Hi, I’m new to this website and I’m just trying to find my way around but I have a question….

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety (expressed as panic attacks). My doctor prescribed me with medication, which has steadily increased in strength over the years but the time has come to treat this problem once and for all. But there’s the problem.. my GP wont refer me to anyone and I can’t afford to pay for private treatment.

So.. does anyone have any ideas how I can find some proper treatment?

Thanks.

Hello Phil

First of all I do apologize for grammatical or spelling mistakes as English is my second language. I am also quite new to this site and I have been suffering with depression for many years. I used to go to the doctor just to get my prescription and sick note and concentrate in solving problems I had at that time. About three years ago my grown up daughter had seen me trying any possible way to beat this illness, paying for private counselling, writing a diary about how I felt and goals to achieve, doing some gardening, making an effort to socialize, etc. She was studying a medical course and she learned that the NHS does not have enough funds to refer everyone to have specialized treatment and decided to came with me to talk to my doctor and I realized the lady doctor sympathized a lot better with her than myself and I got referred to a Psychiatrist and then to the Mental Health Team. Had I carry on going to see the doctor on my own I think I would not have had that help.

My suggestion would be ask a member of your family or a friend to go with you to see your doctor and perhaps it could work for you as well. Carry on writing in this forum, there are wonderful people who would understand what you are going through and for what I have read, are willing to support others how they can. I hope this help and I wish you the best.

Cristal

You have to be kidding, I assume you mean councelling? - and your GP wont refer you? I’m know doctor but I would suggest you need to see another one and ask for a second opinion - you’re quite entitled to. I know they are under funded and you may have to wait but even so it’s worth doing.

Another option is to contact MIND http://www.mind.org.uk/. You will have somewhere nearby and they offer - free of charge - counseling and group therapy. I have been to several different councellors and not all will work for you. Some of them, like anyone in life may just not click with you and some others can read you like a book and offer fantastic support.

The lady I met with at MIND last week seemed very intuitive and gave me great comfort.

I have found it quite therapeutic just keying in how I feel at a particular time on this site - even if I do waffle it doesn’t matter, and if someone replies back it’s quite a bonus - but obviously it’s nothing personal if you don’t get a reply.

I wish you well -  Steve

I am very shocked that your doctor would not refer you on and I would have asked why.

I would either ask another doctor to refer you or if this is not an option, I would ring Mindinfoline 0845 766 0163 or saneline: 0845 767 8000

or Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hour)

It is important to be able to talk to someone to decipher your feelings and know you are not alone. 

There are always some forms of counselling or therapies that should be available in your area and I would push to get these and if you cant push, then get a friend to push for you.

I know the frustration alone can drive you to despair, but hang in there, there are always people that do care and can help.

Love Greenlady

Have you ever thought about Hypnotherapy as a healing process for your panic attacks and to help with your depression.

you do not need a referral for this kind of therapy

Just a thought

Love Greenlady

You can take some proper treatment means to get antidepressant medications for your depression problem. Your doctor prescribed medication, then follow to it. I have been using Cymbalta for about 3 months. I feel great success with Cymbalta. Cymbalta is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and this medicine works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain. Manage your depression and feel happy to live.

Hypnotherapy has worked for some of my friends with depression. When I was trained as a hypnotherapist my trainer said you should always advise a person to see their doctor the doctor being the paramount professional. However it is a nice therapy and some of my dearest friends have enjoyed the therapy along side taking medication. Some hynotherapists refuse to see people with depression yet it is one among many of a beautiful self esteem boosting process. Its not barbaric like stage hypnosis it is a gentle relaxing therapy whereby the hypnotists fills the clients sub concious mind with ego strenthening suggestions. A professional hypnotherapist would always advocaat the client seek the help of professional counsel and that would be a phychiatrist who would has been studying medicine and phychiatry. Chloe Xx