doctors no help at all

cloudedmind · 13-09-2012, 12:34 AM

I am 17 and on a few occasions have gone to my doctor about depression. The first time they did some questionnaires and then said come back in two weeks, so I did and I repeated the same thing. Got told I had depression even though I have known for 5 years. Referred but the people said I wasn't priority enough so rejected me, and closed my previous counselling file. Told also can't have pills am too young (this is not true according to the law). Few months later I go back. They tell me I came in December when it was actually march. Then ask me what I want them to do to help, which was reay unnecessary to be honest. Then gave me a leaflet for a counselling service that I soon found out no longer exists. Referred myself to a different service but plan to go back to the doctors, in the hope of pills as the counselling hasn't got hold of me yet and I feel as though right now pills are necessary. Any advice on what to do/say and how best to help myself?

Wonderland. · 15-09-2012, 12:17 AM

I'm sorry that you have not found the doctors to be very helpful or understanding.

I think you need to reiterate how much you are struggling and that you feel medication may be the route to go down. Out of interest have you spoken with your counsellor about going on medication, if so what does he/she think about it?

The thing with counselling is that it is a long process, things are not going to change overnight, you need to persevere with it, you may find the doctors will want you to carry on with the counselling a bit longer till they decide to put you one meds.

Take care.
Amy x

Eccentrics · 15-09-2012, 12:55 AM

Hello hun,

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I'm in a very similar situation as you: been to the doctors numerous times only to be referred to counsellors and refused medication due to my age. (Even though I, too, feel it is very much needed right now.)

The waiting lists for counselling can be pretty long sometimes, the longest I had to wait 6-7 months once, but I assure you this is a worst-case scenario! It very much depends on which service you have been referred to. Do you know the name of it? If you feel like you need help sooner, I think going back and stressing how much this affecting you would be your best bet, and asking if they can prioritise you on the waiting list.

I'd advise you to try counselling first, as it can really help and be beneficial to some people. Everyone reacts different to different kinds of help, and that's the same for both medication and therapies. If you've already tried counselling however, and found it didn't help you, you could also ask to be referred to a different kind of therapy, or a psychiatrist who might be able to dig deeper and offer more pathways in terms of treatment. Your GP may be reluctant to do this though until you've tried counselling, or unless your depression severly worsens.

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice about the medication, but I'm in the same dilemma as you with that so I can completely relate. <3

I hope you get the help you need :)
~ Holly <3

nowhereman · 15-09-2012, 01:49 AM

I've had similar problem with getting help with derealisation (feelings of unreality). First I was sent to an interview for a stress management course. I was told by the psychologist there that I wasn't suitable for it and she would recommend one to one psychotherapy. I then waited 8 months on a waiting list for this (while my day to day living was impaired by it) only then to be told I was psychotic and wouldn't be able for the psychotherapy. The "psychosis" only lasted a day, but therapy was never mentioned again. So I understand your frustration. Luckily one medication I was put on has helped enormously and ow I rarely get episodes. So don't give up hope, keep telling them and telling them until they actually do something.

sunshine100 · 15-09-2012, 10:34 PM

I can see why you'd want to give up on the NHS, but you're doing the right thing. You've been given some great advice - you have to make them understand how difficult everything is. If you SH, and I know it's such a difficult thing to open up about, I would mention it as maybe then they'd get a better idea of where you're at.

Only other thing that may help is ensuring you have a good support network around you.