I dont know whether to go or not?

[tashbarnes87]

Hey all, i have my first appointment with my CPN on tuesday. The doc who i saw referred me was an idiot and gave me only 5 mins of his time he then went o i need to refer you. I know i suffer my health anxiety but i feel i can manage it and it doesnt stop me functioning im certainly not depressed. From what i have read the CPN is used in sever cases is this true? i have been to my docs 3 times since february so im hardly severe in their eyes. I really dont want to go as i though my GP would help me. What would happen if i didnt turn up would they make me go, im worrying that if a cpn comes in to my life they might start sticking there nose in etc. Any advice would be great x

[Mondie]

I would go hun, it does sound like your HA impacts on your life to a certain degree, it did ruin your holiday didn't it? I would give it a go and see what happens, no one can make you go and they won't stick their noses into other aspects of your life that I am sure of.

XX

[tashbarnes87]

What willl the CPN do though? it did ruin my holiday but i dont think i need to see a mental health person. I thought i might get offered some anti d's. No one has mentioned the possibilty on post natal depression my doctor just made me think i needed 'proffesional help'. If i dont turn up will that look bad on me? x

[Mondie]

I see a mental health worker for my HA and they talk to me about my anxiety and give me help on how to deal with it in every day life.

I think it's unfortunate that there is a stigma attached to the words 'mental health' - I am sure your GP does not think you are crazy or mad, but someone who could benefit from some guidance and help - like me.

Seeing a CPN is not compusory and it won't look bad if you don't go, but out of politeness I would cancel via phone so they aren't waiting for you.

XX

[tashbarnes87]

thanks mondie, and you are right there is so much stigma attached to it. TBH i am scared of it for that reason. Do you think at my assesment they will if they feel im not to bad refer me back to my gp?

xx

[Mondie]

I'm sure with NHS funding as it is, if they don't think that you will benefit from them help then they will refer you back to your GP. They won't pay someone to fix something that isn't broke!!

Be bold, be brave and be better...

xxx

[Littleweed]

I also see a counsellor, and it is one of the best things i done starting to see him, he has helped me know end and i look forward to our sessions i fnd things much easier since i have being seeing him,
Remember, no one nows you are seeing a counsellor unless you tell them, go for it

Let me know how you get on

[lonely]

why not go for the assessment and express your issues then with the cpn, then you will know if you will benefit from there help, they will be able to spend more time with you (hour) whereas gp's only see you for about 10mins
you would prob see a cpn every few weeks, it may be of benefit it may not be what you need, but id go to the assessment then you'll know more

[tashbarnes87]

I really really really dont want to see a CPN if i thought it was needed i would jump at the chance but i feel its not. If i go i think they wont let me not go back, and i will have to carry on seeing them. From what i have read on the internet a CPN is only used once other things have failed i havent been offered anything else. If i phone up tommorow to cancel will my GP phone me to ask me why i didnt attend or will it just be forgotten about x

[Liverbird67]

Hiya Tash

You will have an intial assessment for your first appointment CPN will ask you a bit about yourself what is worrying you etc how it impacts on your life etc, CPN may decide that they don't need to see you!

CPN may refer you for anixety management or CBT don't worry about it hun you won't be forced to see them.
CPN do see people for serious mental illness but they also see people with anxiety and depression, phobias or any thing that is having an impact on your mental health.

Just remember that mental health is a term used to describe all sorts of problems and can strke the fear of god into anyone whom doesn't understand this, we tend to think the worst when this term is used and start imagining the worst scenario believe me I used to work in mental health as a secretary and the amount of people scared of seeing someone connected with mental health is huge, and people used to phone me all the time with all sorts of queries asking why they had been referred where they mad etc
no one ever worries about the stigma of going to see a heart specialist

I would go for an intial appointment and see what they have got to offer you never know there could be something really useful in your area

Take care and try not to worry about this

Debbie