Barriers to mental health treatment

[Anonymous]

Anyone with a serious mental health diagnosis having trouble accessing treatment? I’ve been on the VA waitlist since April for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I’m really suffering and fearful I won’t make it through this winter if I don’t get my prescribed treatment very soon.

[Rhiannon]

Hi Chris,

I have a BPD diagnosis too, though i see myself as being ‘in remission’ just now. Part of my problem has always been trusting others. I have to be able to trust to talk about issues, but when i try, my behaviour often goes/went OOC.

DBT is a form of CBT. From my own experience i find working through CBT (and DBT) workbooks really helpful. They are especially empowering because i don’t need to speak to others about my issues, not until it feels safe to do so. I won’t give any names of books here, it’s probably not appropriate, but there are a lot out there. I would suggest having a search around and finding 1 or 2 that make sense to you, and trying to go through them gently, sharing where and when you feel safe to do so. As you find things that help you, you can add them to your toolkit maybe?

xxx

Rhiannon

[Dena]

Sadly this appears to be a worldwide problem and it’s very disheartening to see that there are so MANY of us just trying to get through each moment, let alone each day with VERY LIMITED resources.
Even when one has Medical Insurance or (Medical Aid) as we call it here in South Africa, there are so many restrictions and the cost of just belonging to a Medical Scheme is expensive. On top of that, the medication cost is crippling yet we know we ALSO need professional counselling or therapy along with medication to assist in managing our lives adequately and that too is so high!! Some disorders/diagnoses that are actually treatable just get compounded by new trauma or events out of our control or that are unexpected BUT we are unable to afford it or are put on long waiting lists and this too adds to our issues and anxiety/depression.

[Grant]

Hi Dena,

I have to admit I’m one of the fortunate ones who has not had issues with finding the support
I need for my mental health, but I do know that it exists and that there are so many road blocks for people out there, including the individual who created this post. Having worked for a private company contracted with the VA, I know first-hand how slow things move with the VA due to bureaucracy, under-staffing, etc. I hope they found what they needed.

[Stuart Edward]

Navigating the healthcare system can be incredibly frustrating, especially when dealing with a seriousmental health diagnosis
mental health diagnosis. Have you tried reaching out to local support groups or non-profits that might offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy? Sometimes they can provide quicker access to resources or even interim support while you’re on the VA waitlist. Hang in there, and don’t hesitate to reach out to community resources or even consider telehealth options if possible.

[Author]

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