GP no help

[Caity16]

Hi,

Has anyone been to the GP and not gotten any help?

I got to a point where I needed help. I couldn't get into my regularly doctors surgery for 5 days. I couldn't wait and so made an appointment somewhere else. I told the new dr i couldn't wait 5 days and that's why I came to him. The dr told me he wouldn't want to do anything as he felt they would be stepping on toes, unless I was going to go regularly to their practice.

this is the first time I have been to a dr about depression. Is this normal or did I just get a bad doctor? I'm worried about going to another dr.

[BballJ]

Hi Caity16,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

I think that is 100% wrong that the doctor didn't help you, I went to a doctor with my mental health and had never seen her before but she knew mental health and helped right away. Not every doctor is experienced with mental health so finding one that has experience in it is key. Maybe calling the surgery and asking if any particular doctors specialise in mental health issues before you go in, so you don't waste your time. Possibly a call to the Beyond Blue helpline might be of assistance as they can also help point you in the right direction for help too - they can be contacted on 1300 22 4636.

It's great that you are reaching out for help with depression, it is a great first step to recovery, please don't be disheartened by this particular GP and keep looking for one that can help you with it.

Feel free to post back as much as you wish and there is generally always someone like myself who will reply.

My best for you,

Jay

[blondguy]

Hi Caity16

Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting...It takes courage....

Please dont be worried about seeing another GP. There are many now that have much better training re depression/anxiety and others that just want to treat a cough. Im sorry that you were 'fobbed off' by your GP

I went through the same and yes its frustrating for sure....Ive been with the same GP now for 21 years...

It is awkward the first time seeing a GP and especially after you have summoned all of your strength to do so (and well done to you by the way)

Caity....do you have a friend or family member that really likes their GP? If you do...Go for it...

When you said that your GP mentioned that he may be stepping on toes is a disgrace and then he said that you werent a regular to the practice. Thats just not on...as well as unacceptable.

I think you are amazing by being proactive enough to see a GP. Depression effects tens of thousands of people and is very common. I find his response woeful.

Please keep trying to find another GP. Depression is common but needs treatment.

I might get in trouble here but the female GP's seem to have a better attitude on mental health (just my opinion)

Please post back if you have any questions. Many people here have depression of some degree and are more than happy to be here to support you Caity16

you are not alone...please let us know how you go....

my kind thoughts

Paul

[blondguy]

My apologies for double posting you Caity

BballJ has been on the forums for a long time and is spot on with his advice (His name is Jay)

He also mentioned the Beyond Blue Support line 1300 22 4636 if you are stuck and need a qualified voice 🙂

Thankyou Caity and Jay!

Paul