GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone! New Posters are very welcome to share your experiences with a GP too!

I had an appointment yesterday with my GP. He is aware of what I do on the Beyond Blue forums. I asked him about anti depressants and how he treats his patients with depression/ anxiety and why some GP's dont prescribe meds. This is what I learned yesterday from one doctor.

• He has always had an interest in depression and anxiety and prescribes AD's where the symptoms fit the criteria to do so
• He will refer to a psychiatrist if a patient shows symptoms of a more 'complex' mental illness and not prescribe meds himself
• Some GP's have little interest in 'getting involved' with depression and will refer to a psychiatrist with little if any discussion
• He isnt 'pro meds' or 'anti-meds' He treats depression as a serious illness with meds to improve his patients health & well being

• He mentioned that a pro-active GP can know more about AD's than some psychiatrists as GP's have more frequent patient contact

It did surprise me that some GP's have little or no interest in treating depression. I hope these GP's are in the minority.

I am interested to know any good or not so good experiences other people have had with a GP. I posted this thread originally so any people with untreated depression/anxiety have a better understanding of how experiences with a GP can be positive step towards recovery.

All your thoughts are most welcome

Thankyou for taking the time to read my thread

Kind thoughts

Paul

[blondguy]

Hi A2D2 and thankyou for responding. Your input is valued as we are all suffering at different levels

You bring up an interesting point about 'leaving well enough alone' and good on you because at the end of the day its what works that improves our health.

You have been through similar to myself at 40 years. It can become a pain trying to get some decent help. I have had acute anxiety for 13 years which morphed into depression for 20 years after.

Its interesting that you brought up female GP's as being your preference which is great as it works the best for you. I used to have female GP's until 1996 when my female GP told me "that I can get on a Boeing 737" and "just do it" Like yourself I dont really mind who I see as long as they have the 'care factor' happening.

You mentioned some doc's are too "invasive" .....As a long term sufferer I dont know what you mean. I had a community mental health professional that helped me when I was 'frozen' with anxiety. He insisted I see him once a week for six months. He was a humble psychiatric nurse and gave me my life back by being 'invasive' and made me cry big time...

Your life experience is more than welcome as I require frequent 'tune ups' after being on this roller coaster ride for so long. I hope you can share any tips or advice.

My kind thoughts

Paulx

[Moonstruck]

Hi Paul

Could you and A2D2 have a look on my thread in Anxiety ...I just posted it about GP and psych experiences - which I guess I should have posted here. It seems relevant to what you are both saying. I tried to copy and paste it here as well, but it wouldn't work. I now see we have a Live Chat with a medically trained person today....I wish I could join in with my question...but not sure how to go about it.....If you can find my latest post, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Sorry I don't seem to follow the correct procedures on exactly where to post what .....bit disjointed today guys.......

[blondguy]

Hey Moon, will have a stickybeak...no problemo. Paul x

[Moonstruck]

Thanks Paul. Have you managed to have a look yet? Sorry to hound you, but I have read with interest your remarks about the topic which I am so concerned about - and a bit bewildered - so if you have time would appreciate it .

I posted August 19 I believe in Anxiety....."Anxiety & Depression, can you have both?". My last response on there I believe was from our Carol on August 21......if that is any help.

Have a good day BlondGuy - love your work!

[blondguy]

No worries....Ta for the info, I'll have a look now...I couldnt find it the other day.

Always great to see you Moon

Paulx

[Moonstruck]

Thanks so much for taking the time Paul - appreciate your input. Will reply more comprehensively at later date.....had hectic series of hurdles (yet again) since beginning of June.....I just counted them one after the other.....but...am still living to tell the tale......keeping on keeping on......sending my best to you champion.....M

[blondguy]

Dear Moon....I know you have a lot on your plate right now.....I just hope that even 1% of that was of some help to you. I will keep an eye on that thread.

Thanks for the mega compliment too 🙂 Paulx

[A2D2]

Sounds like that was a really understanding GP you had back then. NOT!

"Too invasive" - Sometimes it takes time to develop a relationship and enough trust to open up. Sometimes, it is never going to happen, you just never click. And sometimes, you know you never will, right from the first.

If someone keeps pushing for answers when I'm not ready to give them, my anxiety starts to ramp up, then I get angry and defensive or just shut down altogether. Asking probing questions can just be very counter productive for me.

Yep. I am known for being stubborn. LOL.

[blondguy]

Hey A2D2

I agree with you on have the trust there in the first place so a doc can then start asking deeper questions...Thats what I was like years ago. Its not stubborn...its a good point that the trust has to be a two way street.

Thanks for posting 🙂 Paul

[blondguy]

Just giving new life to an old thread if it helps anyone (the first paragraph)

my kindest

Paul