Two questions

[Down-n-out]

Q1. What is the best book you've read or recommend about depression?

Q2. Is it the GP or the chemist that decides the brand (eg cheap/expensive) of medications you receive? Thanks.

[Suzie40]

I don't think I've read any books on depression, but I read articles online all the time. Psychcentral.com has some good ones and i like to read the 'personal stories' on websites like NHS and patient.co.uk.

As for the medications, the doctor specifies the type of medication, but it's the chemist who decides which brand to sell you. Usually it's based on the one they can buy in the cheapest.

[Down-n-out in reply to Suzie40]

Thanks for your speedy reply. As to question 2, I always believed it was the GP - this is a bit of an eye-opener! Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Hi I read a book many moons ago called 'I'm ok, you're ok' which was good. It is the GP who decides what to prescribe. x

[Down-n-out in reply to Hidden]

Thanks ☀️

[hamble99b]

dr phi mcgraw is very good, don't remember the titles.

[Down-n-out in reply to hamble99b]

Thanks 🌟

[jue1]

2) The GP does not decide the Brand the Chemist does!!

1) How long is a piece of string???? who wants to read about depression when you have it!!!!!!!

[Down-n-out in reply to jue1]

Thanks for your answers. That first one is a bit of a shocker! Because I have noticed of late that my prescription tablets appear to be of a lower standard and of a different brand. Even tablets that came in a glass bottle with safety top, now come in a 'push out' form. I was going to blame my doctor but now it seems it is the chemist that is at fault! As to your second answer: it is good, in my opinion, to read of other people's experiences and how they dealt with it and that I am not alone or going mad. As you know everyone experiences illnesses differently. For example, some might say listen to music and that will make you feel better. But for me, it can make my melancholy much worse. Sunshine helps me a lot. Again, thanks for answering. Now, I'm away to measure a piece of string😀☀️

[jue1]

Just to clarify the GP - decides with you which medication he/she feels is correct but the chemist decides the brand - why I wish was not the case.

[Down-n-out in reply to jue1]

But why are they allowed to do this? Are doctors aware of this practice?

[jue1 in reply to Down-n-out]

What can they do? yes GP are aware of course!

[aye_may]

1) shoot the damn dog by Sally Brampton and depressive illness- curse of the strong.

[Down-n-out in reply to aye_may]

Thanks for your reply. Now I believe it was Winston Churchill who coined the phrase 'the black dog' in reference to depression. He was a very clever man - even winning the Nobel prize for literature. But if I am ever talking to him in the 'next life' I shall pull him up on his choice of phrase! Why bring our best friend into it? As research has shown a dog can be a tremendous aid to recovery from depression as indeed any pet can; and it doesn't matter what colour they are! I'd suggest to him to change it to something else; perhaps 'My Devil Demon'. Thanks again for your answer and I must look that book up ☀️

[aye_may in reply to Down-n-out]

Completely agree with you I see dogs myself as very good friends. not everyone is the same, I haven't looked up why Churchill called it the black dog; there must be a reason for that.

Enjoy the reading whatever you choose

A

[jue1]

Now , now remember the time and date? Remember "We shall never Surrender"

Leave the man alone he is one of the main reasons why we can today write on this site. Take Care jue1x