The last appointment I had with the NHS Primary Mental Health Support Service (PMHSS) left me feeling worse than when I walked inI was left feeling hopeless.(Image: John Myers )

Only 52% of people in Wales struggling with their mental health left their most recent GP appointment feeling hopeful for the future, according to a new report by Mind Cymru. The mental health charity is calling on the Welsh Government to do more as it says obvious delays for those seeking urgent clinical support is not currently sustainable.

I have been visiting the GP for over a decade in the hopes of receiving treatment and support and am one of the 48%.

The last appointment I had with the NHS Primary Mental Health Support Service (PMHSS) left me feeling worse than when I walked in. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here

At the age of 13 I was diagnosed with depression and later with anxiety after chatting to my GP about my low moods. Even as a teenager I remember being told that I wouldn’t receive support from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for up to 12 months and thinking that was a long time.

After the long wait I saw a councillor regularly but was told after months of meetings that there was nothing more they could do for me and I was placed on another year long list for different types of therapies. At 13 I learnt to expect years for help and that I would be dismissed by health professionals for years to come.

Over the past 11 years I have tried many different treatments, all of which have been on a temporary basis, never lasting more than six weeks.

After being hospitalised due to my mental health in 2022, I spoke with a doctor about the possibility that my diagnosis as a teenager could have been wrong or not fully explored.

The doctor confirmed to me that this could be a real possibility as it often happens, especially with adolescent diagnosis, so I advised to explore this with the PMHSS at my appointment after leaving the hospital.

At my appointment with the PMHSS I expressed my concerns of a misdiagnosis or the possibility of having an undiagnosed health condition. I was asked what mental health condition I thought I had, but as someone who tries not to Google symptoms, I told him that I wasn’t sure.

The doctor told me that if I didn’t know what condition I thought I had then he couldn’t try to diagnose me.

Mind’s research shows that more than a third of respondents in Wales – 36% – have said their last GP mental health appointment failed to meet their needs and only half – 52% – came away from their most recent appointment feeling hopeful.

I was left feeling hopeless.

Sue O’Leary, executive director at Mind Cymru, said: “People in Wales are waiting too long, or are simply unable in some cases, to access the right kind of mental health support when they need it. This is impacting people’s relationships, their ability to work, their physical health and their overall sense of self-worth.

“GPs and voluntary sector providers are often doing all they can but the current healthcare system simply isn’t working for people with mental health needs in Wales today. The next Welsh Government must deliver on plans to create an open access service, prioritising same day referrals for people needing mental health support.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: “We’ve made good progress in improving access to mental health support, including through our 111 press 2 for mental health service. Our ten-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out our ambition for open access to mental health services, where people are referred to the most appropriate support, at the right time and without delay.”

Many people that are fortunate enough to afford private health care are turning their backs on the NHS sue to the extended waiting times and lack of care.

As well as long waiting times for help, people including myself are feeling that they are not getting the right support when they eventually talk to a mental health care professional.

Useful numbers for dealing with your mental health

There’s help available if you need it:

Mind Cymru infoline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. To contact them call 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).

C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website.

The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service.