My special place

Why is getting help so hard? You reach out and nothing

@Snowie it's a rough gig sometimes hey, finding good support. What's been happening, you getting ghosted by services? Here if you wanna chat about it 💜

When you finally get onto someone, you just get passed onto someone else @Jynx Then the person you get passed onto can't help or put it back on the first person. It feels like a vicious circle. The when you do reach out, it takes ages to get that help. The wait times are too long when you feel this way.

@Snowie ohhh I hate that. Being bounced around in a pile of referrals is really frustrating. Are you stuck on some waitlists atm? Are you feeling bd enough that you need more immediate support?

Yes I am stuck on some waitlists @Jynx They tell you it won't be long but it is, and there is no reply, no answer just nothing. I reached out for help today and just got bounced around @Jynx

I've tried to get support.

@Snowie I could yammer on at you about how under the pump the MH system is at the moment but I'm sure you already know, and I doubt it would make you feel any better. I want to instead acknowledge your frustrations and say that it's okay to be angry. And also I think underneath the anger could be fear - fear that you won't get the right support in time to actually be able to cope with what you're going through. Does that resonate?

I hope you're able to take the time to sit with your emotions, give them space, and express them however feels right to you. And also, hold on to hope that it will change, you'll find something that works for you, and you won't be in this crappy place forever.

I know the MH system is totally under the hammer and is so short staffed @Jynx I'm not blaming anyone, I just get so frustrated like so many other people do.

It is fear. I am fearful that I won't get the help I need in time. I fear that my thoughts will over take and I'll give into them.

I know I am lucky to have the supports that I do. That many people don't have any at all. But at the same time, I know I need more support. I am struggling and just wonder if it is worth the fight anymore.

@Snowie completely understand that struggle - and in my opinion/experience, it's always worth the fight. I think we also gotta take breaks from the fight too if we can. Though, not if that means you're worried about giving into ideation. Ach it's so tricky hey.

It's good to be grateful for what we do have, but I think it's also good that you're able to acknowledge it's not enough for where you're at right now.

Have you gotten involved with/do you qualify for SANE's Guided Service at all? That can be a really good auxilliary support while you wait - although I think there's a waitlist for it atm too. Waitlists everywhere, it's really gnarly and suuuuper discouraging.

You could also seek out an individual practitioner, not sure if you've already tried it but could be worth looking into. If cost is an issue, some practitioners offer low-cost or case-by-case fees - I once found a counsellor who, after understanding my situation, was happy to offer me sessions for just $60.

Couple directories you could start with:

APS Find a Psychologist

Psychology Today Find a Counsellor

Trauma Support Directory

I see a psych and pdoc already @Jynx but it is that in between times that are the hardest. I have nothing in between appointments. I can't get community health support with my situation nor can I get any other type of support. I just have to rely on helplines and chat's.

I am already on the waitlist for SANE's guided service. I have been on the waitlist for quite some time. It just seems like everywhere has a waitlist. I'm not blaming them, it is just what MH is.

It is hard not to give into the ideation. It is so strong and so powerful. It consumes me at times. Today it is strong. I know it will pass and that each day will not be like this, but sometimes it is hard to see that there is a future there. It doesn't feel like it today.

Mm @Snowie that's the nature of the beast. I think it's okay to be both understanding of it, and also still allow that frustration space as well. I'm sorry to hear it's so strong today. Have you called any services at all today?

It's reassuring to hear that there is part of you that knows that it will pass. Perhaps you could tap into it a bit, try to think of other times you've felt this way and what helped you get through it. You've done it before you can do it again 💜