After years of seeking help the EIP service has been literally a lifesaver for my son and our whole family. The support given by the EIP team has resulted in our son progressing from being locked in his room and unable to leave the house to passing his driving test and getting a job. This happened with excellent therapy and minimal medication.
This was all made possible by the EIP team and especially our family therapist whose expertise moved my son from a really dark place to a degree of independence but there is a way to go. Her skills supported the us through this, teaching family members skills and understanding of how to communicate constructively in family relationships supporting a much loved family member with mental issues.
I am taking the unusual step of sending my concern to this site in the hope that others might share my anxiety that the key part of this service has been withdrawn and our appointments abruptly ended. The impact on us not attending and the withdrawal of the counseling is immeasurable. The anxiety of this compounded with the anxiety of Covid-19 has sent the whole family into a spin and has impacted negatively on him already. Why would this vital family therapist be transferred when this service is needed more than ever? I totally understand the crises and need for staff but someone with their skills needs to be at the frontline of mental health not only to give value to the service and to recognize it's importance but patients and their families need her experience and expertise. Lives are at stake here too. I'm sure we are not the only family affected by this person's cancellation of appointments.
I hope intervention can be made to reinstate her for Family Therapy for her current clients at least during the emergency because of the pivotal role she played in our family. I also want to acknowledge the support of the rest of the EIP team who undoubtedly will be impacted negatively by this development.
Please don't break something that is working so well.
"EIP Early Intervention in Psychosis"
About: Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services
Posted by Linda (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Donagh O'Neill
Update posted by Linda (a parent/guardian) 4 years ago