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Mental health

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Original poster

Terrible experience with the GP

14 replies

PrudentPolly · 04/08/2017 14:01

In the past I have suffered from depression and PND I've been on Citalopram (for over four years). I came off it (over four months ago) but recently I've been struggling and so overwhelmed, not sleeping, crying all the time, doing odd things like running away and hiding in the woods, not bathing, unable to really able to engage with anyone, feeling suicidal. I also had a car accident a few weeks ago which exacerbated these feelings.

On the surface I have it all, large house, DH, two wonderful DC, we live in a nice area, are going on holiday to France next week. yesterday, I said in addition to other things I'm really anxious about driving. He berated me and said I just have "rich person's problems" and "think of those poor people from Grenfell Tower" and "tell your husband he must just pay for taxis", or "you could try a bus". I was livid, I'm well acquainted with public transport and sympathetic to the victims of Grenfell Tower but I was the patient in there sobbing my eyes out.

I'm thinking of complaining to the practice manager, MH issues as we all know can strike anyone.

OP posts:

MineKraftCheese · 04/08/2017 14:10

This is so so awful, I'm sorry

Please do complain, the GP sounds dangerous. If I'd had that said to me by a HCP I would most likely have taken my own life. Unbelievable.

How can a GP have that attitude? That rich people can't be depressed? Just wrong and ignorant.

I hope you can see a different GP and get the help you need. I have found Fluoxetine helpful xx

Ropsleybunny · 04/08/2017 14:14

That's just dreadful. You need to take it up with the Practice Manager. They will have a complaints procedure. You can complain to the practice or you can take it further. In the circumstances you describe, I think you should take it further.

paddlingwhenIshouldbeworking · 04/08/2017 14:17

Wow, that really requires a complaint and escalation. It should be copied way beyond the practice manager to be honest. I would also be searching out a different GP. You could talk to the practise manager about that. Is there more than one GP? Ask if any of them are particularly experienced in mental health issues/depression.

Depression is entirely irrational. Doesn't matter who you are or what you have AT ALL, its irrelevant.

Fluffybrain · 04/08/2017 14:27

I'm trying to reduce citalopram at the moment Prudent and went my new GP to discuss it. He was crap, judgmental and sexist. I won't be going back to him. Luckily there are 4 other GPs at the practice so I will start with one of the 2 women. The attitude of some doctors is awful. I have had some very good doctors in the past, but there are some who are very prejudiced in terms of mental health.
I recommend emotional freedom technique if you're looking for private therapy. Could be especially helpful in relation to your car accident.

Original poster

PrudentPolly · 04/08/2017 15:41

I'm now looking at switching but we are a bit short of practices taking on new patients.

OP posts:

HadronCollider · 04/08/2017 15:50

Some doctors can be so far removed from reality its ridiculous. I had an appointment with a consultant once that left me in tears for a week. I dearly wish now I had reported it at the time, because it was bad, in fact it was so stereotypically bad I was sire no one would believe me, so definately complain op, or you might be left annoyed every time you think about it for a long time.

Also he's potentially dangerous, wtf would he have done if you had been suicidal?

calmday · 04/08/2017 16:21

You do get some bad doctors. When I was pregnant and suicidal I went to my GP and he told me to just go home and wait a few weeks for a letter from the community mental health team.

Did the GP offer you medication or anything OP?

user1483981877 · 04/08/2017 16:47

Bloody hell, that is awful. So sorry OP, how are you feeling now? Well done for going along to your gp, that must have taken a lot, and the outcome of that appointment was awful. Do you have counselling at the moment? What a terrible attitude that gp has. Are you suicidal right now?

Wolfiefan · 04/08/2017 16:49

That's really awful. I'm so sorry.
You came off it 4 months ago? Was that slowly and under medical supervision? It took me months to wean off it.

Outlookmainlyfair · 04/08/2017 16:57

Only complain if it won't give you more stress. You need to be put first! He is dangerous and wrong but still do what will make you feel best.

Reflective36 · 04/08/2017 17:04

MH professional here. So sorry that you have experienced that- it really does fall completely short of guidelines and he has brought in all of his own prejudices and judgements which could be way more harmful than he thinks. He needs further training. Please do write an email and be clear about what was said to your practise and ask that they respond to you within 5 working days.

Otherwise, I would suggest you look at local services that will be far more helpful, understanding and sympathetic. Mind, or even private Psychotherapists.

Mxyzptlk · 04/08/2017 17:08

The guy's a jerk with no idea what he's talking about.

Mxyzptlk · 04/08/2017 17:09

The GP, that is.

NolongerAnxiousCarer · 04/08/2017 19:04

Thats really terrible, if you feel up to it I would definately complain either to the practice manager or to PALS. I know then when my GP has similarly shared their mental health predjudices with me I've not been in a place where I could cope with complaining (I just sobbed all the way to work instead) my CPN was horrified and really angry when I told him about it.

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