Looking back over the years I have seen a number of GP's (general practitioners) and have had varied experiences during my treatment cycles for Anxiety and Depression. Some have been excellent particularly my current GP who has a wealth of mental health experience and knowledge. He is always reassuring and looking to help with both medication and other healing treatments such as relaxation and CBT.
However I have also had some very bad experiences particularly from a GP who put me on 40mg of Citalopram within 5 days of starting that medication. Knowing what I do now that was really not very good! The same GP also told me to be ready for suicidal thoughts which sent my anxiety through the roof.
I have never had a single thought about harming myself or anyone else for that matter. But I do understand why doctors have to ask this question. However this particular doctor scared the hell out me and sent me into anxiety overdrive with 40mg of citalopram and sleeping pills.
The other poor experience I have found is the waiting time to see a CBT specialist or the mental health specialist teams. Often waiting over 6 months for an initial appointment. In the past medication has already made me feel normal ish again and I haven't felt the need to have these appointments once they have come up. My advice to anyone now is GO even if you are feeling much better. They can help stop the cycle of breakdown and repair that I sat in for a number of years.
But I am lucky really as I now have an excellent GP and have been given some fantastic skills to keep me on an even keel and medication free.
What are others experiences of health care both UK and further afield?
MW
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