Can't get through to GP - what shall I do?

[deathofastrawberry]

I had my baby last year and think I may be suffering from PND and have for the past few months.. I have a history of depression and anxiety and have taken meds in the past.

So I completed an econsult form online on Friday through my surgery and received a text to say my appointment was booked for 17th March.. a whole month from now!! I could feel somewhat better by then if I started taking medication now. I called to ask if this was a mistake and the receptionist told me they don't have any appts and to call back Monday. I've called 50 times and every time the line is busy. This happens every time then when I finally do get through usually appointments are gone and they say call back tomorrow - then the same thing happens again. It's not urgent I know but I just want to get started on some tablets asap so I know I'm on my way to feeling better, especially while I have the motivation to actually call the gp and ask for help. Next week I might not feel like doing it.

I'm debating whether to call 111 as I know they can sort me out with a sooner appointment at the surgery.. I just feel like a nuisance as I know it's not urgent but I don't know how else I can talk to a gp and get a prescription. Im not having thoughts about harming myself and my baby isn't directly affected by any of this so is it ok to call them or am I wasting their time if it's not 'urgent' enough? I could go private but want to avoid that if I can as it's quite expensive.

Any advice is greatly appreciated x

I would go to the surgery at 8 am to book an on the day appt

Or do e consult again and say you want to be started on an anti depressant NOW not in a month can the dr call you?

You can use private online GPS to get a prescription for anti depressants too and they are not too expensive for an appointment or the drugs

It's shit the hoops we need to jump through to get some help we deserve from our GPS, how are you meant to find the motivation to tackle your depression when you meet a wall at every opportunity

I would also ring 111 for some leverage yes

Do you have a health visitor? you would think they would help you fight for earlier appointment as PND can be such a wide scale. A month is just stupid amount of time. Especially for something could be done over the phone.

@cultkid thanks for your advice, i'm trying to call 111 now after even more failed attempts to call the gp. I know it is shit, I would change surgery but I know they're all the same! This has made me feel like what's the point in trying to get help, they must not think it's that important judging by when they booked me in for. And when I called I even said I just want to start on medication as soon as I can so I can be on the road to feeling better. Nope call back Monday.

@Akire I thought that if I contacted my HV she'd just say to call the GP anyway.

Have you taken them before? 111 might even be able to prescribe them if they are on your list of drugs

When you ring 111 there's an option to get a prescription so maybe try that way?