I think if your depression is spiralling out of control you have every right to be seen by an appropriate specialist. If it is not offered it should be asked for.
Is this really available though? My son very nearly succeeded in committing suicide, yet he's on a minimal dose of Citalopram, and having weekly counselling, which he doesn't believe in. I'm concerned that it's so easy to slip through the net, even if you go to the GP for help. The help the GP gives seems so ineffective. My son seems to have no interest in life, and I don't know how to help him.
Is this really available though? My son very nearly succeeded in committing suicide, yet he's on a minimal dose of Citalopram, and having weekly counselling, which he doesn't believe in. I'm concerned that it's so easy to slip through the net, even if you go to the GP for help. The help the GP gives seems so ineffective. My son seems to have no interest in life, and I don't know how to help him.
I said in your thread to insist on a referral or phone the mental health team yourself.
My GP got me a Psychiatrist and have had one for over 3 years.
I've also been 'asked' to stay in the psychiatric hospital - both times I left of my own accord. the poor people in there were far worse than me, al were drinking, invading your own space, going through your things etc
Yes, I would still like to know the answer to that.
But I said yes, ask for a referral. You are confusing me 1fab
If your son doesn't want to see someone you can still phone the mental health team and tell them how he is and that you don't know what to do.
But I said yes, ask for a referral. You are confusing me 1fab
If your son doesn't want to see someone you can still phone the mental health team and tell them how he is and that you don't know what to do.
I'm sorry, I'm confused myself. I want to support him and not try to take control of the situation. I think I just want to know what the options are if things get too bad. Thanks for caring.
I'm sorry, I'm confused myself. I want to support him and not try to take control of the situation. I think I just want to know what the options are if things get too bad. Thanks for caring.
It must be hard from a relatives point of view
I think your best bet is just ringing the team for an informal chat and just be honest like you've been here.
Is this really available though? My son very nearly succeeded in committing suicide, yet he's on a minimal dose of Citalopram, and having weekly counselling, which he doesn't believe in. I'm concerned that it's so easy to slip through the net, even if you go to the GP for help. The help the GP gives seems so ineffective. My son seems to have no interest in life, and I don't know how to help him.
Hi 1fab, I replied to you on your thread about whether your son is being honest with his GP when answering his PHQs as this may explain the GPs lack of action. Something to consider? What you could do is write or contact your GP practice and ask what the policy is when a patient presents as suicidal. Or your Local Health Authority for that matter. That way you can match up against the care your son is receiving against the guidelines in place.
Scotch, Splot and 1fab, just want to gather you up and give you a virtual hug. I know some people on the forums hate the luvvy dovey stuff but I do feel for you guys. x
Hi 1fab, I replied to you on your thread about whether your son is being honest with his GP when answering his PHQs as this may explain the GPs lack of action. Something to consider? What you could do is write or contact your GP practice and ask what the policy is when a patient presents as suicidal. Or your Local Health Authority for that matter. That way you can match up against the care your son is receiving against the guidelines in place.
Hi dear, I did read your post on my thread. Sorry I didn't reply, but I kind of wanted my thread to disappear at that point. I did take in everything you said, and actually drafted a reply that I deleted before sending. I understand what you mean about saying what people want to hear, for fear of what might happen if you say the truth. I think that might be the case with my son too. As I said earlier to Wheelie, I feel hesitant about interfering when my son is pursuing a certain course of treatment. I guess I'm impatient to see some progress, when all I'm seeing is my boy being tired all the time, with no enthusiasm for anything.
I will certainly bear in mind your advice about writing to the Local Health Authority. I will do anything I can to ensure that he survives.
Hi dear, I did read your post on my thread. Sorry I didn't reply, but I kind of wanted my thread to disappear at that point. I did take in everything you said, and actually drafted a reply that I deleted before sending. I understand what you mean about saying what people want to hear, for fear of what might happen if you say the truth. I think that might be the case with my son too. As I said earlier to Wheelie, I feel hesitant about interfering when my son is pursuing a certain course of treatment. I guess I'm impatient to see some progress, when all I'm seeing is my boy being tired all the time, with no enthusiasm for anything.
I will certainly bear in mind your advice about writing to the Local Health Authority. I will do anything I can to ensure that he survives.
Hope you're ok too. xx
Anti-depressants can take a few weeks to start working but if they are not apparently working after a few months then it is perhaps time to consider going back to the GP to see if either a higher dose or a different antidepressant would be appropriate.
I was watching an interview on TV recently , ironically a comedian was being interviewed.
The interviewer joked that nobody had ever seen a photo of the comedian smiling and the guy said nice and slowly ....... " I'm just not a happy person ! " ...
It got me thinnking about MYSELF..... I've battled mood swings and / or depression for decades .... I can't ever recall actually being happy for long ..... maybe a few minutes at a time .. say if I come across a puppy on the local park I'm delirious whilst I'm playing and cuddling it but the feeling is very short lived .
I'm usually so involved on my interests / obsessions that I see myself as being "focused" rather than happy ...
Even when I watch comedy series such as The Big Bang Theory .....and Sheldon is on top form ..... I find myself being intrigued with him / the situation rather than laughing my head off ....
Sorry I'm not great explaining my self but I'm just wondering if some people are never going to be HAPPY as such .
If you ever need to talk to someone and I know you don't know me, but always PM to let it all out. I suffer from depression too and have done for about 5 years. It's a terrible battle. I wouldn't wish my worst enemy to have it. I feel like I am the only one in the world who has it sometimes because no one around me really understands. I know what you are going through. Like i said, PM me anytime.
If you ever need to talk to someone and I know you don't know me, but always PM to let it all out. I suffer from depression too and have done for about 5 years. It's a terrible battle. I wouldn't wish my worst enemy to have it. I feel like I am the only one in the world who has it sometimes because no one around me really understands. I know what you are going through. Like i said, PM me anytime.
Thank you for taking the time to reply .
I actually think that the only person that can make a difference is myself .
Comments
Is this really available though? My son very nearly succeeded in committing suicide, yet he's on a minimal dose of Citalopram, and having weekly counselling, which he doesn't believe in. I'm concerned that it's so easy to slip through the net, even if you go to the GP for help. The help the GP gives seems so ineffective. My son seems to have no interest in life, and I don't know how to help him.
So sorry to hear that. I hope you're coping ok. xx
I said in your thread to insist on a referral or phone the mental health team yourself.
I know you did. The thing is, my son is 19 years old, and I can't make decisions for him.
But you asked if it was really available?
I've also been 'asked' to stay in the psychiatric hospital - both times I left of my own accord. the poor people in there were far worse than me, al were drinking, invading your own space, going through your things etc
Yes, I would still like to know the answer to that.
But I said yes, ask for a referral. You are confusing me 1fab
If your son doesn't want to see someone you can still phone the mental health team and tell them how he is and that you don't know what to do.
I'm sorry, I'm confused myself.
It must be hard from a relatives point of view
I think your best bet is just ringing the team for an informal chat and just be honest like you've been here.
Also helplines are available too http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/mental-health-helplines.aspx
Hi 1fab, I replied to you on your thread about whether your son is being honest with his GP when answering his PHQs as this may explain the GPs lack of action. Something to consider? What you could do is write or contact your GP practice and ask what the policy is when a patient presents as suicidal. Or your Local Health Authority for that matter. That way you can match up against the care your son is receiving against the guidelines in place.
Hi dear, I did read your post on my thread. Sorry I didn't reply, but I kind of wanted my thread to disappear at that point. I did take in everything you said, and actually drafted a reply that I deleted before sending. I understand what you mean about saying what people want to hear, for fear of what might happen if you say the truth. I think that might be the case with my son too. As I said earlier to Wheelie, I feel hesitant about interfering when my son is pursuing a certain course of treatment. I guess I'm impatient to see some progress, when all I'm seeing is my boy being tired all the time, with no enthusiasm for anything.
I will certainly bear in mind your advice about writing to the Local Health Authority. I will do anything I can to ensure that he survives.
Hope you're ok too. xx
Anti-depressants can take a few weeks to start working but if they are not apparently working after a few months then it is perhaps time to consider going back to the GP to see if either a higher dose or a different antidepressant would be appropriate.
In addition, there are some self help resources here https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome and here http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=7670. Good wishes to everyone in this thread who is currently experiencing depression.
I was watching an interview on TV recently , ironically a comedian was being interviewed.
The interviewer joked that nobody had ever seen a photo of the comedian smiling and the guy said nice and slowly ....... " I'm just not a happy person ! " ...
It got me thinnking about MYSELF..... I've battled mood swings and / or depression for decades .... I can't ever recall actually being happy for long ..... maybe a few minutes at a time .. say if I come across a puppy on the local park I'm delirious whilst I'm playing and cuddling it but the feeling is very short lived .
I'm usually so involved on my interests / obsessions that I see myself as being "focused" rather than happy ...
Even when I watch comedy series such as The Big Bang Theory .....and Sheldon is on top form ..... I find myself being intrigued with him / the situation rather than laughing my head off ....
Sorry I'm not great explaining my self but I'm just wondering if some people are never going to be HAPPY as such .
Thank you for taking the time to reply .
I actually think that the only person that can make a difference is myself .