I've not much had luck with doctors.

[Jimmy_T]

Hi there.

I'm really struggling to accept my doctors advice. I have a history of being let down by medical professionals, I wouldn't know where to begin. Sometimes I feel like the only reason I'm there is to accept their sponsors medication or equipment, hand over what little cash I have and then disappear. I had one rock-star specialist, speak to me like he was reading from a teleprompter. He wasn't responding to my questions in a thoughtful way, he dismissed them or brought us back to a road that led to his product of choice. What a waste of my money. It's driving me to despair and there are days I don't even feel like bothering to go see a doctor anymore.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my 20's and after having some medication and a quite a few sessions later I was doing ok. I'm now 40 (late) something or other. The last few years though, have been filled with different specialists giving me non helpful advice about mindfulness. But it doesn't seem to sink in. I really think there is more to my situation than anxiety and depression. Sometimes i'm not even depressed or anxious, but something is there preventing me from living the way I want to. Zoning me out, getting me confused, zapping my enthusiasm and messing with my concentration. I have thoughts of creating something incredible and then I do nothing and before I know it, the day has disappeared. Now that is depressing.

So I finally have a referral for another psychiatrist. I couldn't afford the random psychiatrist my doctor pulled out of his hat, so I had to call around and find one that I could afford. I can't wait.

Over and out.

[white knight]

Hi Jimmy,

I think some member can relate to you.

Ive recently moved towns, we selected the clinic of choice and both saw a GP for scripts and introduction.

What was apparent throughout the session was his knowledge of medicine and treatment for physical symptoms but woefully inadequate in term of mental illness in particular bipolar.

I told him several times that I’m a good communicator but not such a good socialiser as I prefer not to join clubs, yet get pushed the topic to recommend the local men’s shed, rotary and Lions clubs all of which is for me a disaster waiting to happen.

In contrast a colleague of his did a blood test since and had a sound understanding of bipolar and it’s associated behaviours/moods.

Hence I’ll divide myself between the two.

Do you think you can do the same with your professional medical personnel? Mind you I do think it is the luck of the draw.

The beauty of this forum is you can raise topics in between psych visits to gain clarity.

TonyWK

[Jimmy_T]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for your words of wisdom. My situation is similar in that I have moved a few times over the last 15 years and I have not been able to secure a doctor I feel has given me the time to open up. My work situation has changed and finding a doctor affordable enough has also led me to some questionable practices that seemed to just herd patients in one door and out the other without much time to sit and chat. I'll likely be moving again in the next few weeks so I'll be looking once again for a new doctor. Hopefully I am able to find a practice with doctors who are willing to investigate my situation further.

I look forward to reporting back regarding my situation with the psychiatrist.

Thanks again for your time Tony.

Jimmy

[Veldelmar]

Having no idea where you are, I spent a lot of time online searching for private practices that have rates for students/low income (concession card) rate. Took a while but found one that isn't ungodly far that only charges 15$. Seriously took a long time to find but sometimes I had to call to ask.