Doctors, complete waste off time!

[Dbrown1302]

So after the great advice from you guys the other day, I booked myself in to see a gp thinking this would be a great first step in the right direction. Well I'm afraid that it was a complete waste off time. I began to describe what was going on with me. After I'd say about 30 seconds the gp cut me off and told me he was prescribing me 5 diazepam tablets........and that's it. No advice, no alternatives. When I asked what to do after the 5 tablets I was told everything should be fine?!?!?!?! Has anyone else had an experience like this at the gp. Really don't know what to do or who to speak to now.

[Sandy1710]

I have. They don't really know what to do or say! I've been 4 times in the last month and nothing has progressed with me! But if you don't fancy them diazepam sling them my way! Haha. I'd go see a different doctor and don't leave till you have answers.

[GMason in reply to Sandy1710]

This is a good point, often different doctors can help, although I've worked my way through several doctors surgeries and not found a decent one, but it's sure with a try

[Pinky0]

That's what I'm afraid of. My Sometimes my GPs look at me like I'm stupid.

[GMason in reply to Pinky0]

Do they roll your eyes at you too? They do that with me constantly

[Dbrown1302]

Cheers guys..... honestly I just sat there looking at the floor thinking WTF!

[mysmugcat in reply to Dbrown1302]

Go to another doctor if need be.

[GMason in reply to mysmugcat]

Then another, then another then another

[Agora1]

Hi Dbrown1302, unfortunately it happens too often when going to a GP and having a list of symptoms which lead up to Anxiety. You're right in that they cut you off short and pull out the prescription pad for a benzo. Doctors want to heal their patients. With anxiety the best they can do is make you comfortable. It doesn't solve anything. You go out the office the same way you came in, bewildered, scared and wanting some answers.

The best thing you can do at this point is set up an appointment for a counselor (psychologist) or social worker. If you go to a psychiatrist be prepared for him to also take the prescription pad out because most no longer get into talking therapy. If and when you do take medication it is always best to use talking therapy along with it. This allows you time to find the basis of your anxiety, ways to rid yourself of the symptoms as well as finding the answers in how anxiety affects both the mind and body. This will help eliminate some of the concerns you have on what is happening as well as how long will this go on.

Using the forum you will find the support and understanding you need right now and you won't feel so alone. I'm glad you found us. This is a nice group of caring people. Good Luck in taking the next step.

[Dbrown1302 in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1, thanks for the reply. I've looked at the counsellor thing and I think it's possibly the way to go but the cost is worrying me I have to admit. In all honesty just knowing good people like yourself are replying with help and advice are helping loads. Thanks 👍🏻

[Agora1 in reply to Dbrown1302]

I hear you Dbrown1302, as well as long wait lists keep many from finding some help. The forum is a great start. You will get suggestions on how we have gotten better or cope day to day with anxiety. It is not a hopeless cause. It's all about putting one step in front of the other and always going forward. Don't stay stuck. Until you are able to find some affordable professional help, we are here to help. Take care, stay positive and never give up...

[Sandy1710 in reply to Dbrown1302]

Where are you from? I'm UK and my doctor won't give me any more benzos. Said they are strictly for people with involuntary muscle spasms. Thanks Doc.

[Agora1 in reply to Sandy1710]

Sandy, when you had benzos at one time, did it help the anxiety symptoms at all?

[GMason in reply to Sandy1710]

Doc said the same thing to me, I think in the uk they are phasing them out, perhaps more NHS cost savings guised as advice

[Gillybabe in reply to Agora1]

On our new doctors door it has a big notice. ONE APPOINTMENT ONE PROBLEM. And WE ARE A ZERO TOLERANCE PRACTICE. So that is a good start.

[Agora1 in reply to Gillybabe]

Gillybabe, I had never heard of such a thing as a Zero Tolerance Practice but after looking it up, it does exist for some health practices now. Let us know how your appointment goes. x

[Hidden]

Ur GP is a pure disgrace. Hope u find another decent one soon 😊💛💚💛💚

[kenster1]

that's terrible you should see another doctor.my first born child was killed in an accident and I was mentally and emotionally broken I went to the doctor and his exact words were.are you still using that as an excuse to stay on the sick.never have trusted doctors since.hope you get better help/advice.

[GMason]

I have had this many many times from doctors, the way they deal with mental health issues is utterly pathetic, they just want you in and out as fast as possible, stay strong, self help and help here can be done

[blackcat64013]

Hi Dbrown1302,

I am sorry you have had a bad experience with the doctor. Finding one who can be empathetic and a good listener is like looking for a nugget in the goldmine - worth keeping if you find one!

If your GP is in a practice, it is worth asking if there is a doctor with an interest in mental health who would better suit your needs. Also, if in a practice you might like to lodge a complaint through the practice manager.

Getting a doctor or the doctor's receptionist to make the first appointment with a psychologist is the best way to go as you seem to break through that invisible wall of the waiting list quicker.

If you would care to share your general location, perhaps someone in the forum can make a recommendation of who to see.

All the best

[Hidden]

My doctor looks at me like I am talking in french to im. Just doesnt take serious myay change docs

[Marc787]

Hi, Most Doctors are ill equipped to help treat mental illness but only diagnosis your symptoms and then prescrbe you medication. That why US is the worst in the planet in perscribing opioids, etc. There is an epidemic in mental health here, the way our environment our culture is going into the future. Not instilling to us healthy living, eating. Mental & physical activity with natural, kindness, respect to others, elders etc. Seeing a good psychologist, therapist is your best bet. Good luck