What should I do about my college's counseling services?!


Question: What should I do about my college's counseling services.?
First I'd like to start off by saying that currently I'm not well. I've been battling depression for months now and, while I seem to be in a good spell right now, I am fearful of what will happen once I go back to school in January.

I first went to counseling services for an intake appointment and it took a MONTH for them to get me in. During this time I was in a terrible place, constantly questioning the value of my life. Finally I had my intake appointment and they recommended to me a short prescription for some anti-depressants. The prescription was for 2 weeks, but they said that I should be scheduled and in counseling by the end of the first.

Two weeks passed, and I had not heard from them. I would have eventually gone in or called, but finals were approaching and I found myself swamped. So I just hoped that after the anti-depressants ran out, they would eventually call.

The quarter ended and I STILL have not heard from the counseling department. Right before I left, I did give them a call and they told me they were still trying to figure out where to put me.

Now I'm home and, thank G-d, feeling a lot better. I think a lot of it has to do with being with my dogs, who are the world to me.

But I'm really scared of what will happen next quarter, which begins in January.

This doesn't seem right... at all. I mean, if I was suicidal and they treated me this way, that would be malpractice, wouldn't it.? I feel like something should be done, but I don't know what.

Any suggestions.?Health Question & Answer


Answers:
I'm shocked that your college has behaved so irresponsibly and thoughtlessly. I'm in the UK, so I don't know what the legal situation would be for you - but morally, they are seriously in the wrong. I would strongly suggest writing a formal letter of complaint to the counselling service, with a copy sent to whatever the governing body of your college might be - if you feel up for doing this. Or you might want to get someone to do this on your behalf.

Thank goodness for your dogs and your relationship with them. I'd agree with Paperback that seeing your doctor would be a good move, but as I'm sure you realise (from the way you've written), medication alone is not going to be the answer.

In addition to the book Paperback has recommended, I would recommend Dorothy Rowe's "Depression: The Way out of Your Prison". If you have the health insurance or another means of funding, get some private counselling/psychotherapy - and if your college has a stated policy of providing such services, you might point out in the letter to the service and governing body that you have incurred expenses as a result of their failures, which you expect them to reimburse.Health Question & Answer

You really do need proper help from your family doctor - do you have one.?

It's great that you've been able to get on top of the depression a bit, but you need proper support and I think you really need to sit down with your parents or a close friend, and confide in them. Can you make an appointment with a private therapist or even psychiatrist.? The latter are the best people for prescribing anti depressants.

Anti depressants are prescribed for longer than a few weeks; you need to get another prescription and I really really strongly suggest you ask your parents or friend to help you get an appointment NOW with someone.

also, check out the book FEELING GOOD by Dr David Burns. Two of my best friends battled depression and I know one of them used this book like her bible!

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edit

PAD - I can tell you that both my friends ended up taking anti depressants; and when they were on the right medication at the right *dose*, they improved SO much, it was like magic, really!

Seek the help that you have a right to! Confide in family or friends, if you haven't already :)

(((PAD)))Health Question & Answer



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