When is medication the right option

[Kateybear]

Hi all,

im new to this forum but have been struggling with anxiety for several years. In the last 12 months I have also been feeling depressed.

I had a bad experience with a doctor when I first tried to address my mental health which left me feeling absolutely pathetic, due to this I have been unable to bring myself to go back.

Things have gotten worse lately and I keep making appointments with a Gp and cancelling them, I just can’t seem to bring myself to go and convince myself that I don’t need to.

is there any way for me to recover on my own? How do I bring myself to make the right step?

Thanks for your help!

[geoff]

hi Kate, and a warm welcome to the forums.

I'm sorry about your experience with this previous doctor as their approach or attitude wasn't the most comfortable, as their job is to listen to their patient and provide what they believe is the best advice.

Can I suggest you write down what is troubling you so you can hand this over to your GP, and if you are able to click on 'Get Support' at the top of this page, then scroll down iuntil you see 'Find a professional'.

These are doctors aligned with Beyond Blue and specialise in mental health and may suit you much better.

To answer your question is yes, medication is really required along with counselling as far as I'm concerned.

There maybe others who disagree and they're entitled to their view, but for me if I miss my dose for the day, then I know that I'm falling back to how I don't want to be.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Kateybear,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being here. I really appreciate that you're committed to getting some help, even if you're cancelling appointments with a GP.

I'm sorry that your other GP wasn't helpful. I've been there and I understand how difficult it is to try and go back, especially when you've had a bad experience.

As for your question - I think recovery is totally unique to everyone. I personally disagree that medication always has to be an option. Sure - there are studies that say a combo of medication and therapy can be useful, but you always know you best. Some people have managed to feel better with self-help books or going for a walk in nature !? I don't think there's one easy way.

Can I ask, what made you decide to write here? There's something inside of you (bravery, courage, motivation) - that got you to post here. I think if you can recognise it, you can take all of that and make (and keep) the next appointment.

Hope this helps,

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi kateybear,

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. It is great to see you posting here and reaching out for support. This is just one of many steps you can take towards achieving wellness. There are many steps you can take which may help. You are definitely not pathetic and I am sorry to hear that your felt this way after seeing a health professional. Having symptoms of low mood and worry is really common and there’s are many ways to get support. You are not alone.

You already mentioned you have made appointments to see a GP but have cancelled. A couple of suggestions I have is to bring some one with you to the appointment. Maybe you have someone you trust or who could help you though this hurdle? Another suggestion is to go in with your goals written down on paper. Sometimes when you forge ahead with a plan you can feel more empowered. Also, keep trying. Sometimes it just needs to be the right day or the right amount of sleep to get you past this step.

You could try calling the Beyond Blue support line on 1300 22 4636 and see if some support via the phone can get you over the hurdle of getting to a GP appointment. This might be enough support to get your through. It’s a free service and would be worth a try. Give them a ring in the days leading up to your next appointment.

Another option that does not need a GP referral is to try using an online support program like Mindspot. Mindspot supports people with anxiety and/or depression using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and might give you some skills and tools to self manage your symptoms as well as establish whether you need more intensive support or not. You are in touch with a health professional over the phone using this service. You can visit Mindspot at www.mindspot.org.au

There is a service developed by Beyond Blue called NewAccess. It is a free coaching program for people with symptoms of low mood and/ or worry. It is only available in some parts of Australia - you can find out if it is in your area by visiting the webpage.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

Keep posting and looking around the forum. You are not alone in having challenges with health professionals but with persistence and some additional support, you can and will find the right person.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn