im depressed. my gp dont seems to believe me. should i change gp?

Question

im severely depressed, have many symptons, sometimes i cant face going out my front door for weeks, i have anxiety and panic attaks. but my gp will only write me sick notes for 1-2 weeks a time and just gives me anti depressants. i really need a sick note for at least few months a time to stay on income support as i really not capable to go back to work. in fact, my gp makes my depression worse for me necause its as if he dont believe me. ive told him this but sometimes to even get out to book an appointment to renew a sick note can take me weeks and weeks without a panic attack. should i change my gp? hes been my family doctor all my life but i cant cope. ive told him i get suicidal but all he seems to say is "go back to work and you wont be depressed" this is tough to hear. because of this, i sometimes have to leave my benefits at zero as i cant face him to get a sick note. is there anyone with any advice for me or been in this situation?

Answer 1

ask to be referred to your nearest mental health team there they can give you a proper assessment, you can get your sick notes there and anti depressants. and i would take a family member with you or friend when you see your GP next. good luck xx

Answer 2

It's normal for a GP to give you sick notes of a couple of weeks. You've got to be seriously in trouble before they will give you a note for one month. You wont get one for "a few months". I believe you when you say you are depressed, but I know what depressed is like, and if you are well enough to type an email you are not at the stage where you get a sick note for more than a couple of weeks. You would have to be so depressed you are hospitalised and practically catatonic from depression. I know this from experience.

With regard to changing your GP, anyone can do that at any time, so if you dont feel at ease with your GP go ahead and switch doctors. But dont expect to get a longer sick note out of it.

PS If you've got a spare £150 you could see a private GP but you may just get the same sick note ie one valid for a week or two.

Answer 3

i think doctors are only allowed to write sick notes for a certain length of time which is maybe why they only give u a couple of weeks. u obviously need some help, maybe anti depressants are not the answer and u would benefit from some counselling which maybe the doctor should be suggesting instead of telling u to get back to work. are u able to see another doctor in the same practice who would maybe have a different opinion, maybe try asking if u can see a female doctor. if this is not possible then maybe u should try changing doctors although of course they might turn out to be just as bad if not worse. i hope u manage to get it sorted and feel a bit better about things.

Answer 4

Go to a different doctor, pronto. There is no reason to feel like this if you can get treated for it. make an appointment now.
Meanwhile,can you talk to a friend, family member, pastor?
Know anyone who works in psychiatry or social services? They can also give good referrals.
Try to eat well, exercise a bit every day, and take vitamins.
Talk to a friend or family member every day, even on the phone.
Pray, read the Bible, whatever works for you spiritually.
How about a star to remind you that people care, and there is hope and help out there?
Everyone GIVE JEN A STAR PLEASE!

Answer 5

Hi, I think it is definitely time to change your GP. That is an appalling attitude - you could always see a different doctor in your practice or change practices - seeing one in the same practice (some have special interests in mental health so see if you can find one who does) would be the first move I would make. All the best to you

Answer 6

i think you may have a phobia of some kind.maybe Agrophobia a fear of going out feeling anxiety,panic attacks.i think you should change your GP to a doctor that is more understanding to your needs.also if you find work to hard to get too.if you live near a mental health clinic ask for advice or phone them up.this depends on where you live of course.also you could try going on the sick,i know that is the last thing you want.get some leaflets about it.i know all this because my brother had Agrophobia,simliar to your symptoms.i hope things improve for you ,

Answer 7

Do find another doctor if you are not satisfied with the one you have. Also, some, maybe most, anti-depressants need to build up in your system before they work properly. Prozac needs 3-4 weeks to become effective. Webmd.com has a lot of good info on depression and medications.

Answer 8

I do not know what services are in your area but you could try going to your local Community mental health team building and ask at reception to talk to someone who might understand and help you if you lived in wellingborough or northants northampton or Corby I would know exactly where you could go but your area is unknown. I am sorry that your GP is not taking you serious but your local community mental health team would help you to find a GP who would listen.

Answer 9

Dump him like yesterdays paper.Telling you to go back to work to get out of your depression is stupid.
I have manic-depression and it has shut me down so many times that I have lost track.
See if you can get a psychiatrist to take over in this area.Another GP might work out as well as that,but dump your current one.

Answer 10

Get a gp who takes depression seriously,or someone who will listen,a warning though ten years ago i was the same as you,i went to the dr,and the book was thrown at me....ie i was given very strong drugs that i now cant get off...be very careful prozac and that is ok but beware of antidepressants like effexor which are x 20 stronger and hell to get off.Also beware of amphetamine type pills you be a spead freak before you know it ie i was given dex-amphetamine,it made me feel great,now im a bloke who cant function at all without it.Also beware of benzo,s ie valium,librium these will be your dream drug but these too are killers in there own right..ie im on 40 mg valium a day...so you need somebody inbetween.REMEMBER EFFEXOR XL IS POISON........?