I'm not sure what I was expecting and I understand they don't have very long per patient, but this doesn't seem satisfactory to me. I wonder if this is normal and all you can expect from the NHS or whether something was awry here.
I'm early 50s, have never had any problems at all with my MH, but recently have been struggling following a series of traumatic events. Concerns have been raised at work re my lack of focus (previously very contientious) and I'm tearful every time any one is kind to me.
I went to GP at my boss' suggestion/request. He asked if I'd had counselling, I have but didn't find it particularly helpful. He laughed, didn't try to establish why it wasn't helpful. (Imo counsellor wasn't very good and it was probably too early). Asked if I was eating and sleeping (yes) and prescribed anti depressants, "if you want some time off you can have a week without a certificate". I don't know if I do want time off, I'd have liked some advice, but he said it's up to me.
Didn't ask anything about my wider health or menopause, which I know can lead to these symptoms.
On my way home he called to ask if I was having "weird thoughts". I assume he meant suicidal thoughts, I'm not.
I'm not someone who bothers the doctor often, maybe once a decade. Should he have been more thorough or is the outcome what anyone would have done?
I'm kicking myself because I meant to mention menopause myself, but in my mind fog I forgot. I don't actually have any menopause symptoms except the shaky MH (which could well have other causes) but I'm of an age where it must surely happen soon.