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0 By Charlotte
12 months ago I was at work awaiting a phone call from my GP surgery about the fact my mental state had taken a nose dive. I advised them that despite feeling as bad as I did, two bouts of physical illness within the preceding month meant I had no choice but to go in. Because of the work situation the doctors were usually respectful and would call when they knew I could answer the phone. Except this day was different. They didn’t respect that boundary. They then proceeded to leave a voice message telling me there was nothing more they could do to help me. That I just needed to accept my diagnosis.
Finding a new GP
So this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had been considering changing surgery anyway but that day made me certain.
I tentatively went onto the NHS choices website and chose a surgery and one day after work I paid them a visit and registered. Two days later I phoned to make my first appointment. I asked for a double and was given an appointment 2 weeks later at a convenient time.
At this appointment it was probably too short but I brought her up to speed with respect to my physical and mental health. She stated, why are you not under any specialists and can I have all the letters you’ve had previously and I’ll request copies of the ones you’ve not got and see me in a month for a double appointment.
The litmus test
A few months after registering I had a brief relapse in my mental health. This was going to be a litmus test. A friend phoned the surgery stating that she was worried about some stuff I’ve said. The GP phoned me and said she was very worried and to see her in my next appointment. 2 days later I got a call from the reception staff saying that actually she wanted to see me in the next week. We obviously talked a bit about stuff.
A month later I had a secondary relapse and this time I phoned the surgery myself and saw a different GP. She did everything in her power to ensure I wasn’t sent to A&E or picked up by the police (despite what the crisis team wanted!)
A few weeks later I found out how different their attitudes to me when compared to my old surgery when I had a physical issue. I was not questioned endlessly about my mental health and I was given a referral.
As it should be
So things remained stable for 4 months until late November when I had a massive breakdown and found out my normal GP had gone on maternity leave (Congrats by the way). I was put in with a different doctor – I asked for one that was good with mental health.
First appointment: I find out she disagrees with the EUPD label, thinks I’m depressed and traumatised. Agrees to see me in a week
Phone call: She tells me where my boss can stick his request for a medical report
Second appointment: Let’s see how things are over Xmas and agrees to phone me in the non-week
Second phone call: agrees to start me on meds we spend half the time finding the nearest pharmacist in the middle of nowhere. And she agrees to see me in the New Year.
Third appointment: She feels meds are beginning to help agrees to increase dose and see her in a month.
Forth appointment: She feels I’m less negative, she states I should start therapy asap (once I’ve got my holiday sorted and bike fully repaired). She also pays attention that my tiredness isn’t somatic so agrees for some bloods to be sure.
Fifth appointment: pending.
Finding a good GP
In the space of a year I’ve had more care than I had in the previous 3 years. If you’re looking to change GP find out if they have a doctor with a mental health interest or experience (this could be lived). Also how often are they calling you back? Ideally until you’re stable you should be monitored regularly. Weekly at first, the biweekly, monthly and later every 2-3 months.
1in4 UK Book Store:
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I’m lucky and I know that. It took a lot of bad and mediocre doctors to get where I am now with my current doctor.
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