Poor communication and services
I presented to the GP severely anxious with suicidal thoughts, with a history of depression. I was told to self refer to the wellbeing service. I had to wait a week for a scheduled telephone interview. This interview was frustrating as the call handler seemed nervous and without the proper training or experience to discuss my issues. She seemed to be reading from a list of questions and unable to deal with issues that did not fit her set pattern of interview. I was left not knowing what help could be available as the call handler needed to review my case with her manager. This required a further wait of a week. I was then offered a group advisory session on how to live with stress. I felt this was wholly insufficient considering my history and current fears so declined and explained I would be taking out a loan to obtain private counselling to save my own life.