'Referral to Psychiatric Services'

[Insomnibrat]

I'm 36, I've suffered with depression and anxiety for probably 20yrs. Previous to this latest episode I've been able to repeatedly pull myself together and function, achieving great things, but every soften I fall down the rabbit hole again, helplessly and all my efforts in life fall apart.

I've been through every medication under the sun, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, Mirtazipine, Propalolol and more recently Duloxetiene.

I've been through CBT and understand the processes and theory within this, but it feels a bit like talking a broken leg better. I now feel resigned to being hoplessly ill forever.

I have cut away from all my friends, I have left my job and I have hardly left my bedroom for 3yrs now.

Today I visited the GP and he said he was going to refer me to 'Psychiatric Services' as he feels there might be 'something else going on'.

What could he mean? Like what? A different diagnosis?

I'm not unhinged.....at least I don't think I am. I should have asked him but for some reason I couldn't.
Help? x

Hi OP. It would mean a mental health assessment by a fully qualified and trained mental health doctor - a Psychiatrist, rather then just the briefer assessment done by the GP. The diagnosis may be the same, or possibly not, but it's not automatically a different diagnosis, just a more specialised assessment.
The main role of Psychiatrists is assessment and prescribing, so the Psychiatrist will be able to consider medication options also.
You're not unhinged, but you do sound very depressed.
Do see the Psychiatrist, you are worth a better life.
Best wishes for everything.

Thank you @sealsong

I all of a sudden feel the weight of some sort of scary stigma with it I suppose, Psych Services sounds like they might 'admit me' or something.

It has taken YEARS to get to this point though, so I will go.

This sounds llike a really positive step in getting more specialist help. It's unlikely you will be admitted from what you have described. Inpatient beds are at a premium and its actually pretty hard to get admitted. They will most likely look at ways to support you at home.

Thank you @nolonger

I should just wait for a letter I suppose?

Part of me is terrified of being told they can't find out what's going on or that there's nothing wrong with me.

Life shouldn't be this hard, I watch my peers achieving and my life is just a great big void. No partner, no job, no friends, no kids.....

I despair.

They may be considering undiagnosed developmental disorders such as autism / ADHD/ ADD, OP. Might be worth you reading up on these in the meantime and seeing if anything rings a bell with you.