AIBU to go to the doctors for the third day in a row?

[smellycatitsnotyourfault]

I'll try and keep it short, I'm 99% sure I have PND. It's taken me a long time to admit it and reach out for help, I know it's my fault for letting it get this way.

Two days ago I went to make a gp appointment, they offered me one a month away. I thought this was too far so I told the receptionist what it was for, and she managed to squeeze one in in two weeks. I accepted this, then that night I felt more desperate. Luckily the doctors have a health visitor drop in on Tuesdays, so I once again worked up the courage, prepped everything I needed to say and yesterday took myself down to the doctors. The receptionist turned me away saying the health visitor wasn't doing her clinic today.

Last night was one of the worst yet. AIBU to ring and ask for a same day appointment today? The receptionists must be sick of seeing me/hearing my voice. Am I worthy of a same day? I'm not at the point of planning suicide or anything but i'm getting desperate. I think I'm most scared that by the time my appointment comes round in two weeks, I'll have lost all my courage and will cancel it.

I read Cattes post as the poster should keep repeating this sentence until seen-it’s a very direct, simple sentence to sum up her needs.

I’d second going to queue, you’ll have a much better chance of getting an appointment.

Good luck and I hope you get all the help you need OP

Sorry, cross post with Sirzy

This is a totally and utterly valid reason for an emergency appt. Mental health is just as important as physical health. You're doing absolutely the right thing.

Yes, GiveHerHell, you misread me. I was posting quickly and meant that is what OP should say and repeat as often as is necessary. Thanks PPs for pointing it out before I got flamed!

Good luck, OP.

Yes, just say you are having a ‘mental health crisis’

If you can go there at half 8 this morning and start queuing when they open their doors you’ll have a much better success rate

Not necessarily- my surgery will not see you if you do that

Don't give up keep going, two weeks is a long time. You're doing this for you and your baby don't worry about what anyone else thinks xxx

Just had a thought, when I couldn't get an appointment to see my dr I called NHS direct as I needed antibiotics they arranged for me to see a GP at the local hospital that day. It might be worth calling them if you can't see your own GP so you can see someone today. They will know about other clinics and can book the appointment for you.

You’ve done the right thing in trying to get an earlier appointment, your GP can give you some anti depressants and will probably sign post you for therapy. Most areas offer self referral to mental health services for therapy, put your postcode on this link to find out what PND depression services you have locally

www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Postnatal-depression-information-and-support/LocationSearch/332

All the best OP. My heart breaks that you have to fight to be seen when you feel like this, but speak to someone today. If the receptionist refuses again call HV or midwife. Tell them this is day 3 of trying to get help.

Well done for making that first big step. You’re amazing

Also have a look at this

www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-natal-depression/treatment/

Definitely call. Say it’s an emergency and you need to speak to someone today. If that fails, call your HV and if no joy ask your GO surgery for the number for your HVs office. You’re doing amazingly well, keep pushing

I wonder if you use the word emergency they'll just send the OP to A&E?

OP one other option is to phone and say your baby is unwell. They generally prioritise babies. Then when you get in there you can say it's for you. GP may be annoyed but it's important and hopefully they'll realise why you've done it.

I'd not rely on the HV being able to get an appointment for you - eg my mum's GP says they don't have a direct line to consultants anymore and have to phone like the public - and get the consultant's PA's answerphone.

Well done OP. You are absolutely right to keep pushing

That’s what CatteStreet is saying- people need to use that phrase (repeatedly if necessary) to force an appointment. You are both saying the same thing.

OP, are you on your own? Is there someone else who can support you too?
I imagine that you're currently at the surgery now, possibly waiting for an emergency appointment. When you do get to see your gp or nurse practitioner, be honest with them. But also be honest with your support network, i.e. Mum, partner, sister. I hid my PND for months from everyone as I didn't want them to think I was a bad mum. Once I eventually told them they were very supportive.

I have post part anxiety, baby is only 6 weeks old but last week I felt it creeping on so I called in the morning and got a same day appointment and now I've started meds.
Please call them, I can't believe they're not taking you more seriously, shame on the receptionist

Yes, you are absolutely worthy of a same day appointment! Good luck with it. I admire your persistence in the face of what you are going through at the moment.

I appreciate all the support, a very kind receptionist made me an appointment for later this morning. I will keep updating in case any one is in a similar position and curious.

PND is awful. A trip to the doctor was life-changing for me.

Yes, do it! Well done for admitting you’re struggling and trying to get help, it’s honestly the hardest part and I wish I’d done it sooner 💐

Ah love well done. I’m a practice nurse and the appointment you booked to be seen today is totally appropriate.

So glad you got an appointment op. I had horrific PND and PNA when dd was tiny and I had fluoxetine. 2 weeks of taking it and I was a different person.

I stopped taking it when she was 1 and never had to go back. But I don’t think I would have survived that first year without it. Don’t be afraid to ask for medication if that’s what you want.

Well done! I hope you the GP is helpful.