Gaslighting and Gatekeeping

We wonder why mental health is such a concern...

Because when people reach out for help, adults and children we face a fight for support.

Drs surgery.

I booked a mental health appointment 2 weeks ago to get medication for an extreme, long term, diagnosed difficulty I have with food.

Appointment today meant to be pre 3pm. 3.30pm missed call, as driving..

Text message re my appointment being moved to 12th April.

So I called the receptionist;

Me;

This is not ok. I have a need for urgent mental health support need. Ive waited 2 weeks. I really need to speak to someone Monday.

Her;

The Dr didn’t think it was an emergency..

Me;

What the Dr I have not EVER met has decided my concerns not urgent!

Her;

Well the emergency Dr can call you some time this evening.

Me;

No. I’m with 3 children one of whom is here for respite. That’s why it was booked for before 3pm, but the Dr missed it..

Her;

Well if it was an emergency you would take the call.

Me;

Right... so you expect me to be at the point where I’m in such crisis I would discuss my severely disordered eating and mental health in front of 3 young children. It’s either that or I’m not urgent enough and have to wait another 4 weeks, on top of the 2 I’ve waited.

Her;

That’s how we work.

Me;

I’m complaining about you and I am telling you now, NEVER EVER say that to someone again. I told you I had an emergency mental health condition, but I am a lone parent, at work. You are telling me it’s not an emergency as if it was I would discuss it in front of my kids. Surely if I did that I’d be a safeguarding concern.

Her;

I’m sorry you are upset.. (Gaslighting. I’m not upset. I want mental health support and I’m apparently not allowed it unless I’m willing to terrify my children).

Me;

I’m not upset. I’m telling you I’m formally complaining about you telling me that if I had an emergency in terms of my mental health I would take the call. My mental health is an emergency. You do not get to tell me whether I fit that box.