View Full Version : Why don't GP's help people with Anxiety?
Sorry, but it really annoys me. Thousands of people probably suffering and when you go to the GP, they just look at you as if you are a Mad person and say; 'You've got Anxiety Disorder'. You look back for advice on what to do next and they say nothing. You leave the room thinking, what do I do now. Oh yes, you can go on the waiting list for Therapy which has a 6 months waiting list. You don't get any information on it, no list of symptoms that you may experience, no guidance or how to cope with it. So people go away, jump on the computer, search Google for symptoms, then get more anxious that they have some other debilitating disease, then get depressed, don't know what to do with themselves but checking their bodily functions every 5 minutes, stop going out, stop living, more depression, more symptoms, then the confidence has completely gone and so on and so on. Until you come to this Site. Best thing I ever did. We have to all work together and we will all get better. Time is a Healer!!!!:shrug:
I have to say that my GP's have been excellent as far as my anxiety is concerned. I guess it depends on the GP some understand it better than others.
It doesn't make it any easier when you are restricted to a 5 minute consultation. One Doctor was looking at her wrist watch all of the 5 minutes I was there and then said to me; 'Is there anything else, because your time is nearly up'. Maybe I was just unlucky.:huh:
Really?! That is shocking! We get 15 minutes and they don't mind if it takes longer.
I think the one of the biggest problems is actually getting an appointment these days. Every time anyone I know, including myself, tries to book an appointment there's at least a 3 week waiting period. I was once even told I could not have an emergency appointment because the doctor was only seeing people with coughs & colds that day. Ridiculous.
I have just booked an appointment and the earliest I can get is 5th June. We can phone on the day for emergency appointments though.
NE21 worrier
25-05-14, 19:14
Yes, I agree with Annie that it depends on the individual GP and I would suggest changing GP if yours is not understanding of your issues.
Like Annie, I am fortunate to belong to a GP practice which has a couple of very good GPs and, over the past couple of years, I've visited them twice in such states that I've not been able to get anything coherent out in five minutes. Thankfully, I've been given as long as I needed (within reason) to explain exactly where I was at.
The only issue is appointments - it sometimes feels as if you have to call at 8.15am on the spot to get in the queue for that day - but when you're up all night with anxiety like I am at my worst, calling at 8.15 becomes an eventual blessing, to be honest.
Take care,
Peter :)
My doctor's thick and looks like Elmer Fudd. The more someone gets paid, the more remote they are from other peoples' feelings... and generally, the less worthy they seem to be.
In the U.S. I've come across too many doctors who work out of their university textbook. Naturally, doctors need a set system to doing things but it seems that if you're an exception to the rule of a diagnosis, they don't have any idea what to do with you. If your symptoms aren't exactly as laid out in the textbook, they haven't really a clue.
There's also a marked difference between older doctors and young ones right out of training. Younger doctors are eager but they don't have the experience. The older ones have the experience but are often burnt out or can't be bothered listening to you. :mad:
This might be a different situation from the UK, I'm not familiar with the workings of NHS. I do know that if you're fortunate enough to have health insurance here (millions still do not, which IMO is criminal for a civilized country), you do have a wide array of doctors to choose from. Still, the really good ones are hard to find.
This really should be titled:
"Why don't 'some' GP's help people with Anxiety?"
Not all doctors are created equal. Finding one that you trust can have a good relationship with is important regardless of anxiety.
Trust is the key especially in instances of anxiety and HA. Once you begin to doubt their word and expertise, I believe, that level of trust and rapport is diminished whether it's consciously or not. If you're visiting your GP several times a month for physical symptoms that are due to anxiety, of course there will be a level of indifference that will develop IMO.
How many posts have you seen where the poster feels they're being "fobbed off"? Why do you think that is? I believe that plays a part in the OP's question.
On the other hand, a patient that openly discusses their anxiety with their GP, asks for referrals, follows a plan for medication and makes an effort to work on themselves garners better overall care. When I went to my GP about "scanxiety", she took the time to ask questions and devise a game plan that suited me, both with meds when needed and self help that has proven effective. I had already been using some of the CBT techniques found here with the free download and she was 100% on board with that.
Think of it this way. If your doctors says to take this or that medication, get some daily exercise and practice doing "this" or "that" and you do it, then you stand a great chance of getting better. If you go back with the same ailment and haven't been doing what's been recommended, they'll know it and how do you expect them to respond?
I've just been told I have to do swallowing exercises for the rest of my life or I stand the chance of losing the ability to do so. So I have a choice, do it and keep things going or not do it and don't bitch if it happens. The consequences of not following their advice are a lot more difficult to deal with than the exercises themselves!
Believe me, when your doc says "Don't Google" they'll know full well you have the next time you go to them with an ailment that affects .001% of the population.
I feel it's combination of circumstances that result in a poor patient/doctor relationship. In the case of anxiety and HA, I feel the weakness falls more on the patient in many cases. As with my situation and cancer, I had an amazing team of doctors. At the same time, I had to be my own advocate concerning treatment and relief of symptoms. They can't always read your mind and you have to do things on your behalf to help them help you. Be your own advocate. Speak openly about your anxiety and how it's affecting you. Ask for help, referrals and then LISTEN and FOLLOW THROUGH. The worst that can happen is you get better.
Positive thoughts
Rennie1989
25-05-14, 20:36
I have learnt that, after experiencing health care services from three different doctors surgeries, that it really depends on the surgery that you're with and the doctor. When I saw the nurse to register at my current doctors surgery she was actually concerned that I was getting no treatment for my anxiety and depression and told me to book an appointment, when I did I specifically asked for a doctor who specialised in mental health. When I saw him and told him my current situation he took what I said seriously, including what medication I had been on and what they did to me, and prescribed me the medication that has been a miracle to me. My last surgery didn't give two hoots that I reacted badly to citalopram and still went ahead and prescribed it to me and ignored my cries for help. Fortunately I did get the CBT that I needed. The surgery before that one was a nightmare and they turned me away despite showing signs of self harm and suicide and put me on medication that hindered my health to the point where I was almost admitted!!!
I have learnt that it also depends on the trust that your post code happens to come under. My first surgery had waiting lists for CBT and counselling over a year long, the second I had to wait for 10 months for CBT (despite having SEVERE anxiety and depression) that was charity run and NHS funded. I am still on a waiting list for counselling in this trust but, from experience, am not holding up hope.
The fundamental problems are that 1) there is little emphasis on mental illnesses being as serious as they are on a national basis 2) mental health services are massively underfunded 3) with budget problems the money is prioritised to primary care of physical illnesses 4) doctors and surgeries have targets of getting certain physical complaints seen and diagnosed in a time frame that mental illnesses get forgotten and 5) because mental health services are underfunded with long waiting lists people with the most serious mental health problems (Suicide, anorexia nervosa and bulimia where the person is close to death, scitzophrenia, personality disorders, Bipolar etc) are priority to be seen and treated first. It does seem to be down to pure luck that you get a doctor that can sympathise with you and get you the help and monitoring that you need.
This is no way an excuse, doctors should be sympathetic to all patients regardless of their problems, their Hippocratic oath after all states that they cannot ignore anybody in need of medical help. Mental health charities are trying to educate doctors on how to address a patient with mental health problems like anxiety and depressive disorders, but it is a work in progress.
Because they are d##ks!
Sorry but I think it is very unfair to say that, it certainly has not been the case with my doctors who have even come out to my home when I have been at my worst and spent over an hour with me. I can not praise them enough.
Sorry but I think it is very unfair to say that, it certainly has not been the case with my doctors who have even come out to my home when I have been at my worst and spent over an hour with me. I can not praise them enough.
Because some are d##ks....
Is that better hun....
I'm so pleased you have had a great experience that's half the recovery having great doctors...
When mine first started my doctor (who specializes in mental health) couldn't do enough for me was fantastic....now it's like he doesn't give a s@@t now of them do xxx
I feel sad for those who don't have understanding Gp's. I am lucky to be in an area with good mental health care. xx
Booboojenny
25-05-14, 21:29
Hi Guys...I also find it hard to book an appointment on the day unless it is an emergency but!!! I can get a phone appointment with my doctor on the day which is great and I prefer it than sitting down the health centre looking like crap when I haven't washed my hair or brushed it all week.
My GP changes my prescription over the phone, prescribes meds and writes me sick notes all I have to do is go down at some point and pick them up or ask a friend, I find we talk for longer too approx 30mins...thought this may help some people who find it hard to get out too. :)))
ankietyjoe
25-05-14, 22:31
It's probably also important to understand that there is no one single straightforward solution to anxiety. It's a complex ailment with a number of possible treatments that depends as much on the commitment and effort of the patient as the ability of the medical professional to treat them.
nomorepanic
25-05-14, 23:07
We all have to do self-help as well as rely on doctor's for help and a "cure".
I wonder how many people actually look after their own health like they should.
Rennie1989
25-05-14, 23:10
Couldn't agree more with Nic (nomorepanic).
We are all too focused on a quick, medical fix that we forget that we need to look after our bodies. If we don't sleep, eat, relax, play and work properly then it is no wonder why we are in the states that we are in. A healthy body = a healthy mind.
That is what I have learnt whilst battling against deep depression when help was not around from anywhere or anyone. If nobody can or will help you then you have to begin helping yourself (which you should do anyway).
Catherine S
25-05-14, 23:16
Took the words Nicola. Perhaps some doctors, once we've had all the negative results, think we should then take steps to find a way to get help elsewhere, such as a forum like this. I guess because they aren't psychiatrists, they are medical doctors. They can refer us to therapists if they think we need it but that's about it really, and they deal with people with genuine physical conditions which is more their thing.
Those of us who have sympathetic GPs who will listen to us instead of dismissing us are very lucky because its not really their field when you think about it.
ISB x
I'm sorry I have to disagree....
In my mind you're are saying we do this to ourselfs and we can only get better by what we do...doctors can't help us....
If you had a patient say with a 'normal illness' it'd be fine for them to go to doctors..why not us...
I've never felt so wrong as some of the stuff I've read on here has made me feel....I aren't doing something right eating right working right...
I've only had this for 5 years not as long as some people granted but to me it's seemed forever....I've tried everything and I mean everything and it always comes back...there's nothing that triggers it...or did trigger it it just happened xxx
Hi ANNIE0904, you seem to be one of the lucky ones. The first Doctor I saw diagnosed me in less than 5 minutes, when I had not even finished telling her all of my symptoms, without a blood test or examination, just a blood pressure test. Left me feeling very deflated. She told me to book a double appointment next time, (ten minutes), which I then had to wait two weeks for. Spent the two weeks crying constantly, which then gave me more symptoms, and more Googling. I am not trying to put Doctors down, because I know there are good ones around and there is pressure with appointments with the ever growing population. But, I wonder if they take this Anxiety as serious as it feels? Most people I speak to don't really understand when you tell them about Anxiety or Panic Attacks. They compare it to not getting home on time to watching Coronation Street or Anxious about buying a new pair of shoes. A lot of sufferers also have other issues as well, such as a serious illness, Car Accident, Bereavement, so they have double bubble. Someone should probably open a Clinic just for Anxiety Sufferers, I believe there is enough of us. By the way, Love the Cat, big Cat Lover and so good for Anxiety Sufferers.
Catherine S
25-05-14, 23:35
So not happy here then cookie?
I think you know what we're trying to say. So, tell us...what do you expect your doctor, who has no mental health training at all...do for us beyond listening to us, doing the tests, getting negative physical results, suggesting therapy and prescribing meds. Where do they go from there...enlighten us.
But take good note...never ever dismiss this forum, its a lifeline to so many people who have nowhere else to turn. If you don't like what you read here then.....
He is actually trained in mental health xxx
nomorepanic
25-05-14, 23:36
If you don't trust your doctor or aren't happy with the way you are treated then you have to take control of your own life as well.
I spent years doing self-help as I waited for CBT referrals. I didn't just sit around and complain cos the system was letting me down. I read and researched and did all I could to help myself. Relaxation, meditation, reiki, hypnotherapy, exposure therapy etc.
There is no point complaining about the NHS system - sometimes you just have to get on with it yourself and do all you can.
I was put on the NHS waiting list for CBT 3 years ago - never heard anything and I was put on the waiting list for counselling back in October 2013 - never heard anything but I don't complain - I guess I just get on with it the best I can.
When I have needed serious medical help it has been there for me but when I need mental health help I just do my own thing to be honest as what else can we do?
If I you the answer to your question do you still think I would be living within this hell....do you not think I'd tell the world that xxx
nomorepanic
25-05-14, 23:42
cookie - you have to take control sometimes and look after yourself if you feel the NHS is letting you down. It can be done I promise
Catherine S
25-05-14, 23:42
If your doctor is trained in mental health then he should be helping you and I sympathise if he isn't, but that's unusual since most family doctors aren't, which is why they refer us to doctors who know more about these issues...supposedly.
Hi Guys, Please don't get upset over this. Most of us are all trying our upmost to turn our lives around and get help and it is good to discuss and help each other. I just wanted to know if anyone else had the cold shoulder like me. Being Paranoid as well, it tends to make you feel worthless. Both Surgeries I went had a GP that dealt with Mental illness, but you couldn't get an appointment with them, because they were so booked up! I just feel it is quite a serious situation and when I was at my lowest, I told someone just take me to a mental institution because my Mind and Body is out of Control. I couldn't walk properly, speak properly, eat, drink, sleep, wash, dress, I felt like a living corpse. I was so scared and it was only my strong will and determination to fight has made me alive again. My Father was dying at the time as well and I had to desert him, which made me feel even more dreadful. I wasn't even well enough to visit him in Hospital. When I told the Doctors I wasn't capable to pay a visit, they said. 'OH, so you're not coming then?'. It made me feel awful and they didn't understand how I felt and couldn't physically get in the Car and go. Maybe they should have some GP's that have suffered with Anxiety themselves? Sorry to go on, not after sympathy, just concerned about the way us sufferers are dealt with and how it affects our day-today lives.:weep:
Catherine S
26-05-14, 00:22
Have you been diagnosed with depression rather than an anxiety condition, and if so are you on meds for this?
nomorepanic
26-05-14, 00:44
so what self help are you doing?
Therapy, Massage, Yoga, Relaxation, Diet Change, Life Style Change, Exercise, Walking, Reading, off-loaded workload, Breathing Exercises, Drawing, better Time Management; probably some I can't think of. I improved within weeks. Still suffer symptoms, but can lead a better Life. My Life before was Bad and I knew it, ignored it and I collapsed because of it. I listen to my Body now and act accordingly. By the way, taking NO MEDS! Nothing was given to me, I did it all myself, I wanted to get better and I think that's half the battle??
Catherine S
26-05-14, 01:11
So...your point about family doctors is......?
Exactly! What was the Point?
Katie_cupcakes
31-05-14, 00:28
I was getting annoyed about this as well the other day. Like when a Dr says 'its just anxiety' ...as if its nothing.
But I suppose drs studied medicine and the human body. And mental health and pyscology is something totally different. I don't think a lot of doctors really understand mental health to much of an extent. Sadly there isn't much help on this country for me talk problems (in my experience anyway)
I met someone last weekend who was over from america visiting family here. I asked him what he does and he said he is a psychiatrist. Despite not suffering himself, he had such an extensive understanding of mental health, and told the most fascinating stories. I was so sad that the first person I had finally come across who understood exactly how I felt, and who would know exactly how to help me, was from America over on his holidays for a week!
At Last, found a good Doctor. Had blood tests for nearly everything, and chest X.Ray. I know I have Anxiety, but its that Mind thing that thinks you have something else and it does put your Mind at rest. I have done quite well on my own, but I know I am not cured and have no idea when It will be, but at least I have found a Doctor that gave me longer than 5 mins and is doing something for me.
I would suggest to any of you that have the cold shoulder treatment, to keep trying different Doctors until you find one that you are happy with and is taking notice of you. :yesyes:
Now I am just left with being Anxious about the results, but I need to know for peace of mind.:ohmy:
I spent most of yesterday in A and E,with my anxiety sky high,and desperate to talk to someone.
I eventually met a lovely person from the crisis support team,who listened to me as I sobbed,and talked a lot of things through with me.
I said how unsupported I felt between appts with my psychiatrist, and my GP and he agreed that I have been left high and dry,and is now writing to the local support team to strongly recommend that they see me more often,and for another review of my meds.
He's also given me some info on a local women's support group,with lots of different things to offer,that might help in the meantime.
I feel like a flannel that's been wrung out today,but I'm glad I went.
Its awful that you have to keep banging on doors like this when you're feeling so rough anyway,but there we are.
My GPs are nice enough,but with limited funding,and long waiting lists,there's only so much they can do.
Please wish me luck.
Sorry to hear you were in A & E Aprilmoon,
I think for most us, having someone to talk to or listen to us is a huge help. I have to be doing something nearly all of the time, because my brain is so overactive. I've taken to coming on this Site most evenings and is seems to help me sleep better at night. I can also watch TV at the same time, but as I've said before, us Women are used to multi-tasking.
I think you have to feel you can trust your GP/Therapist and they need to understand fully how you are feeling. I have been lucky because my Therapist knows how I am feeling by looking at me or my body language. With G.P.'s and the system today, You have to wait ages for an appointment, have too little time in the appointment and some GP's look at us like 'Hot Potatoes'. They don't really know what to say or what to do with us. Occasionally, you get a good one or one with experience in this field, but 9 times out of ten, you go away feeling; "What do I do now?":scared15:
ankietyjoe
08-06-14, 22:19
us Women are used to multi-tasking.
Us men can too.
I came to the conclusion that multi tasking is part of the problem of an anxious mind and deduced that mindful, single minded thought was the way forward.
I guess I came to that conclusion from us men having an analytical mind :D
Sorry, didn't mean to sound sexist. I think generally it is a multi-tasking society we live in to day.
My late Father, said; "It was a much easier world to live in decades ago".
Rennie1989
08-06-14, 22:35
Each decade presents different problems and different solutions. My parents miss the 70's and 80's whilst my grandparents miss the 50's. People of my generation may miss the 00's and 10's in decades to come.
ankietyjoe
09-06-14, 11:21
Sorry, didn't mean to sound sexist. I think generally it is a multi-tasking society we live in to day.
My late Father, said; "It was a much easier world to live in decades ago".
My bad, it wasn't designed to be an attacking comment.
I think your Father was right in a sense. Things were much simpler in one way, but then harder in others.
I'm not a fan of modern life at all, it must be said. On the other hand I like the fact that I survived the bad case of pneumonia that would have surely killed me a century ago.
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