What to do if your gp doesn't seem to want to help...

[PeteHill]

I've basically been suffering from depression for a number of years. My mother was both mentally and physically abusive and my dad wasn't on the scene. I ended up growing up with a complete and total lack of self-esteem and was initially diagnosed with depression aged 21. I was receiving treatment, but i recently moved out of my previous gp's catchment area and in to a new place. I registered with a new gp and made an appointment to discuss my problems and how to continue them. It was then that the troubles started. My gp had no inclination to help. I was on anti-depressants and she (begrudgingly) accepted that i should carry on taking them. However when i asked her about further treatments and help with alcohol abuse, it was merely stated that "you'll get no more help until you stop drinking." No further explanation, just a demand to stop and nothing else. I was so shocked by the treatment that i received that i haven't been back. I did try to change my gp at the surgery, but they said everyone else was full and that she was the only one i could see. I was so upset by my treatment that i haven't been back, my prescription has run out and although i am trying to get my drinking under control (it has reduced from 6-8 bottles of wine a week to 1-2 every 2 weeks), i just feel so ashamed and don't know where to turn. I've investigated other gp practices, but none others in the area are taking on new patients. The suicidal feelings have also returned and i'm really worried about what i might do in the future. Sorry for taking up anyone's time, but i really don't know where to turn.

[Photogeek]

Maybe the GP meant that you need to be sober before you can tackle the Depression, Please try and find an AA ( Alcoholics Anon) meeting, I think it would really help and you would get lots of support from people there, I think if you search online you should a local meeting no problem. Drink is a depressant, so you need to get help for this please. Take it one day at a time.

[debsg]

Firstly, I would make sure that you get a prescription to continue with your medication - just call the surgery and ask for a repeat prescription - from personal experience its not a good idea to suddenly stop taking medication. Secondly, well done for managing to get your drinking under better control, that is a very good step in the right direction and must be a boost to your self-esteem. You seem to be at a crossroads and I think its important that you continue with the progress you have made - therefore I would recommend you join a local support group such as an AA meeting or local counselling service as you would benefit enormously from being with people who have been through similar experiences and who can understand and help you when things are rough. I am sorry to hear how your experience with seeking support with your GP has left you feeling disheartened and cut off (definitely not the desired outcome for a health service) but GP's are very often not the best support when it comes to mental health as they do not have the experience and knowledge to offer good support - and I think the way you were treated is clear confirmation of this. Do not take it personally and don't feel ashamed as it is not your fault - you have made great progress so far and will continue to feel better with support from people who understand your experiences.

Take care x

[Daisy101]

Could you possibly go and see her and explain that your drinking has decreased and you are starting to feel more emotions (we tend to use self harm like drinking, drugs, as well as cutting etc to numb ourselves, to escape and give temporary relief) also explain to her how you feel especially about the suicidal feelings. Ask her directly but politely to refer you to the community mental health team or ask for a mental health assessment as you have had a lot to deal with and anyone has the right to an assessment - another way is to go to a&e dept of local hospital, but they won't see you or assess you if you have been drinking.

Try not to be too hard on yourself and as mentioned above GP's are not experts and are sometimes afraid of what they don't understand like the majority of us I suppose....

Take it one day at a time, ask for the prescription but if they won't do it as a repeat, please make an appointment to get one and try writing down what you need to say or ask,

Good luck and check back on here any time for help, advice or just support.

D x

[vince]

Try complaining to the practice manager i'm told that can work.

[J-Nevil]

That's a good idea from VInce if you really think you're not getting help, you could also change your GP and see if they have a different attitude.