Popping in to see the GP- Surely i can't be the only one whos felt like this...?

[Viola]

Went to my GP today to discuss my depression. Explained that i had been feeling high and low and possibly that i might very well have bipolar
(starting to notice things about my behaviour presently and how i dealt with stuff in the past whilst feeling high or low. It would all make sense if i was bipolar). All the doctor pretty much did is reduce my dose of citialopram down to 10mg (was on 20mg) and sent me pretty much on my way. I've seen his doctor on and off since been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and usually he has been very good and understanding. The only possible thing I think that might of came across as abit funny was that i went in feeling very anxious and i'm feeling quite 'up' today that perhaps it came across the wrong way.
Been left feeling very cold and not listened too correctly. The other doctors i have seen since being diagnosed have been either been unsympathtic or i come out feeling again as though i haven't really been listened to.  Has this happened to anyone else and what corse of action is best to take from here? Would it benefit me seeing a psychtirist on a private basis to once and for all get whats wrong with me finally sorted or should i just leave it?

[Buttercup]

Hi Viola, I've been wondering how you've been getting on.

Sorry you where treated like this, my experience was very different.  I was seeing my GP for a depression and we talked, as you do, she said that she had concerns that I was bipolar and would put in a referral.  As it happened I then flipped into a high and was referred by my GP straight away.

In terms of what you should do now.  You could pay privately but Bipolar can sometimes take a while to diagnose so could prove expensive.  I think that I would persist with the GP for a bit longer.

XXX

[Viola]

Hi Buttercup, Nice to know i have some support on here    %^%. I'm very grateful.
Yeah, perhaps your right in waiting it out abit longer. I think it might be wise.
I have to return in a fortnight as they need to monitor me for a while. Haven't been signed off work this time round as the doctor believed it might benefit me to return to work (although the thought of returning to work is doing nothing apart from making me more anxious as it majorly contributed to this recent spiral into severe depression). Again, i think it was because i went in very anxious and on an 'UP' that it gave off the wrong impression to the doctor that i was better than i'm actually feeling.
My moods have dipped abit slightly since being seen by the doctor though. I'll bring up the strong suspicion about me being bipolar again next time i'm at the doctors and see what happens.
Thanks again for your support. How are you anyway  ?

[Buttercup]

I'm not to bad, thankyou Viola 

I've had a tough few months and things aren't great great but they're not too bad and I've started doing a bit of work again.

Bipolar seems to be a funny thing to diagnose, I was lucky with my GP and I am eternally grateful but not all GP's are like that.  I'm hoping that in your case you GP will keep an eye and see how you go.  I just think it's worth pursuing a little longer. 

It might be an idea to record your mood daily in case they ask for it or just to show.

xxx

[Viola]

I hope things will gradually improve for you buttercup  . Life is pretty tough at the best of times, let alone having a mental health problem on top of it.
It did cross my mind at one point about keeping a record of my moods and presenting them to the GP. Seems a good idea and the way to go.
So, i'll start one as of tomorrow. Thanks for reminding and encouraging me  .

[Pip]

Viola, I've had similar problems with doctors.  I remember going to one doctor as I had come off anti depressants but was really struggling so went to see a doctor.  She told me that she didn't believe in prescribing anti depressants and told me to go to Relate  _-+ as they 'don't just deal with marriage problems'.  I was absolutely shocked but told her Relate wouldn't be able to help since my depression stemmed from emotional and adoption related issues.  She really didn't get it and told me it was my decision but that was the best she could suggest.       

[Viola]

Its horrid isn't pip? Getting either totally dis-interested or clueless GP's. Think the worst experience by far was when i had another GP keep on smirking at me the entire time i was explaining what i was going through, then proceeded to make harsh comments on my bad memory (its slowly starting to get better when i feel ok or 'up' but can be really bad when i'm feeling incredibly down). At the time i was feeling so awful and lost in that horrible little world that is depression that i couldn't really analise what was going on but when i'm feeling ok or 'up' i can see things far more clearly and now having time to think about it, i will in future flatly refuse to see that certain GP regarding my depression.
Today, i just felt i really wasn't listened to. It was a very quick in and out appointment and as i said in my top post, i just left feeling very cold. I wanted more things to be done and suggested but not alot happened apart from a reduction on my medication, yes you can now work and see you in a fortnight.
This was me leaving the surgery:  *^*  *^*  *^*   

[Beetzart]

I can relate to you your experiences, Viola.  It is always hit and miss with GPs.  I went to see my regular one just before christmas and told him I was feeling low, etc.  He said I had mild depression and wouldn't need anti-depressants as they are for the long haul.  I pointed out that I was already on Venlafaxine, and lithium, he looked at his screen and said 'oh yeah, so what would you like from me today then?'.  I ended up getting 28 zopiclone, thanks!  Yet the antithesis to this is when I saw a locum GP back in July.  She asked what was wrong, and I said I am very depressed, she smiled and said 'Yes, I know that, Colin, could you explain a bit more please?  She had actually read my notes before seeing me and was very helpful and very kind.  She thought I may be bipolar and increased my mirtazapine to 45 mg.  Like I say, it is pot luck.

Keep persevering, Viola, you deserve all the help available and try not to get fobbed off by ignorant GPs.  They have a duty of care to you, whatever your condition.

All the best

[Michael Frankum]

Dear Viola, I have been lucky in that the same GP surgery has helped me for most of my life. I have however had similar problems with Doctors while a day patient at a psychiatric hospital. It is a long boring story, but it culminated in a failed overdose attempt, cutting, and my immediate discharge with a prescription for a 2 month dose of all medication, and discharge notes in somebody else's name and with someone's case summary, with a completely incorrect case history.

When you can finally find a GP who understands you, cherish them. But until then, be prepared to fight to get the help you so richly deserve. Good luck, and best wishes. *()