Hi rick,
when I first bevame aware of my mi was about 6 - 7 years ago. I had a sonewhat severe breakdown. I was extremely low, paranoid, violent and agressive, I was in such a really bad place. The gp immediately did a mh thingy and I saw a clinical psychologist fairly quickly, however I did not like her and she was terrible she gave my wife at the time very poor counsel telling her she couldn't call the catt people etc
dozens of medications trialled
over 2 years got better felt better
Still seeing psychologists I saw a total of 5 none of which I trusted due to the first ones diagrace.
felt well enough and came off meds completely over a space of two months
then I started getting sick again without realizing....
finally twigged I needed help and thought I could do it on my own ie. Pick my psychologist and I wanted to see a psychiatrist. ... not the easiest thing
succumbed to the fact I had to utelize my gp fully
I am now on anti depressant anti psychotic and a mood stabilizer for nearly 3 months still playing with the levels etc
so they are working but I still have episodes of highs and lows
my psychiatrist is not my favorite and I am waiting for an appointment with a different one in the new year
I have had no contact from community services
even tho my psychiatrist has recommended them to get in contact.
I have lost all my friends due to ex wife's doing
I see my gp fortnightly now to check in how my meds are
my psychologist weekly
psychiatrist every 3 weeks
I feel lucky that I have my parents to give me support but they annoy me
I have tried contacting support places but I get confused about what I have to do.
I feel very alone
thank fully I have found this forum for support.
Also to me the system in place does not extend to those who have not been hospitalized due to thier illness are therefor not in need of assistance
I am aware of my thoughts and actions which in turn make me safe
there is no critical help available if you are safe
yet what is safe?
I was let down very harshly by the system at a critical time and I no longer believe or trust the system. I know others have had excellent expierences and the system in place is very good
but as an old saying goes once bitten twice shy

so to wrap it simply
meds pretty effective
psychologist and psychiatrist some what effective
Support groups etc not very effective
gaps in the system plentiful
how I deal with gaps... this forum and my own workings on being vigilant
thank you