I had been on anti-depressants for around 8 months. I went for a review 2 weeks ago and my GP decided that I had been on them long enough and that I “should be ok now”. She stopped them immediately. I explained to her that I was experiencing extra stress with Xmas coming up and really didn’t want to take this kind of risk over Xmas but she was adamant. Additionally, I had been trying to get an appointment to see an NHS counsellor since September but nothing has been forthcoming. They are “so busy”.
Xmas stress has now really kicked in and I’m at my wits-end. I can’t sleep. I’m tearful and all I can think of is getting away from people. I can’t bear to be in the same room as anyone and I’m really scared what I might do over Xmas. I just don’t know what to do! No one wants to help. 😩
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Jayde38
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you cant just stop them ; this isnt right; get an urgent appt to see another GP at the practice to discuss. xx ive been on anti depressants my whole life; but i do know you cant just stop; you have to taper off; and it sounds like you still need them; get back to another gp now xx
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been slowly tapered off but here I am going through what I can only describe as severe withdrawal. I have tried to get another appointment but they don’t have any until 15th Jan. I’ve been advised to call daily in case of cancellations.
What! Are you in UK? You must stress the urgency; you should get appointment same day; at latest next day. Thats crazy; i know a normal appt you have to wait like 3 or 4 weeks but emergency ones should be same day. Thats all messed up. xx
My GP won’t do emergency appointments anymore. They do telephone “triage” but it is near impossible to get this as the Receptionists just don’t care. “Please call back after 10am tomorrow”. Is the standard response. Another good one is “you can always book the January appointment for now and keep checking for cancellations”. It is an impenetrable wall.
It sounds as if you are having a really difficult time. It can't be easy trying to cope with so much and feeling so unsupported and yes Christmas time can be so stressful.
Perhaps you can tell us more about your situation and what is happening for you?
This is a supportive community, so our members may be able to offer you more support and help.
It may be a difficult thing to do , but you may want to go back to explain your situation to your doctor. You might want to consider talking to another doctor in the same practice.
Well, I’m married with 2 children. I have a disability which severely affects my memory and this has been deteriorating for years. As a result I was medically retired from my job if 25 years in 2014. I have been unable to find any type of work since. My husband is also disabled (blind) and his disability has also worsened.
I’ve found it very hard to cope on such a limited income and day to day expenses like food and heat just eat through my money. However, every time I apply for jobs I can’t even get an interview.
My husband has recently been retired too. He is now at home 24/7. He expects me to do everything for him and it is never good enough or right. Things got so bad I went to a Women’s support group for help but they turned me away due to funding cuts. However, they did report me to Social Services first. SS did nothing to help but instead warned me that if I did not sort it out myself then I would lose my kids. I’ve been careful ever since.
I’m just finding it really hard to focus as I’m alternating between despair and rage!
How terrible for u i really feel for you this happened to me once and my depression became unbearable I was told that I'll prob be on tablets for years I wud go back to another doctor asap I have found some Drs great while others aren't at mental health. I really hope your ok. I'm new to this group to.x
Jayde38 As it's so near to GP surgery closing for "festive period", you must phone your GP surgery, speak calmly to the receptionist on the phone (this works for me - tell her it's NOT her fault, receptionists have a tendency to feel that we are having a go at them, then they turn on the defensive; tell her you have a disability, and that you are desperate to see a GP. Receptionists tend to think that anyone phoning for an appointment has a bit of a cold, or has a slightly pulled muscle.
In the past, I have phoned at around 11am, spoken in an over the top calm and nice way to the person at the other end of the phone, explain exactly what has happened, explain calmly how I am now feeling, explain that I truly cannot go through the xmas period feeling like this. If she still will not give you an appointment, tell her that you have pains in your chest and having difficulty breathing as in a panic attack. All GP surgeries keep a certain number of appointments back for very urgent patients.
A few months after I came off anti depressants, I was going through a very stressful time and over a few days, my breathing was getting worse and worse. I now know it was panic attacks, but I told the receptionist on the phone that I had pains in my chest and couldn't breath properly. OMG she found an appointment for me that same day, within 2 hours. When I saw the GP, she did not seem to know why I was there. So it seemed to me that the receptionist had not passed on a message that I had pains in my chest and couldn't breath.
Receptionists very sadly are ordered to cull the number of patients passing through the GP doors. I know it's extremely anger making, but they are only doing what they are ordered to do in order to keep their job.
Could you possibly take someone with you to that GP appointment to stand up for you and to witness what is said?
You should NOT have been taken off anti depressants without tapering the dose over about one month. Good luck
I'm very lucky my gp receptionists never ask horrible questions about any of my families health I know some ask very insensivite and nothing to do with them questions it really nothing to do with them why I need a appointment they not medical trained to ask such questions. I can ask my receptionist for any prescriptions without question. I really hope you get things things sorted.x
I'd suggest to call the crisis centre and explain what's going on or ask to see another doctor and explain that you're worried for your own capabilities. Unfortunately we have to be in the worst place possible to really get the attention we need or be at breaking point to be considered for quicker referrals, so you really need to show them that you can't take it anymore even if you don't feel like it at the time. A recent trip to my GP and her seeing I was at breakinh point has sped up my referral from a possible 9 months to 2 weeks and a prescription for anti depressants. I'm sorry to hear you are in this position. I wish you all the best, do let me know how you go and stay safe
Is there another GP practice in your area? I'd considering trying somewhere else.
I'd definitely file a formal complaint too. Cutting medication like that is ridiculous. Even some vitamins (e.g. higher doses of vitamin c) can backfire if they're not tapered down.
Good luck and don't give up. Hopefully other things like exercise, dietary changes, etc can help you in the meantime.
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I’m really struggling today
Hey unsure of where to post this
Battle in my head
Long post 
Why does my sister degrade me?
