I need some encouragement to go to my GP for help with depression and possibly AvPD?

Question

I'm not very optimistic about what help I could get from the GP - I don't really like taking drugs because it's hard to tell which have animals in them, and I hate having to take the drugs back to the GP to say - "this has gelatine in it" etc. Because I've been to the psychiatrist before and also to the primary mental health worker but couldn't really open up, I'm not sure how much help they would be this time. I hate myself so much. I just want a painless way to die. I don't think I could change the way I am, and my opinion of myself without some sort of drastic treatment away from home. Last time, I was only seeing the shrink once a month, which was too sparse for any sort of connection to form. What could I say to my GP? Also, if you get shrink appointments on the NHS, would a stay in a loony bin also be on the NHS? Thanks x

Answer 1

you need to go to your doctor straight away. there is a better time coming your way you just have to belive in it and be positive. i finally plucked up the courage to go to the doctors about depression 4 months ago and i have never felt better. they got me to see a counsellor once a week and i cant belive i am the same person. i felt optimistic just like you but it wont get any better on your own and you wont just snap out of it. be honest with your doctor and tell her that you dont want medication that has animals in it and that once a month isnt enough for a counsellor. tell them what you need, if they dont they cant help. now get your skates on and get down the doctors, i promise youll feel much better when youve been, it will take a long time to get better but its worth it
good luck

Answer 2

You do need to see your Doctor as soon as possible. I have expanded on your points below.

You seem very negative - the term "loony bin" is inappropriate for an in-patient unit. Psychiatrists and psychologists are not "shrinks" quite the opposite they are there for you to become all that you can be.

Stay away from capsule formats and you should be allright regarding gelatine.

You need to get to the bottom of hating yourself - unless you are a ruthless serial killer I can see no valid reason for this, and you show yourself to be a life respecting vegetarian/vegan.

Why do you want to die? There is so much opportunity out there for you - with help you will be able to grab these.

What sort of treatment do you think you need to change yourself? - A stay in a residential unit sometimes gives people the opportunity to put distance between yourself and the trigger factors for your responses.

Interactions with other people can be difficult for everyone - and maybe very difficult if you have AvPD - but the rewards are fantastic. People bring such novelty and fun into your life - if you let them.

You need to see your GP as soon as possible and insist on referal to a Psychiatrist and to a Counsellor. These are indeed both free on the NHS and so is a stay on an in-patient unit if required.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

I understand I really do. It can be so difficult trying to explain things to the GP when they have no idea what you're going through! It can be worth it though... The last time I went to see the doctor they automatically reached for the prescription pad, it took some time to explain that I didn't want drugs and after a while they sent me to see (yet another) counsellor. I was a bit suspect at first because i had seen so many but this one was really understanding. I now see him once a week and he's really helped me to develop and change my outlook on life! I know it's not much help but patience is a virtue and it does pay off. In response to the last part of your question a trip to the "loony bin" would be free if your doctor felt that it was necessary but I really hope that things don't go that far! In the meantime I wish you the best of luck with your visit to the GP and with all other aspects of your life.

Answer 4

Don't automatically write off your GP assuming that he will be misunderstanding- although he is not an expert he will have had at least six months experience of working as a Junior houseman within psychiatric services before becoming a GP so should be able to offer you some decent help if you are honest.
A high proportion of people who visit their GP do it for psychiatric reasons so he should be aware of what services are available to you.
You probably won't be able to see a psychiatrist more often than once a month but you would maybe be allocated a community psychiatric nurse who will see you more regularly in between appointments- these nurses have a lot of knowledge and experience and work closely with medical staff to offer you the best care available.
If you required hospital admission it would be to an NHS hospital unless you had good insurance- I hope that you will get the help you require and that an admission will not be necessary. x

Answer 5

More anti-depressant prescriptions are written by General Practice Physicians than Psychiatrists. I'm sure these can help you if you just hang on. Remember that the meds can take 2-6 months to reach full effect. Get help early. Look for some type of group therapy in your area that might be affordable and meet more often. Once a month is not enough. Don't give up.

Answer 6

maybe you should try a different approach think about what it is that is getting you so down.You obviously have something deep down worrying you as you say you can not open up.Why dont you open up on here nobody knows who you are you have nothing to lose. Maybe you will find there are alot of people been through the same thing that can help. Sometimes it helps to write things down also try and get out the house go for a walk this helps me good luck

Answer 7

Go with a friend or family member. You need help.Take tablets as the doctor prescribe and you will feel better. Is there any other person such as a minister or a different type of counsellor you can open up to? I found a counsellor and it does work forme but it takes lots of sessions to open up and talk about what you need to. Give counselling a go.

Answer 8

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 9

You have my sympathy - depression can be worse than physical illness. I've been writing on nutrition and health for 30 years. Mental/emotional problems are often caused by underlying physical health conditions - such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Magnesium or zinc deficiencies, for example can cause depression. See my web site: http://www.foodforthought.org.uk/specific_probs.htm#Mental - follow the links there for information on conditions that often underly depression. Hope the information helps