Steel Maiden

I get the same chill down my spine, but I think "what have I done now?". I don't get into trouble much, but I used to when I was younger.

Tally is right. And the bit about it being easier to be referred if you're already registered to a mental health service is very true.

Does anyone have experience of/knows someone who is on the SEN List? I have recently been put on it, but I do not know anything about it as such. What impacts will it have upon me? I am doing my AS Levels at the moment.

I cannot stand certain phrases either. Some phrases make me want to hit the person - yes, it gets that bad sometimes.

Sheesh. What a sick b*stard that GP is. I cannot believe that he treats you so badly! You should write a letter to the trust.

Mel, CAHMS is awful. It has betrayed me in every way. I suffered from depression when I was around fourteen years old, which then slowly progressed to psychosis. I was having hallucinations, and all my therapist said to my Mum was, "oh yes, she has hallucinations". And that was the end. She did not pursue it any further. Next thing I know I'm in hospital. And guess who I was sent back to after I was formally discharged? CAHMS. Life = unfair. If money is not a concern, go private. My friend (a depressive, funnily enough) has a private doctor (her parents aren't particularly well off, but they're managing!) and she tells me that he is very good. I never asked her about the price though.

I seem to feel as if shouting will get my message across better, but it seems to work the opposite way.

It's hard to prescribe for children as they are very sensitive to foreign proteins being introduced into their bodies. Perhaps you should look into changing your child's diet.

I am 17 and I was treated with Risperidone for a different reason (mental illness) when I was 15 years old in hospital. It did not help with the anxiety that I was suffering (related to the illness) and I had to get a prescription of lorazepam for that, but that could be because I'm a little refractory at times... I once had to have 3mg of the stuff... Olanzepine is fantastic for the anxiety, but its perhaps a little strong. When I was on 10mg, I needed a wall to assist me in walking. Even 5mg ensures that I fall asleep on the floor in the evening if I don't get into bed on time. I suggest that you try anti-anxiety medication, but I cannot say from my experience that it works well. Such medicines are really hit and miss i.e. try it and hope for the best. And I agree, CAHMS is awful.

I was referred to an educational psychologist, but I'm still at school. Not much help, sorry.

I find that I shout when I am angry too. Although in my case, it seems like the only way in which I can pass my message across.