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GP's and Anti-Depressants Important Info

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

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

242 Replies 242

Hi guys

Yes, pain is very bad but am making some adjustments and spoke to surgeon today. If it persists may need new xray to see if something is going on...probably just me doing too much though...we'll see...

So, seeing psychiatrist next week again and one day at a time...still....

Thanks for being here...and hey ho 70 plus days is not bad at all

Sorry about the pain and sleep disturbances Shred;

70 days plus, and 200 posts = Booyar!! Head of the cheer squad here; Sis Boom Bar!

Do you think your med's need a review considering lack of sleep and additional pain? Even before going to surgeon? Please don't put yourself thru unnecessary stuff ok. I'm glad the job's panning out, but doing more than is healthy...well, isn't healthy. You know what I mean.

Sending healthy hugz...

Sara x

Hey Shred

70 DAYS !!! The word 'Achiever' would be a huge understatement.....Legend really applies here Shred

Sara has made a good point here. The pain would be awful Shred but its still only a few weeks and you have been doing a lot Mr Shred

I hope you have some pain free days ahead

My Best. Paul

hi Shred, all the very best, try and take it one day at a time, easy to say but can be hard to do. Geoff.

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Shred, over 70 days - that is massive. Just around the corner is three months.

You got this!

Just think once you are clear of pain, what a massive achievement it will be so keep working hard. Brilliant stuff.

Mark

Thanks Just Sara

Only spoke to surgeon and have tweeked a bit of the meds for pain. Seeing psychiatrist Thursday for advice on sleep...

Thanks for your support!

Cheers Paul

Pain free would be nice...literally one crutch in front of the other again, but maybe not down to a walking stick so fast! Saw physio yesterday and she thinks it's me doing too much - advised back onto crutches for a wee while and try to slow down...try being the operative word!

Shred1106
Community Member
Thanks Geoff

Shred1106
Community Member
Hey Mark JT - you inspire me with your support (like many others).Just got to hang in there......

No worries Shred 🙂

I like your physio...in fact your whole medical team sounds terrific Shred

I hear you about slowing down whether for pain or for anxiety...It can be hard work