and you can't even get on the list. About 6 months if you can afford private mind you... 

I will be a fully qualified counsellor in June and as part of my training I need 30 hours of personal therapy I'm paying £30 a fortnight so £60 a month I spend more than that on a night out I don't think private is that expensive and availability is pretty instant 

[FoyleFox]

4 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Well.  They didn't FOAD.  Got a meeting on Wednesday.

 

2 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Hahaha... no.

I wasn't expecting one either.  I just wanted them to know that they couldn't **** me around.

 

Still going in ready for war though (if my head can manage it).

Are you able to have someone accompany you? A union rep or equivalent? For support and and independent counsel.