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Mental health

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Gp and depression

5 replies

Bluebellysmell · 06/02/2025 18:28

Is anyone here a GP who is able to explain what happens if someone discloses severe depression and suicidal thoughts?

Trying to convince a friend - single parent to 7yr old daughter-to seek help, but they have been told from elsewhere that the GP will be obliged to refer to Social Services and SS will remove the child due to suicidal thoughts. she says in no way would she ever harm the child and that thoughts are for when child is away with grandparents or father.
Frequently beating herself mentally and unable to concentrate, also scared she will lose job at work as job cuts on horizon.
She won't be fully honest with Drs about her mental health until she has some reassurance about what will happen with DRs and SS involvement.

She currently has what she's said is low level ADS-150mg Sertraline - which dr prescribed for anxiety, but had to stop them cold turkey 6-8 weeks back when being checked for something else at hospital,doesn't have any more left to restart until she sees GP which is likely 3 -4 weeks to get an appointment for a routine appointment and will struggle to cope until then.

OP posts:
WorkerBee83 · 07/02/2025 04:09

Hi OP, I’m a Single mum and I’ve disclosed to my GP that I’ve had suicidal thoughts and depression and I’ve never had them involve SS. I hope your friend gets the support she needs xx

Pennnyforthright · 07/02/2025 04:16

Even if a referral was made to SS, they might not feel they need to be involved or they might act to support the mum with her parenting. That’s it. In the circumstances you describe, there’s no way the child would be removed.

LunaTheCat · 07/02/2025 05:25

I am a GP and if I referred even single Mum with suicidal thoughts to SS then SS would be completely overwhelmed..please reassure your friend.

username299 · 07/02/2025 06:53

Children living in squalor with addicts don't seem to be removed so I'd say your friend will be ok. If she's in crisis she can contact NHS Direct option 2 for the mental health team.

She needs to make an urgent GP appointment, so phone on the day in the morning and try to get in, otherwise phone NHS Direct.

fruitypancake · 07/02/2025 07:04

Tell her to ask for an urgent appointment- this is a MH crisis , she will not have to wait 2-3 weeks

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