Published on 12, July, 2020
So basically I've just returned from my first appointment at my local community mental health centre after being referred by my GP.
I felt that the conversation I had when there was very broad and didn't really take into account any wider points, specifically more related to Asperger's. The majority of the question were about the social side of things, which I understand is obviously a big part of AS, but other characteristics affects me too and make life difficult.
All in all we spoke for only 15 to 20 minutes before she concluded I don't have AS, that I have social anxiety and depression and tried to pit me on a course of anti-depressants. She said she'd book me another appointment to see her in 3 months, and one to see a psychiatrist about the social anxiety. I declined the medication, not least because I'm not depressed, but also because I am put off by side effects and such.
I understand how social anxiety can be very closely related to AS, but I feel she didn't listen to or pay any attention to the other characteristics and such that are covered by the umbrella that is AS. Obviously some days I feel 'down' about things, but it's very far from being depressed and I feel as if they've just made an extremely quick decision in trying to offer me anti depressants before fully understanding everything.
Should I just continue and go to the appointment in 3 months, and the one with the psychiatrist, or should I go back to my GP and try and get referred to someone else who may pay more attention to me?
I probably should've mentioned, I'm 20.
Thanks for any advice/help :)
Professionals in mental health teams vary immensely. I had a superb social worker for two years (sadly she transferred to children's services - all the best people seem to leave. Although she was not an 'autism expert', she understood my condition, was sympathetic and was willing to learn. She knew that I hate change, need things spelled out, get anxious easily, and she put me at ease. She was in fact very young, probably only in her mid 20s, and had only recently left University.
However, before seeing the social worker, I had a really negative experience with a community psychiatric nurse. I saw her during a change in my support, when everyone was moving over to self-directed-support and personal budgets. Her whole manner was sour and aloof. She talked down at me, was patronizing and dismissive, and caused me to lose my temper and break down in tears in the office - she just walked out, no reassurance, nothing. Thankfully, after complaining, I transferred over to the aforementioned social worker.
I have recently been transferred to another CPN because a new social worker won't replace the one who has left until the Autumn. If I don't get on with the CPN, I can see the new social worker instead. Things did not get off to a great start when the CPN cancelled an appointment at very short notice on Tuesday, at 11.30am. I was due to see her at 3pm. She did not explain WHY the appointment was cancelled, so I phoned the clinic in some distress. I was told she was off ill. If she had explained this I would not be so upset as I would have had a reason. I would also have not been so upset if she had phoned at 9am, but apparently many of her clients (with severe mental illness, I presume) don't get up till 11.30am. In many ways I prefer social workers because I feel they see the whole person, and I do not have a mental illness, I have Asperger's syndrome and some OCD, but I don't think I am ill.