Depression Forums

Depression Related Forums => Depression Central => Topic started by: willows on June 18, 2012, 10:40:46 PM

Title: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: willows on June 18, 2012, 10:40:46 PM
I have been referred by my GP for CBT and I have a telephone assessment on Wednesday. I am really worried about it as I am dreading talking to a faceless stranger and worry that I will not be able to express the full extent of how I am feeling at the moment and that they will think I am wasting their time. has anyone had experience of telephone assessment before? What should I expect?? Thinking that I might just not answer the phone, then I won't have to deal with it :(
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Beetzart on June 18, 2012, 11:47:03 PM
Hi Willows,

I was referred to a counselling service called IAPTS and the initial appointment was over the phone. The lady I spoke to was very nice, although I find it hard to communicate this way.  With regard to my situation they thought I was too much at risk to be offered any help from them. 

I would urge you though to take the call and get the help you need.  I haven't as such been left in the lurch but just referred to other services. 

Hope it works out for you

Beet
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: lightenup on June 19, 2012, 12:09:56 AM
I know saying don't worry will help u much please take the call sometimes it is easier to express ones self to a stranger, also nothing can shock them as they have heard it all before.  Good luck:)
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Buttercup on June 19, 2012, 07:13:16 AM
I had a face to face initial cbt assessment and then telephone cbt. Turned out in my area you had to go through that to access the next level.  :-\
Although it wasn't great for me.  The lady was lovely and it was better than expected on the phone. Xxx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Sweetpea on June 19, 2012, 09:13:12 AM
I did my CBT at MIND on their computer.  But I am she whoever you speak to will be understanding as they deal with this all of the time.  I agree that sometimes talking to a stranger is easier.

Hope it goes well for you.

S x x x x
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Munchroom on June 19, 2012, 10:09:00 AM
Please answer the phone to them, I know it will be scary but like Shaz said, they do this all the time. They will know what questions to ask to determine how much help you need and they will essentialy guide you through it. I also find it can be easier to speak to a stranger sometimes.

Good luck xx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Zaf on June 19, 2012, 10:29:12 AM
Do try to answer it if you can xxx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: willows on June 19, 2012, 08:26:24 PM
Thank you for all your encouragement and support. I do intend to take the call in the morning but I am so anxious about it I think it is going to be a long night.
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Zaf on June 19, 2012, 08:31:33 PM
Thinking of you xxx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Buttercup on June 19, 2012, 08:43:19 PM
If it's anything like mine, it's just a bit of admin and doing those depression scoring quizzes that you may have already done at the doctors.  xxx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Buttercup on June 20, 2012, 11:58:23 AM
How did it go?
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: willows on June 20, 2012, 03:09:47 PM
Hi Buttercup,
You were right and it was really just the same questionnaires the gp makes me complete and a couple of further questions. I stupidly still managed to get upset on the phone which is what I didn't want to happen :( . Have to now wait for a phone call to arrange my first session.
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Zaf on June 20, 2012, 03:14:34 PM
Its not stupid to get upset willows and I'm sure you wouldn't be the first  !+_
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Sweetpea on June 20, 2012, 07:15:42 PM
This is not silly, I am sure loads of people do the same.  Hope you get your date to start the CBT soon.

S x x x x
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: mamalou on June 21, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
Willows  !£! "big hug" as the teletubbies used to say !! x x
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: willows on June 21, 2012, 08:02:49 PM
Ah mamalou....the teletubbies......that took me back to when my kids were liitle...good times  :)
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Buttercup on June 21, 2012, 09:55:27 PM
Hope you get an appointment soon. I had to do those questionnaires every week when I had cbt  :-\
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: willows on July 15, 2012, 08:44:36 AM
After having a telephone assessment over the phone on the 20th June with the mental health team it was agreed that I needed help and CBT was discussed and was told I would receive an appointment. I have just received a letter with the appointment and it is for an another assessment but this time the person from the mental health team has booked a room to see me at my doctors surgery. I thought I was waiting for a start date for CBT not another assessment. What is the point of a telephone assessment and then a face to face assessment? All this waiting......I need help now.........
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Zaf on July 15, 2012, 08:55:24 AM
It seems ridiculous  &*&  we have a wait of 12 months here which even my GP said was ludicrous  xx
Title: Re: I don't know what to expect.
Post by: Sweetpea on July 15, 2012, 11:04:11 AM
It is crazy. We have a 12 month waiting list here too. As you have rightly said you need help now not 12 months time %^%. S x x x x