Finding a GP

[Howl]

I understand that specific recommendations are not allowed in this forum for a doctor or medication. Hoping someone can point me to any resources that may help with finding a decent GP that isn't too far from me. I've been through 5 or 6 local GPs to try to get help, and I'm simply not getting what I need. They all seem to struggle with talking to me about depression and anxiety, and providing me with any kind of useful strategies. Frankly most GPs I've seen so far seem like they want to rush me out the door within the allotted 10 minute time slot for an appointment, and seem really uncomfortable talking about depression and anxiety. I'm living in an area where there's a low socio-economic demographic, and that may be the cause of some of the attitudes...

I was seeing a counsellor, who referred me to see my GP to consider medication for what they described to be both severe depression and severe anxiety. I've tried three different medications. The one that seemed to work the best also woke me up early in the morning with extreme anxiety. Right now I'm unmedicated. Mostly because the GPs that I have spoken to seem to prescribe medications like spinning a roulette wheel to try the next one, and I can't afford the side affects anymore in my job. But I need to do something... And I do want the help. I just want someone to look at my situation and work with me to find the best solution for me, including any options that don't require medication

Should I consider a psychiatrist instead?

[smallwolf]

Personally I would see a psychiatrist. My experience is they are better equipped re side effects and your symptoms and recommending some medication. Each time I see my psychiatrist, she asks me about how I feel, any side effects, etc. And if I tell her that I feel the medication has plateaued or I feel like X,Y,Z she will take that into account and provide me with options. But the medications can be a bit hit and miss but I like to think that each time I switch medications we are getting closer to finding one that works for me.

Now, I don't know if everyone has been as lucky as me in this regard (current medication is working) but...

I would have to point out that I was referred to a psychiatrist when I started having suicidal thoughts and my GP believed I needed additional help.

Tim

[geoff]

Hello Howl, finding a doctor, psychologist and/or psychiatrist who understands and knows how you are feeling is so important, but there could be times when there is a point of disagreement, a misunderstanding, but this happens to us all of the time, it's the trust you have with this person that should keep you together.

It's a feeling you have and you know what it feels like.

If you click on 'get Support' and scroll down to 'Find a professional' there you will be able to doctors who are aligned to BB and who specialise in Mental Illness.

There you might be able to find those who bulk bill or those who charge with a Medicare rebate.

Geoff.