depression/anxiety - where to get help?

[philv]

So, my daughter has anxiety and depression.
Studying university and struggling to get to class.

She i son paroxetine.
Max dose.

It doesn't seem to be working.

What are the best options are there or getting help?

Is it possible that the paroxetine just doesn't help her and she should try somethign else?

Can we get referred to a pstcologist, Etc?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Red9zero]

Is there no support at the Uni she can try ? Failing that, get her to call the Samaritans so she has someone out of the situation that she can talk things through with. Getting referred to any kind of mental healthcare may be difficult. I know there is a waiting list in our area (North Somerset) of over 12 months, so it may be worth looking at private counselling. As for the drugs, I am on Propranolol and I'm not convinced it actually does anything. Trouble is once you are on meds, you can't just stop taking them.

[philv]

We need long term support.
The uni only offeres 6 weeks to help with anxiety towards exams.
Though we will try nd do that as a temporary measure.

I'll give th epriory group a miss.
Awful reviews poor treatment and overly money orientated.

[Smitters]

If only for the semi-vetted nature - I would suggest looking through BUPAs list of practitioners https://www.finder.bupa.co.uk/ and I would always lead with needing urgent support, if that's the stage you think you/she is at.

Even the NHS can be very good in acute situations, but as I have found myself, waiting for general treatment is a case of months and months.

Also, especially as it's London and therefore more populous - perhaps seeking out a charity may help - lots will get you in to see someone and you pay what you can.

[StevieBee]

YHM

[philv]

Thanks for helpful replies.
Much appreciated.

[Wills2]

I'd certainly hire a counsellor (but she'll have to want to go) In my experience (personal) something will be driving this and that needs to come out so it can be dealt with, there are also supplementary treatments such as breathing exercises and mindfulness that can and do work, I've found that it is a very slow process and that you have to be above all else kind to yourself and magnify any small victory, for it takes a 1000 cuts to get into this situation so requires same in reverse to get better, small wins.

It's so easy to feed these issues in the modern world via social media giving the brain no rest bite especially when you add in the general pressures of life, growing up and study etc, it's my firm belief that just as we would rest a broken leg to enable it to mend once set it we also have to do the same with the brain, but first you need to find out the cause.

There is a good book called, Depressive illness - the curse of the strong , I highly recommend it.

[Road2Ruin]

I don't know where your daughter is based, but down here we have an NHS service called talking therapies. The do things such as CBT. I used it and it was excellent. I had about an 8-10 week course.

Here is the link for the Somerset one, probably available round the country. You can even refer yourself, so no waiting for the Doc.

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-talking-the...
All free, of course.

[Greendubber]

Road2Ruin said:

I don't know where your daughter is based, but down here we have an NHS service called talking therapies. The do things such as CBT. I used it and it was excellent. I had about an 8-10 week course.

Here is the link for the Somerset one, probably available round the country. You can even refer yourself, so no waiting for the Doc.

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-talking-the...
All free, of course.

I can also thoroughly recommend CBT via the NHS. I think it took about 2 weeks for me to get the ball rolling.

I hope you manage to find something that works for your daughter. Would it be worth a sit down with the GP to discuss a new medication?

[Panamax]

philv said:

I'll give the priory group a miss.

That's not a wise decision IMO.
Find out what they charge for some CBT sessions and, if possible, give it a go.

[foxbody-87]

Talking to someone trained to deal with mental health can be really effective, be it a counsellor or even via the Samaritans email service. Talking your feelings through with the right person can do wonders. On the antidepressants front, they can be effective too but don't work for everyone, I would say unless she suffers from unpleasant side effects she should also stay the course with these and if she does get to the point they're not needed, come off them nice and slow.