A VULNERABLE Greenock man says he's is being pushed from pillar to post in his bid to get support with his mental health.

John McCrae, who is blind, suffers from depression and anxiety, and says he been discharged from community mental health services in Inverclyde three times.

He says his GP referred him to Inverclyde's community mental health team, based at Crown House in King Street, but that they keep referring him straight back to his GP.

The 64-year-old, who lives in Jamaica Court on West Stewart Street, said he was told that he would be referred to social work, but when he contacted them, they simply told him to go back to Crown House.

Mr McCrae said: "I have anxiety and schizophrenia, but that is under control.

"My GP referred me to Crown House three times. I had three appointments. Then they referred me back to my GP.

"I haven't got a clue. They discharged me yesterday and said they has assigned me to social work. I called them and they told me I should be dealing with Crown House.

"I've been pushed from pillar to post. I do feel a bit in limbo.

"I suffer from flashbacks from my past, with childhood trauma that has never been dealt with."

Mr McCrae has the genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa, and lost his sight at the age of 28, something he describes as "devastating".

He has carer input four times a day and also gets support from Partners That Care.

Mr McCrae has a string of medical issues, including cancer, but all this is taking its toll on his mental health.

He said: "I'm taking anti-depressants but they're not helping.

"I feel I could do with some counselling. I want to be able to be listened to."

"Even if Crown House could refer me somewhere for counselling. I was referred to SAMH [Scottish Action for Mental Health] but that only lasted for two weeks. I don't know why."

A spokesperson for Inverclyde HSCP said: “It would be inappropriate for us to discuss an individual’s case publicly.

“Our mental health team works hard to support people across Inverclyde.

"When a referral to our community services is received, this is reviewed by a qualified professional.

"Where any further assessment or ongoing care is required, there is an agreed multidisciplinary plan as to where this would be best delivered, according to the assessed needs.”