A Fermanagh woman suffering from anxiety was told that she would have to wait up to nine months for a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) assessment in the Western Trust.

Jenny (not her real name) said it is not fair that someone with mental health issues has to wait that long for an assessment and claimed trying to get an appointment with her GP to discuss her mental health is "next to impossible".

"I currently suffer from debilitating anxiety. I [have] had it since my secondary school years," Jenny explained. 

"In the past few years, it has got worse, with my anxiety medication dose being raised in September 2023."

Jenny added that her GP also referred her to mental health services in September 2023 but she claimed she was advised there would be a long waiting list.

"The referral was made in September 2023 but I didn't get an appointment until March 2024," Jenny explained adding that she sought counselling through the Aisling Centre which was "fantastic" and "extremely worthwhile".

Describing what she goes through with her anxiety, Jenny continued: "12 weeks with a counsellor allowed me to open all up. I wasn’t sleeping. I have a poor appetite. I have a lack of energy. 

"Nighttime, when it's dark and quiet, I'm lying in my bed and that is usually when the unwanted thoughts come to life. My anxiety will not allow my brain to switch off at night.

"On bad days, I become very withdrawn, tearful, not wanting to leave the house, ashamed, and very distressed."

Jenny was then advised to seek CBT through the Western Trust.

"I had my assessment in August 2024 but I was advised that the waiting list will be 7-9 months.

"How is that fair on someone with debilitating mental health and severe anxiety?

"To keep people waiting for that length of time is just unfair and unacceptable."

Jenny is working with a social worker from the Mental Health Liaison Service until CBT becomes available.

WAITING ON TRUST RESPONSE