Hello all
Wasn't sure whether to post in Mental Health or here - will give here a go.
My mum (late 70s) was diagnosed with depression & anxiety at Christmas. It was pretty severe - I took her to the local psych hosp emergency admission at one point. She started medication and made a quick improvement, but it all started to go downhill again in May. Medication has been upped, but there really is no change.
The thing is, to me, it seems like she's almost had a personality change. She used to be a pretty positive, often stoical person, and whilst she was a worrier, I wouldn't say anxiety was a big part of her personality. My dad died 2 years ago, and initially she coped really well, but I'm not sure if this relates to this massive life change.
MH support has been really patchy. She's been referred for CBT, but this could take 6 months or more. She sees GP regularly, but there seems little other support there. What should we expect? What should we ask for? Is there any chance of a psychiatric referral to look at medication? My feeling is the antidepressants she is on (mitrazipine) don't seem to be doing much for her, but there seems to be a reluctance to change these.
Any advice/support welcome.