I think I'm going to stop seeing the CMHT and my GP
 

Just back from my 2nd assessment appointment, and a little annoyed. I found it quite upsetting to be told that I don't have severe depression. I'm not sure what was gained by telling me that - just seems to belittle my problems.

I was told anxiety was my main problem (I think the depression is) and was told that I should have CBT and then Pyscotherapy when I'm a bit better. Only problem is there is no therapist, and the CBT waiting list is 2+ years long, and not moving (no one is getting CBT). No CBT and no Pyscotherapy.

I've been prescribed Efexor, but I'm hesitant to try it as I've had negative reactions to the three medications I've tried previously.

I'm in AA now, and to be honest I think I've got more chance of recovering from my problems in thier than with the help of the CMHT and my GP.

I can't remember the last time I had an appointment with any of them that didn't leave me feeling worse than before.

I don't think I'll take the medication, and if I've not got worse in the two months before my next appointment, I'll ask them to discharge me.

Don't know what to say, cause I don't get this whole medical thing in the UK...sounds pretty f***ed.
I think that often severe anxiety leads to bouts of depression, severe or not, which only complicates plain old depression and makes it hard to diagnose, I think. I hope that you can find the help you need. It's good that you at least have the group therapy of AA, even if they can't help you with your depression. I wish I could help you, but I can only offer my support and prayers.

*hugs*

D'Arcy

So I found this...don't know much about it, but it looks like a good resource. This website specializes in psychiatric consultation regarding second opinions, meds, and other questions you need to ask. The prices are going to be incredibly cheap for you...I think it works out to be about $10 when we would have to pay $35, because of the near-worthlessness of the dollar to the pound :(.

http://www.etherapistsonline.com/the...ychiatrist.htm

Anyway, not forcing anything on you...just a resource. Hope all goes well and keep us updated, eh? Don't despair, there's always a way out.

D'Arcy

I really don't know about the medication. My deciding factor is wether or not it'll affect my weight or my appetite. I suppose I could try it, and if it affects either I can insist on coming off them. I really don't know. I had so much hope the last 3 times I was prescribed medication. I don't feel I can trust them anymore though.

hun i know how you feel, my assessments were a nightmare they made me feel so so much worse, the mental health nurse i saw (on two different occasions) told me that i didnt fit the profile for selfharm because it wasnt caused by a major traumatic event and i hadnt been abused, well that just mademe feel like absolute ****...well i guessif i dont fit the profile i must be really ok, and just making it all up...yeah right
but there is light hun, things can and will get better
just keep fighting, dont give in
here anytime to chat
love lora xxx

Well, I've decided to start taking the Effexor XL. Shall wait and see what happens.

Hi
I'm sorry about all the worries you've been having over your illness. If you feel that you are depressed then you know best about your own body. Effexor is a good antidepressant, at least it was for me so I am glad that you felt able to try it.

Let us know how you get on
xxx
hammy

Only taken the one tablet, but feel really spaced out, very weird feeling. Is this normal with effexor or other antidepressants? I just want to go and lie down.

I'm sorry I cant remember how I felt with my first dose of effexor.

Have they started you on low dose and working you up? Starting someone on a high dose can sometimes have that effect. If you're worried, dont hesitate to chat to the doc.

take care
xxx

im on effexor for me the only side affect is if i dnt take it (my lack of organisation.. forgeting perscriptions, not book doc etc) i get twinges in my extremities (hands/feet) and behind my eyes

i did not feel drowsy but in a hyper mood i gave a tablet to each of my flatmates thinking it would be 'fun' one went straight to bed and the other moaned it was like 'greening out' (pulling a whitey) so there may be side affects for others

I just wanted to let you know a couple of things - firstly, were you honest with them? Cos I know in the past I've said 'I don't know, I'm alright' and gone along with things I knew weren't accurate cos it was easier.

Because of this I was also told that I was doing much better - my new doctor says I'm obviously at rock bottom so go figure!!

The other thing to consider is that they want you on meds first and CBT later, because you need to be well enough to really throw yourself at therapy or you wont get the most out of it.

Just my tuppence worth anyway :)

I was completely honest with them, which was difficult. Perhaps I'm not as ill as I thought I was.

Unforunately, there is no CBT therapist in my area, so it looks like it'll be a few years before I'm able to do that. I may ask to have pyscotherapy in the mean time, when I'm up to it.

I've been on the new meds a few days, and I've got lots of weird side effects. Some good, some bad. I don't know if I've made the right descision. Oh well.

Give the meds a few weeks. I know I resisted going on meds a few years ago (I've been on them successfully at points), but if you've started them you may as well give them a fair chance, which does mean waiting maybe a month or so to see how you are then.

It sucks how there aren't enough psychs and associated people around on the nhs, I've been told there's a 2 year wainting list where I am, so it's country-wide I think!

My opinion is, give the meds a chance and keep in close contact with your gp regarding dosage and type of medication too, cos as you've found, it does can take a while to find the right type for yuo.

Good luck x