Going to the doctors

[Maisie1]

I advised my friend to see her GP because she was ver stressed, anxious and depressed and she was told to snap out of it. Don't these doctors realise if we could snap out of it we would

[Agora1]

Hi Maisie1, very few GPs have the time to deal with emotional problems. They want something physical to address that they could do something about. Your friend should really see a psychiatrist, Psychologist or therapist.

[Christine1970 in reply to Agora1]

Yes, I have gone to my doctor and he is working on getting me on the right medicine he is starting me on a new one çelexa it's suppose to help with over obsessive thinking it's a antidepressant and anxiety. Just started low dosage of 10 mg, then after few weeks he wants me to do 20 mg. Hope this one works. Was on effexor did not work for me. My doctor is communicating with my therapist so they can both help me and be on the same page. Also you need to do something for your self image im trying to improve mine. Therapy and eating healthy is helpful

[Maisie1 in reply to Christine1970]

Thanks for the reply. I do have anxiety but I am writing on behalf of my friend. She is very low and her self esteem is at rock bottom. It is so difficult to know how to help. I talk to her every day. Her family aren't very supportive. Unless you have actually been there it is hard to understand what she is going through. I think even GP's are out of there depth sometimes.

[Goldfish_]

Sounds like she should see another doctor and perhaps to attend with yourself.

Maybe the doctor was also stressed anxious and depressed! Most will try their best to help and it can help if you are clear what you want eg time off work, medicine, referral, self help.

[Angep Star]

Hi Maisie, she needs another doctor!! Get her to go back but this time find out who the most popular doctor is at her surgery. My own doctor is great, but when you ring for an appointment you have to go with who ever is available. I don't accept that anymore, I ask to see my doctor if that means waiting I will. I think the response from that doctor she saw shows how ignorant they are. Don't let it out her off, get her to try again.you could go with her if she needs some moral support. 😀👍

[Maisie1]

Unfortunately she lives in Croydon and I live in Nottingham. I did offer to go but her husband wanted to go. He is the type who just puts her down all the time. If I had gone I would have advised a psychiatric referral. I make sure I speak to her every day.

[Angep Star in reply to Maisie1]

Well her husband sounds like a bundle of joy!! I hate that!! When people put there nearest and dearest down!!! Making them out to be stupid and insignificant. You sound like a great friend to her😀 She's lucky to have you. Does her husband work? If so tell her to go when he's out because if he's not supporting her by telling GP she needs some help he may as well not be there. I hope she gets things sorted out .

[Humphrey42]

The medical response is very mixed in my experience. See another GP what do have to lose? Another GP has a different perspective. Its your life. GP's are a very mixed bag. Some GP's are pretty ill informed. Just because they have studied for 5 years on the question of medicine they know it all. Mental health is a complex issue. It's a very individual issue. The best advice I can give is take control, be informed, be active, take medication if it helps, be connected, do something you are passionate about. Be assertive. Tae care Andy

[Maisie1]

Thank you for all your replies.

[Christine1970 in reply to Maisie1]

Get the anxiety and phobia workbook, very helpful, I also see therapist at least once a week sometimes two. I have anxiety, depression, panick attacks sometimes daily. Do something for yourself it will boost your self image. I am trying to find the right meds that work for me. My therapist suggest to go to Overeaters Anonymous, free and they have meetings everywhere, it can help to get out and talk to people it's for people with all kind of eating disorders and I'm morbidly obese, it can play a factor with anxiety goes back to how we feel about ourselves.ine other thing I hope I can help is my therapist just recommending me to go to outpatient therapy st a hospital,sometimes I guess it's like an aggressive support group, check insurance in think it might pay and u just do a co-oay. Well I will find out more when I talk to them tomorrow, hope this helps.you need to also do deep breathing, listen to stress relief music when needed and before bed. The more you try to keep busy along with his çelexa us suppose to help with obsessive thinking.