"Mental Health Services Ballymote"

My experience with the Community mental health team in Ballymote. I am not looking for a response, all I ask is other people going through the system don't feel like they are a burden or just being dumped on different professionals. 

I previously had a key worker who not only listened to what I was saying but heard me. I learned valuable coping strategies.  He didn't treat me like a half wit. Now it just feels very disjointed. 

It's good that you have the number if you're in crisis which is over the weekend and business hours could be more beneficial if it was evenings instead. There are some negative points. 

You might not know the person you are speaking to. 

Each individual seems to have different skill sets which is great but maybe they should be more specialised in areas. 

Sometimes you get comments as don't know, not in my remit, distract yourself to a degree that's fine but how about I don't know, I will find out, can I call you back when I have that information, can you explain that more I haven't experienced that, what do you need this moment, let's see what you working on or even what have you tried. There doesn't always seem to be continuity, follow up and there is poor communication skills. 

There is a waiting list for DBT therapy which would be of great benefit. Could the staff not be trained in this? 

There is no psychologist

Recently had a view of medication and unbeknown to me they had posted the script to the doctor which would of been fine if they were not all in the same building. 

The GP and mental health team and the psychiatrist don't appear to be working on the same system. As medication should be able to change on the system and they all have records of it. Details such as name and address correct on all files instead of two addresses for me. I shouldn't have to ask about a change of medication and where's the script to be told to call the GP as should be changed on their system and vice versa. 

What happened to dealing with the person as a whole. It would be helpful if you had a leaflet or card with who the staff are and their function. Maybe you could include what assessment can be done if you need it such as AHD. Also whether there is an advocate available.