Wish I'd never talked to GP

[Kayem00]

Had depression and anxiety for years. Mostly can cope, but sometimes I really struggle. I've always avoided GP but have just felt really bad and weepy all week so asked for appointment. Immediately he was short with me when I said what was wrong because I wasn't doing it right and describing symptoms and that just set me off crying for the rest of it and rambling that he wasn't being very patient. I didn't feel like I could talk to him at all after that but I tried to be more specific but there's a lot wrong and I found it hard even though I'd written a list. I guess I was jumping between different things and still wasn't being specific enough, like about what talking treatment I had 10 or 15 yrs ago for 2 minutes. Felt like he gave up on me at the end and just told me to go to IAPT site and complete a test and then refer myself. I didn't understand what he meant so rang them and cried again while they did it for me.
It's just debasing to go through that and get nothing out of it. I thought they had questionaires and stuff and would assess me. Even if I couldn't have proper SSRIs, propanolol would have helped me with some anxiety inducing triggers that make me so much worse but didn't even talk about medication with me. Feel stupid tonight and I'm returning to my baseline of just about functional but miserable and avoidant now so I guess I'm ok. Since I've been getting through it on my own for years I guess I don't feel 'bad' enough to deserve help mostly anyway so probably won't follow through with IAPT (whatever thats supposed to be) now. Anyway sorry, just needed to vent somewhere

If you can afford a private therapist do that.

Shop around and find one you click with. Might not be the first one you talk to.

My Mental Health Practitioners was an experienced community psychiatric nurse. The appointment was longer and I had time for a bit of sobbing. He made recommendations about medication to the GP and referred to IAPT. Like PP I was offered a stepped approach with CBT first. At my feedback I said the CBT hadn’t really got to the bottom of the issues so I was offered something else (can’t remember what). I didn’t take it up in the end but that was my experience of it helps. Something called The Recovery College was also mentioned - I didn’t try it but might be worth a google if you can face it. Hope you feel better soon.

Kayern100, I can’t get help from Gp’s either. Mine is long standing and chronic too.

In the end l paid to see a private psychiatrist. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. He does Zoom calls. He managed to get me pyschotherapy on the NHS as CBT had failed.

There is no NHS at the moment😕

Hth

That's rubbish. Can you call reception and ask if there is a GP in the practice that specialises in mental health and if so if you can have a phone call with them. Then send an email ahead of your call for the GP to read in preparation. I've done this before.

Just because you've been managing/coping so far doesn't mean you shouldn't get extra help and support now, you do. It's totally normal. Most people need some extra help at some time.

Ask the receptionist if of the GPs specialise in mental health issues and try to get an appointment with him/her.
IAPT can help you get an appointment with a counsellor if needed.

Urgh I hate bad doctors. Try a different GP. Sometimes you have to GP hop to find one who is not an egotistical tool will help.

IME GPs have no idea about MH. I was once had a massive argument with one because he'd only give me antidepressants and a print out. I called Mind and they out me in touch with a psychiatrist who really helped.

It's been three years since that and I only have it as episodes of anxiety that last a few days. I only have them about twice a year so no need for any long term medication. Obviously it would be great if the GP could give a couple of diazepams but they refuse to.

That’s awful I’m so sorry . Ask for a phone appointment and ask for propanol you deserve support
You can get a friend to talk for you , also look on the mind website xx