"Feel that mental health isn't understood well at all"

I've had depression and anxiety for years. I basically have to be on medication for this or I find basic tasks difficult or impossible. It's a daily struggle. The staff were always changing at the mental health unit I was under and I always got on well with most of the psychiatrists and the nurses.

I was going to a difficult time and getting help from a social worker recently. Then a different psychiatrist took over and they decided they wanted to discharge me to make room for other patients. I made it very clear I wasn't happy with this but on my second time ever meeting them I was discharged and basically told there's nothing wrong with me. But in that appointment I was also told to continue taking the medication I am on. They would have no idea how much I have struggled and it didn't feel they care. My file is rather thick from years of ups and downs. I hardly ever speak up for myself and it seemed like there wasn't much point because it felt they'd made a decision that they were right and I was wrong.

The nurses were usually very good with me and even just to check in with one every three or six months would be probably enough but now I have nothing and nowhere to turn to. If you need to see a GP you have to wait two weeks. It's very unlikely I'm going to present to a&E as an emergency patient. I'm sure I'd be left sitting for hours...

I was also told I was on a waiting list for ADHD assessment (which I was very happy about) and I never ever was told if I actually am on a list for assessment or if it ever even existed in the first place, but for three years I was led to believe I was going to be assessed. I probably have some un-diagnosed conditions that if I knew about I could have better coping strategies.

I can't see how this kind of treatment is acceptable, my GP did write a letter to the mental health unit but as of yet I've heard nothing back.

At times there were many different psychiatrists in this unit and at one point I brought up ADHD and was told I should try my sons medication to see if it makes a difference or not, and then I know if I have it or not. I'm pretty sure it's totally unacceptable for someone to take medication that's not prescribed for them. I would be fairly sure CAMHS would not agree with that. Obviously this staff member was only there for a short amount of time and it felt they thought they could say what he wanted to me and there will be no repercussions.

So at the moment I am waiting to hear back from the mental health team to my GP but it's very slow. I have tried to contact others directly but it hasn't worked. It would really seem like there's absolutely no after care and varying standards between doctors. I actually feel that mental health isn't understood well at all, certainly taking medication isn't going to make things disappear. It's what's causing the issues that needs to be addressed. I'd feel this is why so many people fall through the cracks and why there are many cases of self-harm and suicide.