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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

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Shred, no need to thank us mate - you are thanking us by getting better and showing us the determination that you have.

I like the terminology "phase one". Really like that - will be using that in the future!

Mark

Shred1106
Community Member
Phase One over - not pleasant and showed just a little. More investigations Tuesday.Missed a dose of antids accidentally yesterday and I noticed it - so, keep going! Didn't forget today though. Just wish I felt better and could function properly!.Fiungers crossed Tuesday has some answers!

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Shred, I have an alert on my phone with an app called "Medisafe" which alerts to meds time. Works a treat as I forget 4-5 days a week. Bloody hopeless i am!!

Phase one done - great. Onto phase two!

You will be up and functioning before you know it. Nothing you have not smashed in the past.

Mark

Hey all

I thought I was the only one with memory fade with medications

Medisafe!!! Thanks Mark! That sounds like a gem of an app

Paul

Shred1106
Community Member
Great idea Mark JT - phase two was today, get results tomorrow....hopefully some indication of what is going on!!! Plenty of meetings with my team at present and maybe an increase in the antids might help though I feel ok. Just waking very early these days and combined with the pain (and yes I am working though reduced hours), is making it a little difficult!

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Shred, just love how you talk about your team. Such awesomeness there - you have created a situation where your health is at the forefront of so many.

Giddee up to phase two - hopefully results go your way.

Mark

Shred1106
Community Member
Hey guys...still waiting on other results.Having to tweak my meds again (Round 15)...Will keep you posted...still in pain...

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Cheers for the update Shred.

Remember your coping techniques - they have served you very well in the past.

Mark

Shred1106
Community Member
Thanks Mark JT! You guys on the forum help out so much too.Just knowing I am not alone makes a huge difference!

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Shred, do not underestimate how many people will be reading this thread, looking at your journey and gaining inspiration from it.

Mark