I have my appointment with the psychiatrist on Friday

[WigWamBam]

And I'm terrified and just need to off-load.

My GP has referred me because he says he can't change my medication (I'm on 40mg Citalopram)without referral to a psychiatrist, but from what he tells me now, the psychiatrist won't really want to see me because they're not really interested in straightforward depression. They are only seeing me because they have to (new guidelines on one particular medication) and not because they feel that they can help me. That's made me feel really wonderful about wasting the psychiatrist's time just for a change of meds that the GP isn't able to do.

I was hoping for a good, positive session with the psych but with my GP saying this, I can't see it happening now. To add insult to injury, dh was going to be coming with me for a bit of moral support, but he forgot and has now arranged a business trip for Friday.

I was feeling really positive about this, as I've been waiting for a couple of months for this appointment, but now I feel I'm just going round in circles. If the psychiatrist isn't going to want to help me, who will?

I feel as if I'm just going round in circles

[Sax]

WWB - I still think you are thinking too deeply into the content of the appointment without having been. If and only If it isn't as expected ie. a full session, then you MUST get yourself onto a waiting list and explore other avenues of counselling. I really think the GP must be able to suggest something other than just leave you swinging in the wind - you sound like you may need the tablets to help the reversal process but the counselling to discuss all the issues involved. Depression doesn't happen overnight and its disgusting to think you aren't being offered proper support. It is sad when last time I went the gp is virtually pleading with me to get her to refer me for counselling and heres me refusing becasue I won't discuss things. Its all wrong this!!!! sorry, I feel guilty that I'm refusing the very thing you need!

[WigWamBam]

Each to his own though, Sax! The first time I went to see a psychiatrist, just after I had dd, the GP warned me that all they would do was to offer drugs, as that's the way the mental health service is geared up around here. It would be nice to have the choice, but I don't think you're wrong to refuse counselling.

I know I think too much, I always have, but I have been setting so much store by this appointment and I just want things to start getting better. The tablets I'm on haven't been working for months, and the GP wouldn't change them even just to try them while I waited for the psychiatrist's appointment. I just wish the GP had kept his opinion to himself this time, I might not be feeling quite so negative about it now.

[lemonice]

WWB

The psychiatrist will read the gp letter but he will consult with you and come to his own conclusion regarding medication they are very much their own man/woman.

He may endorse the gps view but on the other hand he may not.

The first psychiatrist I saw was a real sweetie it was after a few months later on that he retired and locums came in and weren't so good...

[Surfermum]

Is it the same psychiatrist that you saw last time WWB?

[WigWamBam]

Different one, as far as I remember.

I shall just have to suck it and see, as my grandma would have said. I was feeling really positive about it, until the GP stuck his oar in, and now I just can't see past his negativity.

[Surfermum]

In that case, I would be surprised if they didn't do a full assessment again. You could phone the Consultant's secretary and ask her what will happen and how long your appointment is.

[WigWamBam]

I hope you're right, surfermum.

[Surfermum]

Me too. Good luck. Let us know how you get on (if you want to).

[starlover]

wwb.. haven't read the whole thread.. but please don't let your GP get you down about this!

Of course the psychiatrist is interested... s/he would not be doing the job if they weren't interested in "straightforward depression".. that's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard! (I don't mean you're ridiculous... your gp is!)

TBH, a lot of the time they don't want you to have anyone with you. My mum came with me on my first visit and my psych asked her to wait outside. Because they want to get to know YOU, without feeling that you may be influenced by the person with you iyswim.

I know some others have said this, and i just want to re-iterate... you have nothing to lose by going. You don't know what it'll be like until you have gone... so give it a go. I think you will probably be surprised.
If the psychiatrist IS uninterested then you are quite within your rights to ask for a referral to someone else... but in all honesty I can't see that happening!

Good luck, and I hope it all goes ok!

[starlover]

oh and PLEASE don't feel as if you are wasting their time. I have just skimmed through the rest of the thread, and I think your GP is WAY off...

When you go to see a new psych they should start from square one, and do a proper assessment, that's how they figure out what AD's will be best suited to you.

[jambo1707]

good luck will be thinking of you

[Nbg]

Lot's of luck WWB

[WigWamBam]

Thank you.

[Sax]

I wish you all the best for your appointment WWB and hope you'll update us with how it went - on this thread!!! Good luck and write down prior to the appointment some of the points you wish to raise if possible, it may help the discusssion progess if you've had some prior thoughts. Maybe brainstorming - you in the middle and lots of thoughts or feelings coming out from lines from there - all things should be written and maybe another page with how you want to feel as a result from the anti Ds or counselling.

all the best and let us know, I'm very interested to hear how you go!!!

[WigWamBam]

Thanks Sax. Actually, I think I will write everything down - it's the first thing I would usually suggest to someone else in my position, and of course it's the last thing I would think to do myself. Brainstorming sounds like a good idea too.

It's getting me down just thinking about what the GP said, and at the moment I don't need to feel any more derpessed than I am! I'm trying to think positively though.

Thanks again.

[Sax]

Please forget the GP - at the end of the day the GP has referred you on so its up to you now and the psych if they are willing to give you what you need - you won't know til you get there - after that is anothe matter - do the writing and go in with a clear head about how you feel now, how you want to feel and if you can bear it, how you really don't want to be. (the psych wouldn't be doing their job if they don't guide you through the appoint on their terms) so don't take so much on - you'll be helped through the appointment and if not you take it from there.

Positive approach please with nothing to lose!!!! I am not being flippant just trying to encourage you that this is your next step and don't try to take the following ones til this step has been completed!!!

[WigWamBam]

I know, I know.

My new mantra: The GP is a prat ... the GP is a prat ... the GP is a prat ...

[sunchowder]

Good Luck WigWamBam. I suffer with depression myself and wanted you to know you have another supporter out here!

[HappyHuggy]

Hiya

ive been refered to a psychotherapist so i can understand your nervousness.

let me know if you want to chat

[WigWamBam]

Thank you both. I might take you up on that, Huggy.

[HappyHuggy]

feel free to email me at anytime. Like i said, i understand how you're feeling.

take care

xxx

[WigWamBam]

I would feel really guilty though, huggy; you have such a lot on your plate at the moment. But it's a lovely offer ... I may still take you up on it.

[HappyHuggy]

theres no need to feel guilty - i wouldnt have offered if i didnt mean it!!!!

like i said im here if you want to chat

xxx

[Evesmama]

well im hear honey and im doing good at moment, so there is light at the end of the tunnel..if you dont still have my email, cat me..id be happy to chat/listen/help.xx

[babynovice]

Hi WigWamBam I've just been reading your thread and am totally appalled at how your GP has treated you, it doesn't give you much faith in the system. I wish you all the best with your appt.