Medication forever
Posted , 3 users are following.
I have had problems with my head on and off all my life however around 7 years ago they started to get really bad and now I take a high dose of medication which I have been doing for years now. I get side effects and I always thought the side effects were the better option. I have recently been thinking though, is this it now? My GP keeps saying all he can do is refer me to a mental health team who for reasons I have I really do not like, seriously deeply do not like to the point that I am not going back, they are really unfair in the way they treat certain groups of people but this seems to be the only option he has. I don't have any money so I can not get a private Dr and I don't have things like parents and stuff to ask to help me. So I thought what is the strategy here? I get repeat prescriptions and when I go to my GP for reviews all they do is ask me if I am going to hurt myself again. They just tick their little boxes and off I go for months. So I tapered off the meds, not completely, and now I am awful, I was right it was better when I was taking the full dose. I keep hearing voices, I am so depressed and unhappy. I think dreadfull thoughts all the time. I keep thinking people are talking about me and doing stuff to me. So I have to start taking the tablets again. Every day , nothing changes. Is this normal for the NHS to do this to people. Surely this can not go on.
0 likes, 3 replies
lucy1969 Ralph_
Posted
Hi Ralph
I'm sorry you're in such a bad place right now. NHS GPs have limited knowledge on mental health issues, it's only a very small part of their training unfortunately. This is why anyone with more than just mild depression they'll always try to refer to the mental health team.
It seems to me that you have two options here - one is to go back on the meds you were on before. The second is to agree to a referral to mental health services and see if this time they can help more than last.
Like you, I'm currently trying to weigh up the benefits of medication against the side effects. I've been told I'll probably need medication for life but I'm really struggling with the side effects. But equally I'm in a fairly good place mentally again right now and don't want to go downhill again. It's a really difficult place to be so I can really empathize with you.
Mental health services can be hit and miss in the NHS. I've had some horrible experiences but also some incredibly good ones. My current CPN is amazing and I go to an excellent group therapy that's really helping. Also if you're under the CMHT you will have access to a psychiatrist and a larger range of drugs which may be better for you. Do you think this is something you would consider?
Ralph_ lucy1969
Posted
Thank you. I do not have any kind of care plan. I was under the mental health team and they used to see me and monitor my meds. They sent me to this place to get diagnosed and as soon as I got the diagnosis they discharged me and said they are not allowed to treat people with my diagnosis and the last time I saw them was because the A&E reffered me but she said she was not going to treat me again because of this. I had really hurt myself and I keep feeling alone so much. I am old enough to know when someone hates me. I am pleased you have a CPN. You will probably disagree with me, its cool if you do, but I just don't think the world is sympathetic to men.
Zara.zoey Ralph_
Posted
It is hard to find a good empathetic mental health doctor. However, you should not neglect it at all! Keep looking for one.