Suffered with anxiety and depression since I was 12
Posted , 5 users are following.
Just after a bit advice on what to do really as I've had to change doctors after being at the same doctors since I was a child but my new surgery which I had no choice to go to due to moving wants to take me off not only my painkillers for my other issues which in my eyes isn't going to help me she's going to bedbound me but now she's on about taking me off my anti depression tablets permanently even though every time I've tried coming off I've had relapses tried to kill myself have constant nightmares of my kids being kidnapped and killed and so much more yet she's insistent to do it in 3 months and I honestly don't know what to do because I'm on my own now and if I have a breakdown I don't know what I do and I don't know how it will affect my children and the thing that caused my mental health problems in first place I'm never going to be able to get over it . Would should I do because it's really starting to scare me I'm starting to panic about it as well
1 like, 9 replies
callum151100 toni07149
Posted
With mental healthcare, I’ve found you need to be insistent. Just querying a doc’s opinion isn’t enough. You need to be prepared to (peacefully) fight your corner; you need to explain, not just tell, everything; you need to be absolutely honest.
If that all fails, is there any possibility you could get in contact with your old doctor? If they could send an email/call your new doctor and explain their take on the situation, having known you for a number of years more than your new doctor, it might change your new doctor’s outlook.
You definitely sound like the type of person who should be on anti-depressants long-term, judging by how you relapse, and you really, really need to spell that out to your doctor. Your opinion on your care has some weight. You could also seek a second opinion.
toni07149 callum151100
Posted
I did explain to her that I've come off before several times and what has happened every time I come off and the most recent one where my parnoyer and anxity got the better off me so I couldn't face going to another doctors surgery so i started having break downs again and in that time I had a family death my nan had a stroke and not even a week after my auntie's funeral my mum was in a car crash so thing's got really bad for me and if it wasnt for my social worker taken me id still be in bad way now and I've explained all of this and more and due to my problems I can only see a female doctor the other female doctor I saw her first time I was having a panic attack and getting sharp pains in my chest and she completely ignored me where this other one that wants to take me off my meds yeah ok she's sorted out my referral for the pain management team but she's causing me to panic and not really taking in what I'm saying
callum151100 toni07149
Posted
I’m really sorry to hear all this. If your doctor isn’t listening, you could contact your local care commission and make a complaint. I did and it did wonders for me, because they really listened.
As others have suggested, going to another doctor is a really viable option. You’re “entitled” (wait for Theresa May to change that!) to a second opinion on the NHS, so grab it with both hands - ANY doctor fighting your corner will be a great asset.
It’s unfortunate that this country is in a position where figures trump the actual patient. It’s true what George says, they are actually being asked by the Department of Health to try and reduce the amount of patients accessing painkillers, antidepressants, etc. (so non-essential in their eyes - i.e it won’t cause a heart attack unlike taking someone off their beta-blockers) as cost cutting. At the end of the day, consistent pain and depression/anxiety don’t stop, they’re constant, so access to the treatments that work for you (in your case, your painkillers and anti-depressants) should be consistent and constant in line with your ailments. But nope, anything to save a bit of dosh. Only when the NHS starts treating us as patients and people, not figures, will the healthcare in this country be what it needs to be.
Best of luck,
Callum.
Buggsy1978 toni07149
Posted
Hi Toni,
I’m really sorry to hear about the issues you are having.
Can I ask are you under the mental health team at all?. If not I think it would be more sensible for you to ask to be referred to the mental health team, yes I know there is a long wait in different areas, but stress to the Dr you are not happy to come off this medication and you feel suicidel at the thought of it. Tell them you want support from mental health services before she changes your antidepressants.
Regarding your pain killers, why do they feel the need to change or take you off them, if you need them and you disagree with the Dr book to see a different Dr and discuss your concerns with them.
Sadly the government are not only destroying the NHS but they are putting so much pressure on GP and other services to get people of medications and reduce targets so it makes the numbers look good, the government have no concern for our wellbeing they just want to say look at where we have saved money.
If you need a life line feel free to PM me I’m always happy to talk.
Regards
George
toni07149 Buggsy1978
Posted
I have no idea she started going on about it as she done my referral for the pain team going on about weaning me off of my painkillers even though without them I wouldn't be able to get out of bed let alone deal with my children. No im not under that at all might be worth looking into it cheers
Donna23316 toni07149
Posted
Hi Toni, sorry to read you are going through a tough time. It's no wonder you feel scared and fearful. But you know, you don't have to do anything you don't want to! I can't understand why your doctor is saying you should one off your tablets when they help you. If I were you I'd change my doctor. Is there more than one doctor within the practice? If you really can't do that then next time you see your doctor explain that at this time in your life you need your medication as it really helps you and you are just not ready. If she still insists say "I would like second opinion". She would them have to refer you to a mental health team where you would see a psychiatrist. In my experience, psychiatrists are more understanding and empathetic for obvious reason. Don't worry honey, there's things you can do. Have a plan? Message me anytime, Donna xxx
marisela06621 Donna23316
Posted
toni07149 Donna23316
Posted
This is the thing I just seem to be going round in circles I've done the psychiatrist I've done the one and one counselling I can't do group sessions due to my anxiety, they only have two female doctors at this practice and I don't feel comfortable seeing a male doctor they don't seem to be right to me I had to take my eldest to see a doctor for an emergency appointment it turned out it was a male doctor and his attitude stunk towards my daughter's issues I dread to think what there attitude would be towards mine.Even the thought of changing the doctor's surgery again terrifies me. I no if it comes to it ill have to but it still scares me and last time it took 8months before my social worker stepped in and made me. Thanks Donna that's nice of you to say that
Donna23316 toni07149
Posted
Hey tonight, you're welcome, anytime. I do understand how you feel. I think it's really great if you can find a really sympathetic doctor. One that specialises in mental health - even better! Obviously, I suppose they have to do their jobs well but I've seen some in the past that don't even make eye contact and made me feel like I'm droning on and just a neurotic woman wasting there time! There's nothing worse. Also, it's harder because it's a mental illness. You feel vulnerable and almost dependent somewhat to the doctor just giving you something to make you feel better. With mental illness, it's like, "how longs a piece of string? " not knowing how long it's going to last. It's a tricky situation to be in-it will be OK. Please keep me posted. Donna xxx