Psychiatry-UK 2019-07-11 Person 5 5 0

I was referred to psychiatry UK through the nhs via my GP, there was little information from the GP as this was a new commissioned nhs service, but I was keen to be referred not only because private treatment is expensive, largely unsupported in terms of sourcing a good psychiatrist, and I travelled 2 hours from my home to have the consultation. This experience was probably one of the most difficult experiences of had with a medical priffesional, he was judgemental, gave me little hope in terms of accessing treatment and warned that if he did decide to offer treatment that there were conditions attached prior to treatment which were quite frankly unattainable - the conditions were sourcing a talking therapy I was positive couldn't be accessed on the nhs- clearly misunderstanding that this would be virtually impossible without the help of medication. Truly demoralised I drive home feeling humiliated, £500 poorer and at a loss to how I was to be diagnosed and receive treatment. It was clear I did have significant symptoms of adhd and he told me this diagnosis was highly likely. Despite this I thought I still deserved a second opinion and approached my GP who was able to refer me. Desperate for someone to help me - I agreed o have a consultation with a psychiatrist at psychiatry UK. The process was straightforward, quick and accessible. I had an online consultation, not for everyone I know but it worked for me and I was quickly diagnosed and offered treatment. I then was able to contact Jenny Winward who was to be my prescribing nurse all via email then a portal to regularly review titration- Jenny was supportive, quick to respond and although I had never met her in person - became a lifeline - any questions I had with answered quickly and with a confident practical knowledge of the condition, the first months were challenging, sleep problems, variations in mood - as well as single parenting and holding down a challenging job. Slowly but surely it was like a light had been switched on- living with that ever present dark cloud, constant low mood, inability sometimes to emotionally maintain and sustain relationships - vicious circle of guilt, depression, low mood, anxiety, never meeting the highs of the person I knew I was but couldn't quite pull it off- my self esteem grew, my confidence, I began to notice that I enjoyed doing things, finding out who I was as a person, what I had a natural ability to achieve and shine at - realising I was actually incredibly creative, exploring new hobbies which allowed me to express myself- previously not being able to motivate and sustain previously.My relationships and interactions with others in my life improved dramatically- I started to enjoy making new friends - finding it easier to interact with others - performing well at work - however it's not perfect - there is still a lot for me to work on a lifetime of unhealthy coping strategies, feeling misunderstood, others 'not getting me', even actually liking myself, patting myself on the back - not constantly being hard on myself, berating myself for messing up- constant negativity - over analysing situations conversations - accepting I'm not perfect - but actually thinking I'm ok with myself actually-accepting you can't please everyone, but feeling confident that my best is 'good enough'. To some reading this - it may seem difficult to understand - how can medication change you so much for the better - it may not work out for everyone- it's not the only approach but for me it's been life changing-the support I have received from the professionals at psychiatry UK is something I can't quite articulate in words, 'they get it' I finally have an answer to why I have found life so difficult- you find out this is not the norm, others don't have dramatic variances in mood, constant low level depression the anti depressants I'd taken for years hadn't resolved- I no w have a zest for life, I look forward to every new day - the help I've received was second to none nof once did I feel judged, only complete understanding, unconditional support, helpful advice to get me through titration, efficient responses to requests for prescriptions, trying a different dose- my GP was not able to agree to a shared care agreement following titration- they wouldn't agree to prescribe me the treatment they had referred me for- it felt like a cruel joke - as soon as I contacted Jenny she reassuredme that she would continue to prescribe until such time a SCA was confirmed - they never let me down - Dr Joiner negotiating behind the scenes with aspects of commissioning I did not understand- you have changed my life, I am a better mum, partner friend daughter sister work colleague - I've discovered my strength - my passion to advocate support others in a similar situation -you shouldn't have to fight so hard to get the treatment you need - I felt my diagnosis didn't equal other conditions - I had to fight for the right for my diagnosed condition to be acknowledged - that I needed this medication- to live a life I deserved. I am hopeful this process will not always be so difficult- I am grateful to my GP who also supported me but who always supported me and made that vital referral. I am truly grateful.