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Waiting for CBT on the NHS

Posted , 4 users are following.

rach.m9
rach.m9

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about, or has any experience with waiting for NHS funded CBT?

I've been having a rough time since early autumn last year. By rough I mean I've suffered with anxiety since a teen but it's gotten quite bad.

I'm severely emetophobic and have been for as long as I can remember. I got food poisoning early last year which seems to have triggered the anxiety.

On top of this I have IBS, which gets triggered by the anxiety. Then because I'm having a flare up I panic that maybe I'm sick again and the vicious circle begins.

Panic attacks consist of hot flushes, violent shaking, palpatations, light headedness and feint spells.

Although I wouldn't say I have OCD, I have developed some tendencies for hygiene. I've also dropped just over 5 stone in weight because eating makes me anxious in case I get sick.

I was referred by GP to a group called IM in October, I waited until January for a telephone consultation with them and now I'm still in the waiting list for CBT.

I don't want to go down the route of meds. I've been trying meditation and aromatherapy. But its not enough and I'm out of ideas.

Anyone else got any suggestions?

Thanks

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • vicky51471
    vicky51471 rach.m9

    Posted

    Hi there rach

    I've had C.B.T it does work or it did for me and helped me it doesn't get rid of everything but it works in a way that you come to your own answers and conclusions. It's strange I felt weird at first but I can see what they were doing now. It's very cleaver..

    I hear you do not want meds but this could be a short time.

    It's very hard waiting for the help maybe call them and ask how long would it be roughly then you would get an idea.

    The NHS was brilliant..keep going there .!!!

    Take care

    Vicky x

  • Trina536
    Trina536 rach.m9

    Posted

    Hi Rachel, I rang them up to see how for up the waiting list I was,then got a phone call 2 days later, I have my first appointment on Wednesday,it has been a 4 months wait, good luck 👍

  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 rach.m9

    Posted

    You can go ahead and purchase a cbt and a dbt workbook on your own whilst you wait. Get a head start. They also have audio books and courses online. You would be amazed whats out there. 
  • jmcg2014
    jmcg2014 rach.m9

    Posted

    CBT is often given first on the NHS before other theraputic approaches.  This is because its cheap and easy to deliver.  It does help some people, but dont feel bad if it doesnt.  It works for minor issues.  If it doesnt work then be sure to ask for proper psychotherapy, which works much much better.  To be honest i wish the current fad for CBT would pass, and drs would just refer straight to psychotherapy.  Its not to say it wont work, but its not even close to proper therapy, so always ask for it if need be
  • emyem
    emyem rach.m9

    Posted

    Hi rach.

    Wow, reading your story is genuenly like reading about myself, seriously!

    I also suffer from Emetophobia but am very rarely sick as I take Cyclizine tablets, I can't say what triggered mine.

    I also suffer from IBS which I would also say is made worse by my stress & anxiety. I had a bad night last night with anxiety & was crying most of the night, my stomach was a state the next day.

    I also suffer very severe panic attacks which have led to seizures but they aren't the same as yours.

    It's crazy to read a situation so similar to mine.

    As for the CBT, I've been through the rivers with the Docs. Been on lots of different tablets, had lots of different scans and had a couple of different people for CBT.

    Personally it didn't work for me, I think mostly because I just didn't click with the therapists, I just felt like they were talking at me instead of listening, I would like to try again in future though because I like the idea of it. Go into it with a positive attitude & even if you don't live it at first, try a couple more sessions & see how you do.

    Hope you manage to get through my essay reply!

    Good luck, Em x

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