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How do I get my doctor to take me seriously?

Posted , 4 users are following.

helloworld54288
helloworld54288

I've never had a good experience with my doctors. They always brush me under the carpet and never actually seem to do anything about my anxiety.

I went last year, because I had a major relapse and I nearly had a breakdown. I lost a stone in weight, had no sleep and started to grow paranoid and extremely nervous all the time. I was so scared that it was going to turn into a psychosis. I started to self medicate with my mums sertraline at this point. This was when I thought I'd finally get some help but once again I was just brushed aside, told to write it down or try meditation. I tried these, did nothing whatsoever. Tried to make another appointment, got too scared. I continued to self medicate but now I've stopped them as it became another source of anxiety.

Now I'm having an awful time. Like last time. Only this time it's seeming to get worse. I'm having mini panic attacks, and I'm terrified to go to sleep as it just makes me feel unsafe, as when I do I have utterly bizarre dreams that wake me up feeling breathless and scared. I'm crying all the time and every morning I wake up shaking or highly anxious. I've suffered from long bouts of depersonalisation that scare the heck out of me as they come from nowhere. I'm snapping at people and losing my patience easily. I'm scared that when I go to see my doctor in two weeks, they'll just try to fob me off again. But I know I need help. Whether it's from pills or from some form of counselling, I can't go on like this much longer. It's taking over my life and even people at work have started to notice sad

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • chris219
    chris219 helloworld54288

    Posted

    Tell your doctor that your work is being affected & your having to take time off! Do not take the antidepressant Paxil! I've been on it for 25 years and can't come off it! Ask your doctor if you could try Citalopram 20mg, it's a less harsh drug than seroxat! Your doctor is obliged to treat your illness! Diazepam would also help with anxiety!

    Daily exercise like cycling or running also help! I know there's days when physicality you can't! If you want any info on antidepressants please feel free to ask me! After 25 years using them I know all about the pros and cons of anxiety medication!

    • helloworld54288
      helloworld54288 chris219

      Posted

      Thank you! It's just getting the motivation to do anything. I'm just so run down and tired most days that I just want to sleep.
  • New85
    New85 helloworld54288

    Posted

    This is awful! Is your next appointment with a different doctor to the one you saw before? Make sure you go either way, you just need to keep pushing. But if you get fobbed off again, try asking for one who specialises or at least has an interest in anxiety. Hope you find the help you need x
    • helloworld54288
      helloworld54288 New85

      Posted

      I will try that! I felt like even saying that they're not taking me seriously but I don't have the nerve.
  • Louisaluvsrio
    Louisaluvsrio helloworld54288

    Posted

    I can see you have had a couple of helpful replies. The doctor should not be fobbing you off with rubbish about meditation. Idiot!

    I went to a doctor 20 years ago and he sat there and laughed at me. I remember thinking 'what am I going to do?'

    Is it possible you could change your GP?

    Citolapram is good for depression and panic. I'm sure you would feel better if you had support from a doctor which you are clearly not getting.

    Don't give up. Phone all the helplines you can but I never call the samaritans because all they do is listen and not give advice. After an hour your phone bill is higher.

    Best of luck. Remember we are all thinking of you.

    • helloworld54288
      helloworld54288 Louisaluvsrio

      Posted

      Thank you! It's once to have so many people who understand. I tried Samaritans before but I used the email service as I can't use the phone and it just didn't jp. I still came away from it anxious and depressed, though they are an amazing service!

      How would I go about telling my doctors I think I need meds?

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