Dissapointed with therapist and doctor

[Nancyblue]

I would like to talk about how a bad experience with a therapist and doctor can totally destroy all of the progress that has been made for ones mental health.

After relocating after many years i made sure i set up supports. I had a doctor and therapist who knew me well where i used to live and now having to go over my history again and again I felt totally unsupported by any of the GPs that i met. limited by time contstraints and always running late. Things went from me "treading water" to feeling like I was drowning. I got to a point that I was suicidal (I had thoughts in the past but this was the worst.). Being familiar with mental health, i did what i was meant to do and went to the GP. I knew i needed some support. The GP was totally dismissive and abrupt. I Asked her to put me on a mental Health plan so i could see a psychologist. I asked her to increase my meds which she did. At no point did she enquire how i was feeling or any concern. Thank goodness I know what to do be cause she did not. Starting with her lack of concern. Not once did she ask about my safety. (yes of course i am still here but the point is she did not seem in the least concerned at all). There was no follow up appointment. NOTHING!!

I sorted it out on my own as usual. Yes I sound bitter and angry but that is why I am posting because i need to get it out there. I didn't hurt myself because i have children, two dogs and a husband. I think I could have easily done something. I even have the method picked out. The doctor knew none of this and didn't even ask.

I got stuck in. Saw a therapist, did yoga, ate and slept.Then I got very down again and needed to see my therapist recently. It is an effort to see her. The last visit i had with her was a disaster. I arrived at her waiting room to see another lady waiting as well who was on her first appointment and she too had travelled quite a distance. Turned out my therapist had double booked us AND was running 30 minutes late. The lady waiting was very upset but i reassured her that the therapist was worth the wait. I gave my appointment to the lady waiting and got back in my car and drove an hour and half back home again. The therapist rang saying "these things happen sometimes". I however think that in this sort of profession it is inexcusable and i am not sure if i will go back again. I felt so unimportant and fragile. It has knocked me so much. The lady who was also booked to see her apparently cancelled her session. Not a good start

[labradorlover]

Hello Nancyblue

My first post so a little nervous but the topic of this thread caught my eye. Had a very disappointing GP visit yesterday; went for two script repeats. My GP increased the dose of  one medication and did not offer one skerrick of support, just reiterated that I needed to take the larger dose. No follow up appointment suggested either and this Dr has been my GP for 20+ years. I think he is just 'over me'.

I share your despair with the medical fraternity. One psychiatrist I saw yawned throughout our first session. I regret I did not have the assertiveness to say something to him at the time. Needless to say I didn't go back. The next psychiatrist went through all the first visit Q&A and declared that she would be able to prescribe the ideal medication. It was the same medication that my GP wanted me to take a few months earlier; what a waste of $300+ for that advice.

My husband had to have a life saving transplant operation a few months ago in a major Brisbane public hospital. It all went very well. As I accompanied my husband to pre-transplant clinic, his hospital stay, and post-transplant clinic visits I have been struck by how skilful, kind and compassionate all the Drs and medical staff have been along the journey. It is hard not to feel a bit wistful that the same care and concern is not visited upon those of us with mental health illnesses.

Wishing all the best to everyone who visits this thread.

Tur