My dad refuses to help me on my way to get antidepressants, and thinks I'm just "chasing pills"

[phoenix.stirlingite]

The GP that I go to that can supply help and medication is impossible to get to without my dad driving me there, because I would otherwise have to travel on public transport with my emotionally-abusive mother, and I'm definitely not mentally strong enough to handle that right now. I messaged my dad about a month ago and asked if he could help me get to a conveniently-available appointment time that was a day or two after all this happened. He refused to help, and believe that I'm just "chasing pills" and "I don't really want help". I just want to get better, but he refuses to help me with this unless I want to get better in a way he sees fit. I really need help on how to talk to him and how to deal with this, because it's really been mentally damaging me ever since that conversation happened

[Juliet_84]

Hi Phoenix,

I'm unsure how old you are or your circumstances, but do you have to go with either of them? Is there an option to catch the bus on your own, or maybe an uber, or a friend can take you? Some places even have free shuttles that operate nearby. I just know that my mum used to always insist on taking me everywhere and then the morning would be so difficult that I would always arrive in a state to things that were important to me. If your parents are unsupportive, I don't see that as changing, but you can distance yourself from it which makes life more tolerable for you.

[geoff]

hi Phoenix, this is a huge problem for you which must be so frustrating and rather annoying that this has to happen.
All you are asking for is for your father to help you, certainly your mum is out of the question, but now you have to try and ask someone who is over age and related to you to help you out, take you to the appointments and get the prescribed medication.
This is very important that you try and do this and just like Juliet has said bypass your parents, but make sure that you hide your medication where they won't be able to find it, because if they do they will throw it out, and this will upset you. Geoff.

[Dr_Kim]

Hi Phoenix,
 
It is great that you are investing in looking after yourself. Go you! 

I guess the question is how you do that when you are not getting what you feel is the right support from your parents.

Maybe think about these things…

1. Try to get a health professional that is easier for you to access. It may be that you can find another GP close to your school that you can walk to,  or to your friend or to your house ... or go to a Headspace Centre . (They are usually close to public transport)
Are you able to take public transport with a friend or other family member ? Are you allowed to take it alone under any circumstances?

2. Is it at all possible to try go to the doctor with your mum if your dad won’t take you but have strategies to make it an easier journey ( like headphones in your ears or taking a friend with you ) ? When you get there, would the GP have any chance to maybe have a chat with you AND your mum to maybe allow you to take public transport there by yourself? 

3. Go to a GP WITH your dad ( he can choose one that he wants if it the only way this will happen!) and explain in front of the GP how you feel. That you feel that you want help and you are willing to have a discussion with him but its hard when you feel that he invalidates everything that you try and only feels his way is right for you. It is important to listen to WHY he thinks that. Did he have a bad experience with medications at some point ? Does he feel worried for you being on them ? Does he not understand the reasons you feel they are necessary for you ? If you can understand why he is so worried and stuck on his way , then maybe you won’t be so upset by it. 

The GP hopefully can explain some of the reasons to your dad and maybe can explain some of your dads worries to you. I hope that way you BOTH can feel a bit better that you can understand one another positions. 

I know that none of these options are perfect but maybe they might help you to get some movement in the stuck situation.