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Hi guys,
Just thought I'd ask as probably a lot of you have spent time in the area or may have lived there.
I have a friend who lives in the valley and wants counselling but can't afford it. I know in the UK we have walk-in clinics for situations like this, but is there an equivalent in France? She seems to think not but perhaps someone knows of something that could help.
Their doctor told them they didn't need it/wasn't right for them which shocked me a bit, I don't know how much doctors are trained in mental health but it seems like a big call to make.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Just thought I'd ask as probably a lot of you have spent time in the area or may have lived there.
I have a friend who lives in the valley and wants counselling but can't afford it. I know in the UK we have walk-in clinics for situations like this, but is there an equivalent in France? She seems to think not but perhaps someone knows of something that could help.
Their doctor told them they didn't need it/wasn't right for them which shocked me a bit, I don't know how much doctors are trained in mental health but it seems like a big call to make.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
What the hell makes you think this!
> I know in the UK we have walk-in clinics for situations like this,
What the hell makes you think this!
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In reply to Eeyore:
Ok I may well be wrong here. In Croydon we have this place http://croydondropin.org.uk/ , a lot of my school friends used to go there and I always thought it was NHS funded, but it looks like it's a private charity.
A quick google shows these places aren't common, so I guess I'm out of touch. Something like this though would be perfect for my friend, which was why I was asking. Their issues are general life.
Ok I may well be wrong here. In Croydon we have this place http://croydondropin.org.uk/ , a lot of my school friends used to go there and I always thought it was NHS funded, but it looks like it's a private charity.
A quick google shows these places aren't common, so I guess I'm out of touch. Something like this though would be perfect for my friend, which was why I was asking. Their issues are general life.
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
You might be correct and if so I'm out of date. For a wide range of people in the UK the Samaritans seem to be the drop in centre.
You might be correct and if so I'm out of date. For a wide range of people in the UK the Samaritans seem to be the drop in centre.
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
GP won't deal with 'general life', at least not at the NHS' cost. Sorry to say.
My gfriend is a psych and they get really fed up with people thinking they are mentally ill when they are not.
(this is not to say your friend doesn't need some 3rd party support, or that my gfriend is unsympathetic towards people with personality disorders, just that it shouldn't be confused with mental illness or use mental illness resources.)
GP won't deal with 'general life', at least not at the NHS' cost. Sorry to say.
My gfriend is a psych and they get really fed up with people thinking they are mentally ill when they are not.
(this is not to say your friend doesn't need some 3rd party support, or that my gfriend is unsympathetic towards people with personality disorders, just that it shouldn't be confused with mental illness or use mental illness resources.)
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In reply to ClimberEd:
So;
I smoke and drink too much but am healthy - can go to GP and get help.
I'm a bit confused and slightly depressed but not mentally ill - get on and deal with it on your own.
I'm not trying to be judgmental, just trying to understand other peoples opinions.
So;
I smoke and drink too much but am healthy - can go to GP and get help.
I'm a bit confused and slightly depressed but not mentally ill - get on and deal with it on your own.
I'm not trying to be judgmental, just trying to understand other peoples opinions.
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In reply to Eeyore:
That's what most people do.
> I'm a bit confused and slightly depressed but not mentally ill - get on and deal with it on your own.
That's what most people do.
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In reply to ClimberEd:
I think what you mean here is a General Practitioner (Medical doctor) won't deal with mental illness or any affliction of the mind or certainly has difficulty,struggle or his work cut out treating something he can't even see any symptoms or evidence for....i.e it is normal practice to refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist or if they are more enlightened though hardly likely alternative practitioner perhaps.
I am a firm believer and practice thus that the mind and the body are both interconnected and inseparable.
It sounds like this person genuinely needs and is asking for help.In your gf's profession they call recognition 'insight' which they say is a plus, albeit she might have to deal with more extreme cases.
There is definitely a schism in medical science where there is one doctor for the mind and one for the body.
This person needs to be taken seriously just like they had a gash in their thigh.
Counselling won't or is unlikely to solve your long-term problems but in acute early stages it can help put them in perspective.And just having someone to talk to, off-load,allay fears, ponder speculative diagnosis etc is a catharsis in itself and highly therapeutic.
> GP won't deal with 'general life', at least not at the NHS' cost. Sorry to say.
> My gfriend is a psych and they get really fed up with people thinking they are mentally ill when they are not.
> (this is not to say your friend doesn't need some 3rd party support, or that my gfriend is unsympathetic towards people with personality disorders, just that it shouldn't be confused with mental illness or use mental illness resources.)
I think what you mean here is a General Practitioner (Medical doctor) won't deal with mental illness or any affliction of the mind or certainly has difficulty,struggle or his work cut out treating something he can't even see any symptoms or evidence for....i.e it is normal practice to refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist or if they are more enlightened though hardly likely alternative practitioner perhaps.
I am a firm believer and practice thus that the mind and the body are both interconnected and inseparable.
It sounds like this person genuinely needs and is asking for help.In your gf's profession they call recognition 'insight' which they say is a plus, albeit she might have to deal with more extreme cases.
There is definitely a schism in medical science where there is one doctor for the mind and one for the body.
This person needs to be taken seriously just like they had a gash in their thigh.
Counselling won't or is unlikely to solve your long-term problems but in acute early stages it can help put them in perspective.And just having someone to talk to, off-load,allay fears, ponder speculative diagnosis etc is a catharsis in itself and highly therapeutic.
Post edited at 20:56
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
What a load of rubbish. GPs in the UK spend a lot of there time dealing with both mental health problems and seeing people who just need help with life. I don't know about France but I suspect if you doctor feels you don't need referral to mental health services then the options are paying for private input or a charity. Don't know any specifics in chamonix.
What a load of rubbish. GPs in the UK spend a lot of there time dealing with both mental health problems and seeing people who just need help with life. I don't know about France but I suspect if you doctor feels you don't need referral to mental health services then the options are paying for private input or a charity. Don't know any specifics in chamonix.
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In reply to ClimberEd:
Too difficult to call. There's huge NHS health (both psych and err normal) resources used by people with the term 'personality disorder' it seems to be fashionable now to recognise that they are mentally unwell, despite the diminishing resources available to treat them. I'd imagine 'personality disordered' people are the bread and butter clients of mental health crisis teams throughout the country. If you are talking about the worried well, then psych teams are focussed on acutely ill, psychotic patients, its lottery whether anyone else has a sympathetic and clued up G.P. and youre lucky enough to live in apart of the U.K. with speedy access to a NHS psychiatrist or plenty of dollar to go private. Vast amounts of undiagnosed morbidity, that's not including the physical illnesses with mental symptoms that normally get a bottle of anti depressants and or anti anxiety medication from the G.P.
I know nothing about French healthcare except to say their mental health services are well developed. Be persistent, ask for a referral, its often easier to see a specialist doctor or dr of psychology in France than the U.K.
D
Too difficult to call. There's huge NHS health (both psych and err normal) resources used by people with the term 'personality disorder' it seems to be fashionable now to recognise that they are mentally unwell, despite the diminishing resources available to treat them. I'd imagine 'personality disordered' people are the bread and butter clients of mental health crisis teams throughout the country. If you are talking about the worried well, then psych teams are focussed on acutely ill, psychotic patients, its lottery whether anyone else has a sympathetic and clued up G.P. and youre lucky enough to live in apart of the U.K. with speedy access to a NHS psychiatrist or plenty of dollar to go private. Vast amounts of undiagnosed morbidity, that's not including the physical illnesses with mental symptoms that normally get a bottle of anti depressants and or anti anxiety medication from the G.P.
I know nothing about French healthcare except to say their mental health services are well developed. Be persistent, ask for a referral, its often easier to see a specialist doctor or dr of psychology in France than the U.K.
D
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In reply to Eeyore:
She'd probably say you'd benefit from 3rd party support, but no need to see a psychiatrist, or be diagnosed as mentally ill.
And going climbing more would also probably help
She'd probably say you'd benefit from 3rd party support, but no need to see a psychiatrist, or be diagnosed as mentally ill.
And going climbing more would also probably help
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In reply to ClimberEd:
So 3rd party support for smoking/drinking available on NHS.
3rd party support for me going climbing - not available on NHS
(I'm being sarcastic because it is the only way I can rationalise the issue)
So 3rd party support for smoking/drinking available on NHS.
3rd party support for me going climbing - not available on NHS
(I'm being sarcastic because it is the only way I can rationalise the issue)
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
Why does s/he think they need counselling?
(I work in mental health.)
> I have a friend who lives in the valley and wants counselling but can't afford it.
Why does s/he think they need counselling?
(I work in mental health.)
Post edited at 21:48
In reply to Big Ger:
Presumably because they don't feel well.
I think only she could answer that accurately.
Perhaps she does'nt even know herself.
The fact that she's asked for it should speak volumes, and is a good sign.
Perhaps she just would benefit from an open ear, prepared to listen.
Many that are really ill don't really see much value in talking about it.But I think in acute stages It could be helpful providing you have someone that is interested in listening to what you have to say and to take you seriously.
> Why does s/he think they need counselling?
>(I work in mental health.)Presumably because they don't feel well.
I think only she could answer that accurately.
Perhaps she does'nt even know herself.
The fact that she's asked for it should speak volumes, and is a good sign.
Perhaps she just would benefit from an open ear, prepared to listen.
Many that are really ill don't really see much value in talking about it.But I think in acute stages It could be helpful providing you have someone that is interested in listening to what you have to say and to take you seriously.
Post edited at 22:14
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
One thing to consider is that the environment your friend is living in is causing their condition. Unrealistic pressures, heavy drinking and drugs could also be contributary factors. Living in a 24/7 party town is not safe for some people.....
One thing to consider is that the environment your friend is living in is causing their condition. Unrealistic pressures, heavy drinking and drugs could also be contributary factors. Living in a 24/7 party town is not safe for some people.....
Post edited at 22:09
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In reply to hikerpike:
It may be best to let purplemonkeyelephant give us the actualite' rather than to speculate. Speculation leads up too many blind alleys.
It may be best to let purplemonkeyelephant give us the actualite' rather than to speculate. Speculation leads up too many blind alleys.
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
Hi all,
I appreciate everyone's input, though would rather stick to ways to find a positive outcome than open a discussion. I really do know nothing about mental healthcare so apologies if I am factually wrong on any subject, my priority is just finding resources to help a friend get out of this place they're in.
Regarding their personal issues I don't want to go into too much detail, it's not really my place. Suffice it to say they are not happy at all and have made enough references to life and death that I'm starting to become concerned.
Hi all,
I appreciate everyone's input, though would rather stick to ways to find a positive outcome than open a discussion. I really do know nothing about mental healthcare so apologies if I am factually wrong on any subject, my priority is just finding resources to help a friend get out of this place they're in.
Regarding their personal issues I don't want to go into too much detail, it's not really my place. Suffice it to say they are not happy at all and have made enough references to life and death that I'm starting to become concerned.
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
In which case s/he needs a mental health assessment by a qualified practitioner, not just "free counselling".
Counselling is not a universal panacea, nor is it suitable for everyone. It can take weeks and months to find someone with the appropriate skills , training, experience and who you "get along with" before it even starts to be effective.
Medication can be a life saver.
GP is the first port of call, and ask for a referral to the local CMHT for an assessment., If GP is not obliging, then do a walk in with him/her at the local CMHT and ask for advice/assessment.
I don't know the system in France, so cannot offer more than this broad plan.
(CMHT = Community Mental Health team.)
I'm happy to be PM'd by you, but will not be able to reply for another 8-10 hours.
In which case s/he needs a mental health assessment by a qualified practitioner, not just "free counselling".
Counselling is not a universal panacea, nor is it suitable for everyone. It can take weeks and months to find someone with the appropriate skills , training, experience and who you "get along with" before it even starts to be effective.
Medication can be a life saver.
GP is the first port of call, and ask for a referral to the local CMHT for an assessment., If GP is not obliging, then do a walk in with him/her at the local CMHT and ask for advice/assessment.
I don't know the system in France, so cannot offer more than this broad plan.
(CMHT = Community Mental Health team.)
I'm happy to be PM'd by you, but will not be able to reply for another 8-10 hours.
Post edited at 23:01
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In reply to Big Ger:
Can you tell me how I find out where my CMHT is?
(I don't need them but may do one day)
Can you tell me how I find out where my CMHT is?
(I don't need them but may do one day)
In reply to Eeyore:
They can usually be found in an online directory of health services in your area/yellow pages/posters at your GP's.
Where do you live, (roughly.)
They can usually be found in an online directory of health services in your area/yellow pages/posters at your GP's.
Where do you live, (roughly.)
In reply to Eeyore:
Ask your GP practice or local Social Service dept. Usually info on line these days...
Ask your GP practice or local Social Service dept. Usually info on line these days...
In reply to Big Ger:
I know where mine is, I was really trying to show up how different it was to GP/hospital general info.
Apologies if I offended anyone in doing so.
I know where mine is, I was really trying to show up how different it was to GP/hospital general info.
Apologies if I offended anyone in doing so.
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In reply to Eeyore:
In what way?
> I know where mine is, I was really trying to show up how different it was to GP/hospital general info.
In what way?
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In reply to Big Ger:
I'm talking about most people I know so if this is not representative forgive me.
Almost everyone knows where their GP and nearest hospital is. They don't think that the GP or hospital is really interested in their 'mind'.
The only people I know who know where their CMHT is are those who have already suffered serious problems.
I'm talking about most people I know so if this is not representative forgive me.
Almost everyone knows where their GP and nearest hospital is. They don't think that the GP or hospital is really interested in their 'mind'.
The only people I know who know where their CMHT is are those who have already suffered serious problems.
In reply to OP:
"Their doctor told them they didn't need it/wasn't right for them which shocked me a bit, I don't know how much doctors are trained in mental health but it seems like a big call to make. "
Some doctors don't know what they're talking about.Sadly.
In reply to Big Ger:
"It may be best to let purplemonkeyelephant give us the actualite' rather than to speculate. Speculation leads up too many blind alleys."
It would help if you actually said where it is I am speculating or specifically what about.You don't say. You just say I am indulging in speculation.You need to be a bit more specific. A)It is already established she does not feel well. B)There is a mental dimension or component to it as there is with most( long-term) physical illnesses.
If they think they might benefit from counselling who am I to argue or debate with about that. That seems good enough to me.The fact that they're actually asking for it if anything should validate it's potential value or worth even more.
It's not like they are not asking for it.They are indeed requesting or specifically asking for it.Who am I to debate with or argue over that? I am not them.You're the one that's probing, not me.
Spell it out bIG gER for me where it is I indeed am speculating.
"Their doctor told them they didn't need it/wasn't right for them which shocked me a bit, I don't know how much doctors are trained in mental health but it seems like a big call to make. "
Some doctors don't know what they're talking about.Sadly.
In reply to Big Ger:
"It may be best to let purplemonkeyelephant give us the actualite' rather than to speculate. Speculation leads up too many blind alleys."
It would help if you actually said where it is I am speculating or specifically what about.You don't say. You just say I am indulging in speculation.You need to be a bit more specific. A)It is already established she does not feel well. B)There is a mental dimension or component to it as there is with most( long-term) physical illnesses.
If they think they might benefit from counselling who am I to argue or debate with about that. That seems good enough to me.The fact that they're actually asking for it if anything should validate it's potential value or worth even more.
It's not like they are not asking for it.They are indeed requesting or specifically asking for it.Who am I to debate with or argue over that? I am not them.You're the one that's probing, not me.
Spell it out bIG gER for me where it is I indeed am speculating.
Post edited at 23:46
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In reply to Eeyore:
In this country we still seem to have this stigma over mental health. To have a mental illness one needs to have something diagnosed with a (wait for it) illness. Just because you are not, technically, mentally ill that does not mean you are mentally healthy. I have a friend who is a counsellor/therapist. She thinks it should be a lot more accessible and open for people to access this help. I have also had several friends, some family and a girlfriend who have had what you could call "a period of mental instability". Call it depression, anxiety, illness or just generously hating life and feeling shit. I don't really care wah you call it. But I've seen the help of counsellors completely turn people's lives around and get them back to being happy with themselves. In America having a therapist you see regularly to help keep you level headed is a very regular occurance.
I believe this help should be more accessible, and part of this is to get rid of this bullshit attitude of just get on with it. By the way, I've always had that same attitude towards myself and dragged my own arse out of what ever dark hole I've been in on one or two occasions. But if I felt I couldn't I would not hesitate to book a consultation.
To the OP:
while my friend was at university training, in the final year they see clients. The trainee (basically fully qualified but lacking experience) gets to gain experience and put their knowledge and skills to use and the client gets this at a highly reduced rate. I think the average cost is £40 plus for a therapist but in this scenario I think the uni charged the clients a fiver or tenner an hour. My friend had some heavy cases (she couldn't really talk about them so don't know the details) and supposedly had some very positive results from the majority of her clients. This friend also sees her own therapist once a week even though she is a therapist herself and is one of the most strongest people I've ever met.
See if your friend has a uni or something similar near her where she could might be able to get a similar thing going on. Wosh the best of luck her and a speedy recovery
> I'm a bit confused and slightly depressed but not mentally ill - get on and deal with it on your own.
In this country we still seem to have this stigma over mental health. To have a mental illness one needs to have something diagnosed with a (wait for it) illness. Just because you are not, technically, mentally ill that does not mean you are mentally healthy. I have a friend who is a counsellor/therapist. She thinks it should be a lot more accessible and open for people to access this help. I have also had several friends, some family and a girlfriend who have had what you could call "a period of mental instability". Call it depression, anxiety, illness or just generously hating life and feeling shit. I don't really care wah you call it. But I've seen the help of counsellors completely turn people's lives around and get them back to being happy with themselves. In America having a therapist you see regularly to help keep you level headed is a very regular occurance.
I believe this help should be more accessible, and part of this is to get rid of this bullshit attitude of just get on with it. By the way, I've always had that same attitude towards myself and dragged my own arse out of what ever dark hole I've been in on one or two occasions. But if I felt I couldn't I would not hesitate to book a consultation.
To the OP:
while my friend was at university training, in the final year they see clients. The trainee (basically fully qualified but lacking experience) gets to gain experience and put their knowledge and skills to use and the client gets this at a highly reduced rate. I think the average cost is £40 plus for a therapist but in this scenario I think the uni charged the clients a fiver or tenner an hour. My friend had some heavy cases (she couldn't really talk about them so don't know the details) and supposedly had some very positive results from the majority of her clients. This friend also sees her own therapist once a week even though she is a therapist herself and is one of the most strongest people I've ever met.
See if your friend has a uni or something similar near her where she could might be able to get a similar thing going on. Wosh the best of luck her and a speedy recovery
Post edited at 23:51
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In reply to hikerpike:
Who said:
If that is not speculation, what is it?
No. I felt that there was insufficient fact to offer help on. Until purplemonkeyelephant gave us as much information as s/he was comfortable with divulging, then any ideas, (such as drink/drugs being involved,) were purely speculative.
I gave my advice based on purplemonkeyelephant's next post.
> In reply to Big Ger:
> "It may be best to let purplemonkeyelephant give us the actualite' rather than to speculate. Speculation leads up too many blind alleys."
> It would help if you actually said where it is I am speculating or specifically what about.You don't say. You just say I am indulging in speculation.
Who said:
> One thing to consider is that the environment your friend is living in is causing their condition. Unrealistic pressures, heavy drinking and drugs could also be contributary factors. Living in a 24/7 party town is not safe for some people.....
If that is not speculation, what is it?
> It's not like they are not asking for it.They are asking for it.You're the one that's probing, not me.
No. I felt that there was insufficient fact to offer help on. Until purplemonkeyelephant gave us as much information as s/he was comfortable with divulging, then any ideas, (such as drink/drugs being involved,) were purely speculative.
I gave my advice based on purplemonkeyelephant's next post.
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In reply to Big Ger:
Indeed But I did not say that.You'll find another poster(s) attached to those comments....party town ,drink and drugs. etc.
I did not say anything about drink or drugs or party town etc.. That is other people.
a)I am gong to assume she does not feel well
b) That is counselling might be beneficial.(And in my opinion if she can afford it going private would probably be best for that)
Maybe go back and read what I actually did say.Not being rude.And the source of such or similar comments (muppetfilter:poster's name)
She is asking for a counsellor in Chamonix Big Ger.
Indeed But I did not say that.You'll find another poster(s) attached to those comments....party town ,drink and drugs. etc.
I did not say anything about drink or drugs or party town etc.. That is other people.
a)I am gong to assume she does not feel well
b) That is counselling might be beneficial.(And in my opinion if she can afford it going private would probably be best for that)
Maybe go back and read what I actually did say.Not being rude.And the source of such or similar comments (muppetfilter:poster's name)
She is asking for a counsellor in Chamonix Big Ger.
Post edited at 23:55
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In reply to Eeyore:
P.S my bad for the shit spelling and grammar. It's late and I'm tired. Plus I don't really care because I very nearly got my first 6c onsight indoors tonight boom.
P.S my bad for the shit spelling and grammar. It's late and I'm tired. Plus I don't really care because I very nearly got my first 6c onsight indoors tonight boom.
In reply to hikerpike:
My apologies, I replied to "muppetfilter". I must have hit the wrong "reply" button, and hence my "speculation" post comes under your name, not his/hers.
My bad. Genuine error.
My apologies, I replied to "muppetfilter". I must have hit the wrong "reply" button, and hence my "speculation" post comes under your name, not his/hers.
My bad. Genuine error.
Post edited at 00:06
In reply to Big Ger:
That's okay.No worries.My apologies for not thinking you made a mistake...i.e printing error.
That's okay.No worries.My apologies for not thinking you made a mistake...i.e printing error.
Post edited at 00:12
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
If the person has gone through a fairly recent 'bad' experience, their current state of mind might be fairly normal for the circumstances. Still needs a very careful watch on them though.
If the person has gone through a fairly recent 'bad' experience, their current state of mind might be fairly normal for the circumstances. Still needs a very careful watch on them though.
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
If the French doctor assessed your friend and decided that mental health referral wasn't appropriate, then I guess you have to accept that medical opinion - try not to let your personal views (or those of UKC) outweigh expert advice!
However it sounds like your friend might benefit from good friendship.
Be there for them; spend 2 hours on Skype listening to them face to face; be sympathetic and non judgemental; help them to change the things that are hurting them and accept the things they can't alter. Love them and raise their self esteem.
I'm not suggesting you "be" a counsellor, but in these days of social media and pithy one liners sometimes we all forget the value of simple friendship.
If the French doctor assessed your friend and decided that mental health referral wasn't appropriate, then I guess you have to accept that medical opinion - try not to let your personal views (or those of UKC) outweigh expert advice!
However it sounds like your friend might benefit from good friendship.
Be there for them; spend 2 hours on Skype listening to them face to face; be sympathetic and non judgemental; help them to change the things that are hurting them and accept the things they can't alter. Love them and raise their self esteem.
I'm not suggesting you "be" a counsellor, but in these days of social media and pithy one liners sometimes we all forget the value of simple friendship.
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In reply to hikerpike:
Always thought bars were made for that. Friends are nice as well. But sometimes it's better to tell about shit in your life to a homeless under the bridge. Benefits are that that you will unlikely meet him again and he will have problems to share as well.
> The fact that she's asked for it should speak volumes, and is a good sign.
> Perhaps she just would benefit from an open ear, prepared to listen.
> Perhaps she just would benefit from an open ear, prepared to listen.
Always thought bars were made for that. Friends are nice as well. But sometimes it's better to tell about shit in your life to a homeless under the bridge. Benefits are that that you will unlikely meet him again and he will have problems to share as well.
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In reply to Big Ger:
Of course i am speculating in this situation but i am coming from a perspective of knowing Chamonix quite well and also being familiar with patterns of behaviour associated with drink and drug abuse, im asumeing the phrase "doing a geographical" will resonate with you.
I am in no way making acusations as to an unknown individuals lifestyle, in this case i am merely putting forward that certain locations have a higher incidence of people moving to them in an effort to sort thier lives out only to find they bring the problem with them. The problem being behaviour patterns, if someone were to have an alcohol issue a town full of transient holliday makers is not the ideal location.
in any case a small foreign town with limited support is probably not the best place for a vulnerable person to be ....
Of course i am speculating in this situation but i am coming from a perspective of knowing Chamonix quite well and also being familiar with patterns of behaviour associated with drink and drug abuse, im asumeing the phrase "doing a geographical" will resonate with you.
I am in no way making acusations as to an unknown individuals lifestyle, in this case i am merely putting forward that certain locations have a higher incidence of people moving to them in an effort to sort thier lives out only to find they bring the problem with them. The problem being behaviour patterns, if someone were to have an alcohol issue a town full of transient holliday makers is not the ideal location.
in any case a small foreign town with limited support is probably not the best place for a vulnerable person to be ....
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In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
Initial problems i can imagine are a potential language barrier (how good is her french) and who did she see, the medical system in France is a bit different.
The French equivalent to the drop in center you envisaged is a Centre Médico-psychologique. You don't need a referral and they should be free. A quick google reveals there is one in Sallanches (I thoiught it'd be at the hospital but it appears not) at 127 Rue Dominique Cancellieri, 74700 Sallanches.
As they are free, they often have a long waiting list. It would be worth your friend checking whether she has a mutuelle or any other insurance in case she needs to go privately and in the link below, it says who is and isn't reimbursable by the state (psychiatrist/psychologist break I think)
This gives a high level view on who to see:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-psychiatric-help-in-france-10383-news-ar...
Initial problems i can imagine are a potential language barrier (how good is her french) and who did she see, the medical system in France is a bit different.
The French equivalent to the drop in center you envisaged is a Centre Médico-psychologique. You don't need a referral and they should be free. A quick google reveals there is one in Sallanches (I thoiught it'd be at the hospital but it appears not) at 127 Rue Dominique Cancellieri, 74700 Sallanches.
As they are free, they often have a long waiting list. It would be worth your friend checking whether she has a mutuelle or any other insurance in case she needs to go privately and in the link below, it says who is and isn't reimbursable by the state (psychiatrist/psychologist break I think)
This gives a high level view on who to see:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-psychiatric-help-in-france-10383-news-ar...
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
In most areas in the UK mental health services have a single point of access. You can get a referral from your GP or self refer, it may take time to get through as they are usually very busy. You will,probably be triarged over the phone then referred to a Improved Access to Pschological Thereapies (IAPT ) which are usually counselling or CBT services or if it's thought you require more in depth services or are at risk you will be referred to Secondary Mental Health Services for an a assessment.
The above is a bit of a generalisation but that's how it is in the East Riding.
In most areas in the UK mental health services have a single point of access. You can get a referral from your GP or self refer, it may take time to get through as they are usually very busy. You will,probably be triarged over the phone then referred to a Improved Access to Pschological Thereapies (IAPT ) which are usually counselling or CBT services or if it's thought you require more in depth services or are at risk you will be referred to Secondary Mental Health Services for an a assessment.
The above is a bit of a generalisation but that's how it is in the East Riding.
In reply to muppetfilter:
No worries mate, I wasn't castigating you, sorry of it cam e across like that.
I was just hoping purplemonkeyelephant would give us more info to go on, to save the thread, as so many do here, spiraling off into a different dimension.
> Of course i am speculating in this situation but i am coming from a perspective of knowing Chamonix quite well and also being familiar with patterns of behaviour associated with drink and drug abuse, im asumeing the phrase "doing a geographical" will resonate with you.
No worries mate, I wasn't castigating you, sorry of it cam e across like that.
I was just hoping purplemonkeyelephant would give us more info to go on, to save the thread, as so many do here, spiraling off into a different dimension.
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
What about remote counselling? I'm sure she could find a way to Skype a UK counsellor?
What about remote counselling? I'm sure she could find a way to Skype a UK counsellor?
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
i would suggest going and having a chat to Sarah Anderson she is fully qualified, registered and experienced native English psychologist and psychotherapist in centre of Annecy at 4 Rue de la Poste. Tel: 06 85 77 02 72
She is quite good at seeing people for just a few sessions and setting them on a good path to deal with their problems, depends of course on many things, but she is not like some people who want to see you every week for a year...,.
she may also be able to point your friend at appropriate resources, not free and 100k drive but what's a few £100 compared to being worried and not sleeping.
If you friend speaks very fluent french then she has many more options, but explaining the subtleties of feeling in anything other than your first language is super hard.
good luck
i would suggest going and having a chat to Sarah Anderson she is fully qualified, registered and experienced native English psychologist and psychotherapist in centre of Annecy at 4 Rue de la Poste. Tel: 06 85 77 02 72
She is quite good at seeing people for just a few sessions and setting them on a good path to deal with their problems, depends of course on many things, but she is not like some people who want to see you every week for a year...,.
she may also be able to point your friend at appropriate resources, not free and 100k drive but what's a few £100 compared to being worried and not sleeping.
If you friend speaks very fluent french then she has many more options, but explaining the subtleties of feeling in anything other than your first language is super hard.
good luck
In reply to purplemonkeyelephant:
I don't know which GP your friend saw, but they should try getting an appointment with DR Michel Cadot. By far the best doctor I've ever come across and has a very sympathetic ear and generally so positive about things that you just come out feeling better. He used to be based in Cham sud, but think he might be part of the new clinic at the hospital in Chamonix now.
My wife was told she wouldn't ski again after a bad accident and this guy took her out skiing. He's also a mountain guide and can be found at the wall in Les Houches 2 nights a week. Don't climb with him unless you like long drops with a soft.catch. just about the scariest belayer I've ever had.
I don't know which GP your friend saw, but they should try getting an appointment with DR Michel Cadot. By far the best doctor I've ever come across and has a very sympathetic ear and generally so positive about things that you just come out feeling better. He used to be based in Cham sud, but think he might be part of the new clinic at the hospital in Chamonix now.
My wife was told she wouldn't ski again after a bad accident and this guy took her out skiing. He's also a mountain guide and can be found at the wall in Les Houches 2 nights a week. Don't climb with him unless you like long drops with a soft.catch. just about the scariest belayer I've ever had.
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