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Therapy and help

Fran

My mental health has been gradually getting worse. I know the signs as it did this previously, only before I was not properly diagnosed with autism. I really need some help as I am having far too many  angry melt downs and am very depressed at times. However I am struggling to know where to go for therapy and support. GP services always tell me to refer myself to my local anxiety and depression service. I have tried the service on two separate occasions and they did not help. They only ever seem to offer CBT. I tried with it I really did but got nowhere. It also was all phone based and I am talking pre Covid and seemed like they were not raking me very seriously. I have tried searching for other therapy locally with some sort of understanding of adult autism or anything that might help, but am not getting very far. I also cant afford to pay very much. The NHS site told me to use this charity to search therapists locally but honestly it didn't get me far. Any obe have any suggestions, tips, ideas even just a starting point would be helpful.

  • I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling and not getting any help. General mental health doesn't seem to be a lot of use if autism is in the mix. I hear too many stories like thus.

    If you are going private the good news is that the price is falling due to COVID, online is cheaper for them - no room hire or travel to cover. When I was looking I asked my OH dept for advice. You will find online directories.. I think BAPC was the one for properly qualified people. You'd need to be looking for some one who is themselves autistic or has significant experience with it. They need to work with our neurology, not against it.

    To help pay for it, have you considered a PIP application. They are a nightmare, but you might get it. Describe your worst days on the forms.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    As my post states I did look on here, the directory was not very helpful. Basically not many in my area and not really in the kind of therapy I feel would benefit me.

  • Hi Fran,

    Really sorry to hear about your struggles with your mental health recently. If you're searching for a therapist or counsellor local to you who understands or specialises in autism, you might want to try looking in the Autism Services Directory here on the site - https://www.autism.org.uk/directory - under the tab 'Interventions and Therapies' to try and find someone in your area who might be able to help.

    If you are having a difficult time and need immediate mental health support, you can call the Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

    Or try one of these other helplines and listening services: 

    • Mind Infoline: 0300 1233393 for information and signposting (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) 
    • SANEline: 0300 304 7000 for anyone experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else (4.30pm to 10.30pm, every day)
    • Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men 0800 58 58 58, (5pm to midnight every day).  
    • Shout 85258 a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.


    Best wishes,
    Ross - mod