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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fi on November 29, 2004, at 11:57:24
I had a bout of serious depression in Feb, when I started to feel suicidal. I was in an inpatient unit for 3 days, then discharged without followup (the community mental health team didnt want to take me onto their books). Then it was up to my GP (family doctor) who is unfamiliar with the regular short bouts type of depression I have. After about 5 more bouts this year, I was referred to a psychiatrist by the GP as he continued to be unclear of how to manage my depression.
I went to see them last week, and they have reviewed my meds, and there is no followup (unless my GP refers me again). I dont know if this means that I dont need more specialist care/review, or whether its just that they are so overwhelmed with work (and psychotic/ suicidal people who have self-harmed are their priority).
I know that there are some UK people here, and some of you in US will think I am v lucky as you can have horrible problems getting access to care due to cost. But I was just trying to check out if this sort of experience is usual, even if you live somewhere where the services arent cracking under the strain?
Fi
Posted by slinky on November 29, 2004, at 12:50:04
In reply to Psychiatric care: is this the usual?, posted by fi on November 29, 2004, at 11:57:24
This sounds familiar..im in uk.
Your gp will send you to a psychiatric consultant to deal with meds and if the meds are ok for you then the gp will just do a repeat prescription.
If you go back to gp and say you're not better then you will see the psychiatrist again and maybe get follow up with the psychiatrist...about every 12 weeks depending on your diagnosis.
It takes years..cost first..then maybe care.It's usually not the doctors fault but they eventually get apathetic.
Posted by cubic_me on November 29, 2004, at 14:39:55
In reply to Psychiatric care: is this the usual?, posted by fi on November 29, 2004, at 11:57:24
I'm in the UK and I have had fairly good care compared to this. I went to the GP who prescribed Lustral but, when my meds weren't working and i was still suicidal, arranged an appointment with a psychiatrist (Pdoc). I have seen 5 different pdocs in the last year as they all keep leaving (due to the NHS system of rotating house officers around jobs), usually once a month. They have all been pretty useless, but at least I saw someone.
In some areas there is a huge demand for the few services that are available, but just because that is the case doesn't mean that you should suffer. You can go to your GP as often as you like to get treatment, and often there are places for people on a low income to go for free short term councelling. You could try looking on the web for them or asking your GP.
I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time. I'm training to be a psychiatrist, but I hate it that however hard I work I will not be able to help everybody like they should be helped.
Posted by Shortelise on November 30, 2004, at 13:10:52
In reply to Psychiatric care: is this the usual?, posted by fi on November 29, 2004, at 11:57:24
Fi, do you think therapy would help? I mean, would you like to be in therapy?
I just wonder if you could try, when you are feeling well, to find a therapist, either a psychiatrist or a psychologist? Could you talk with your doc, explain what goes on with you, and ask him to help you find someone, help you find a way through the system that would allow you to see someone.You may have a strong family/social network around you, and maybe you don't need anyone else. Suicidal feelings are such a ... are so dreadful, and so dangerous.
Here in Canada, in some provinces it's hard to get a psychiatrist, and your experience is common. Luckily, where I live, I can see one as needed.
Take good care.
ShortE
Posted by fi on December 2, 2004, at 11:32:09
In reply to Re: Psychiatric care: is this the usual?, posted by Shortelise on November 30, 2004, at 13:10:52
Many thanks for the message. Should have said I have tried counselling a couple of times, but thinking about it, it wasnt all that supportive. Focus on trying to find Reasons, which I dont seem to have.
Fi
Posted by fi on December 2, 2004, at 11:39:04
In reply to Re: Psychiatric care: is this the usual? » fi, posted by cubic_me on November 29, 2004, at 14:39:55
Thanks- v useful overview and help to get a sense of proportion. And reminder I can keep going back to the GP when I need to (who can re-refer).
I particularly wanted to say that you need to take care of yourself as a psychiatrist? You need to be able to feel comfortable with the idea you can never help everyone who needs it (and some will resist the help you do offer!) Its great that you are so committed to the role and its training- would be a shame if you got burnt out? Your caring attitude is great- you'll be much appreciated by most of the patients you do see.
I know the feeling of being overwhelmed from my time nursing- it was always not having enough time for patients, and sometimes not doing things that would have made a big difference. Not easy. You can only do what you have the time and energy for- and you cant do anything if you are knackered, so need to take care!
Ta lots again
Fi
Posted by fi on December 2, 2004, at 11:39:47
In reply to Re: Psychiatric care: is this the usual?, posted by slinky on November 29, 2004, at 12:50:04
Posted by Shortelise on December 7, 2004, at 14:14:53
In reply to Re: Psychiatric care: is this the usual? » Shortelise, posted by fi on December 2, 2004, at 11:32:09
What do you mean, you are "trying to find reasons"? Reasons to see a psychiatrist?
My reason was that my life was becoming unbearable and I needed help.
I hated how I felt, hated how the world appeared to me - a hostile, hateful place. And I hated myself so much.
Six years and lots of therapy later, I feel better. Much better.
Take care of yourself.
ShortE
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