What other avenues of support are there?

I've been to my GP, who has given me all the help she can. I've been refered to the CMHT for an assessment, but I think they might say that I'm not ill enough for help like they did last time. There is no one else my GP can refer me to.

Where else can I get help from?

I'm trying to cope with severe clinical depression, generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, compulsive overeating disorder and alcoholism.

I already attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

The basic premise of Alcoholics Anonymous, that you are powerless and only God can grant you a reprieve (not cure) is in direct opposition to mental health care where people are EMpowered in order to make positive changes in their lives.

Most people (80%) who decide to quit drinking, do so without any treatment or program:
"There is a high rate of recovery among alcoholics and addicts, treated and untreated. According to one estimate, heroin addicts break the habit in an average of 11 years. Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves although only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as "Things were building up" or "I was sick and tired of it." Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution."
Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction -- Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 1995.

If a person has been exposed to AA and has become convinced that you NEED a group, there is:

SOS:
http://www.sossobriety.org/

SMART:
http://www.smartrecovery.org/

LifeRing:
http://www.unhooked.com/index.htm...

WFS:
http://www.womenforsobriety.org/...

All have decent websites and online support.

Call your local hospital and see if they run any support groups.

If I was you I would go along to your local hospital and say that you refuse to leave until you are treated, as you have been diagnosed with clinical depression not only should you be prescribed the relevant drugs but couceling as well.

try this link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/m...

Good luck

See depression, anxiety, and social phobia treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 2, 6, and 9. Check out the eating disorders websites, on page 13.You could try the Groups, at Myspace, Google, and Yahoo, pinpointing those in your area with similar problems, and use the co-counselling methods, on page 2.

Almighty God is your best Healer and Helper.

God loves you, and you are precious to Him. Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation, and qualifying us to Heaven. Just come to Jesus with genuine repentance and faith, and you will find peace, hope and meaning for your life. Heaven is wonderful beyond descriptions and forever without end. Never miss Heaven for anything of this troubled world. Life on earth is short and uncertain. Get right with God before it is too late. Best wishes for happiness and Heaven! (www.spiritlessons.com)

I'm not sure what CMHT is, but find a psych/therapist ASAP. At least start w/a therapist and they can find a psych or someone that can prescribe meds. Good for you in going to AA meetings and just keep going, just show up everyday if need be. As far as trusting in Jesus, and he'll make everything all better......I'm a Christian who suffers from depression. BUT saying prayers etc. may help God gave mental health professionals the talent to help you.

I found that the best support for me was my local Mind association, they are friendly, they won't judge you, they have lots of knowledge and they will help and support you in a variety of different ways.

See if there is one near you:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area...

you don't need to be referred by anyone else, all you have to do is make a phone call to see when they are open.

These links to the National Mind website should prove useful as well,

Understanding depression:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Bookl...

Understanding anxiety:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Bookl...

Understanding eating distress:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Bookl...

the information is easy to read and understand and will also give you some suggested links to other sources of support.

Don't give up on your assessment with CMHT until you hear from them, it is very likely that they are running behind with paperwork, and just because they didn't work with you before doesn't mean that it will be the same this time. Give it time to receive a letter and it's worth bearing in mind that there is a postal strike on at the moment, so that will have an effect on how long it takes for you to receive a reply.

Remember that your GP wants to help you so it is worth keeping your monthly appointments so that she can keep up to date with what is happening to you. Having an understanding and helpful GP is something not everyone has, so hang on to the one you've got. She wouldn't have referred you to CMHT if she didn't think you were worthy of the help and support, so hang on in there.

Medication will help but you have to remember that it takes time to start to work effectively, so again you need to be patient with it. If you are having any problems or feel that it isn't being of any use to you then go back and discuss it with your GP, there are many different ones available and you may need it changing.

Hope this helps.