ptsd Turned Away At Mental Health Walk-in!

[Phillies44]

I've not been feeling well or doing well at all...all of this recent stress is getting to me in a very bad way. Very bad. Last week I called my tdoc, told her it was urgent that I needed an appt--she said the soonest she could see me was June 2nd. Lovely. She didn't even have time to talk to me on the phone. Nice.

I mean it's bad folks....suicidal thoughts and all. Just not good stuff going on here.

So today I went to the walk-in clinic at the Dayton VA. Just like I've been told to do when things get super crappy. It's actually on my list of what to do when I'm feeling suicidal.

Filled in my form. Checked the box that said "Are you feeling suicidal?"...I said yes. Might as well be honest.

And I waited......and waited....and waited. About an hour passed by and the receptionist told me that they were trying to locate the PTSD lady to see me.

I didn't care who I saw.

She said if they couldn't find her, I'd have to go over to the PTSD clinic (it's in another bldg) and see someone there. Except they don't have a walk-in service. Well, she said that's just what she was told.

Another 20 minutes went by.....nope, they never could find the PTSD lady; they weren't even sure she was at work today. WTF??!!! All this time and they aren't sure she is even at work???

So they turned me away.

They didn't turn any of the men away.

But they turned me away.

Said I had to go to the PTSD clinic bldg and be seen there. I told them there is no walk-in over there...they only do appts...they said they were just telling me what they were told to tell me.

BS....I just left.

Suicidal and all.

Hi Purple, I hope your feeling better, if not when I am going through a rough patch I try not to dwell on all the negative and I try to take my thoughts to the simplest level and realize the good going on in my life. Your story really pissed me off, that is one thing you should not have to wait for. I called my mental health clinic last week feeling very similar to what you are and the nurse was pretty rude and short on the phone and told me June 16th. So you are not alone with the frustration or your mood. It will get better soon. :D

[carlie]

purple,

Maybe you can check this out at your VA.

carlie

[Pete53]

Interesting, thanks for the post Carlie.

[purple]

Carlie-I don't think I've seen that offered at Dayton, I'll ask them.

I'm going to call there today and ask to talk to the pt rep in the mental health clinic, if she's in today, and let her know what happened yesterday.

Wings-I'll look into sliding-fee scale care again. Money is just a huge problem.

[purple]

I just spoke to the pt rep--the facility one, not the mental health clinic one--and she didn't sound very happy. She was going to find out what happened and call me back. I also told her about how the pharmacy reps were able to talk to several docs...but I got turned away. Maybe I have to show up with "freebies" in order to get seen......

Been trying to call the mental health clinic all morning...they have their main phone line going to their answering machine again; they do that alot! They are such idiots.

[cowgirl]

Good Purple, the pt rep sounds caring and professional. Question: what did your mental health doc tell you to do in cases like this? Mine has given me instructions in my clinic notes for days like these. Yes, us mom-veteran's need help too. Do you have a domicillary or Vet Center - maybe help there.(free coffee&donuts).

Thanks for posting to us, got a kiddo here says 'mom, I can't talk, I have to call a friend', and stomps off. Works for her, more of loner myself 'cept animals!

best to ya,

cg'up2009!

I just spoke to the pt rep--the facility one, not the mental health clinic one--and she didn't sound very happy. She was going to find out what happened and call me back. I also told her about how the pharmacy reps were able to talk to several docs...but I got turned away. Maybe I have to show up with "freebies" in order to get seen......

Been trying to call the mental health clinic all morning...they have their main phone line going to their answering machine again; they do that alot! They are such idiots.