"Asking for help isn't easy"

This is my personal lived experience of a mental health resource centre that I attend re contacting dutie workers. There are a number of issues I've experienced but this is the main one I want to highlight.

I have been told repeatedly to contact dutie when struggling with my MH...don't sit at home struggling call us that's what we are here for".

I contacted dutie  recently looking for support and guidance, I explained that it wasn't an emergency (as I understand that people in major crisis are priority) but that I was struggling stress related and needed to speak with someone. I was told I would get a call back. To this day still no call. Unfortunately I was admitted next couple of days to GRI with Hemiplegic migraines brought on by high levels of emotional stress. I had 3 of these migraines over 3 days and was a further week in hospital awaiting MRI. My MH had now affected my physical health.

For a lot of people asking for help isn't easy, especially when we are struggling with our mental health. 

Practice like I've mentioned above creates a huge communication barrier as it makes people shut down due to be made invalided unworthy. Trust gets broken with failures to follow up and return calls as was informed.

When a service is provided and people are encouraged to use the service then why are these issues repeatedly happening? I have addressed some issues in the past, nothing changes staffing issues, service issues, service provider financial issues all to the detriment of the service users.

I actively everyday try to help myself maintain good mental health but I do relapse at times and do at these times need support/guidance, but now I won't be contacting dutie again if in need.