Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
I have been suffering servere anxiety since i was at high school and i am 22 now. I can't leave my house anymore because i can't look people in the eyes and if someone stares at me for too long i have the sudden urge to burst out crying.....i just have to run away! Also i think that there is a conspiracy in my town and everyone actually knows what i am going through and plays on it. I know for a fact people laugh at me when i go out due to the symtoms. Shaking, sweating, voice trembling and the actual panic attacks. I have tried to talk to my family but they don't really understand the magnitude of my illness. I have been changing gp's all the time for years now.....and i don't even bother going to see anyone anymore because all they seem to give me are ssri's which clearly don't agree with me. When i was on prozac 20mg i had awful mood swings and i just wanted to kill myself. That was the first time i tried to kill myself and i was hospitilized due to back pains(due to the overdose of paracetomol). When i woke up in hospital i felt i was reborn again and wanted a fresh start. Went to see a pdoc who gave me a prescription for benzodiazapines(klonopin i think) .....and here is the weird thing, Due to nhs procedures i had to get permission from my actual gp and he refused to sign the prescription and gave me celexa(citalopram). Took them and they made my anxiety worse....in fact extreme. I tried to explain to him that i have had bad experiences with ssri's....but to no avail. Went on a small weekend break to get away from it all and i nearly put myself in a coma due to consumption of alcohol and other substances.....2nd attempt to kill myself!! I was in a mess.......i didn't care about living because i was in so much pain. Here i am now.....no job, no friends, no aspects......I have lost faith in the nhs. My family are now really trying to help me out(finally understanding the magnitute of the problem) .....thank god for family. I am either going to self medicate or go private......i'll keep you posted.
Posted by Tom Twilight on December 19, 2005, at 15:48:46
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Gillet
It sounds like you've had a terrible experience, allthough all to typical on the NHS (No Hope Service for the mentally ill) :(
I'm really tired and must go to bed so I'd just like to say that first and formost you need a new GP!
I have met GPs as bad as yours, you need a different one.
You can change practises to see a different GP, perhapse one who actully lissens!
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 19, 2005, at 18:28:55
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Hey there!
I have to agree with Tom - the NHS is particulary bad when it comes to mental health, esp depression and/or aniexty.
Its really awful. I get sooo frustrated by it. For instance, two of my friends have overdosed on prescription medicines and had to go to hospital etc ... are they being seen by a pdoc as a result of said overdose? NO WAY!
They just go to their GP and get presribed SSRIs. We just don't get the help we need to lead productive, fulfilling lives.
BUT it would be a different story if we had mild asmtha - at my health centre there is all kinds of clinics help etc availble for asmtha. But mental illness? No way. And the thing is, it really really really affects our daily lives! Its not as if its an 'inconvenience' or whatever. And this is the thing I don't get - a couple of weeks ago I went into my local Waterstone's and picked up the green book thing (it used to be purple) that advises GPs on the medicines they prescribe - you know, GPs have it on their desk, and its their bible and constantly scabble about in it.
For aniexty, it specifically says that benzos should be avoided at all costs, particulary in people who haven't used them before and if they are used, they should only be given for short term only. Of couse, if you're already addicted, then you're okay.
But thats not my point. What are GPs supposed to prescribe for anxiety then? If benzos are out whats availble? BuSpar? I tried that with my GP but he said that is was similar to the benzos. And he wouldn't give it to me. Hmmm he's oblviously not very knowledgeable. So what do you get if you have major anxiety for long periods of time then? Do GPs relent and give you benzos for short term use only? I don't know. I don't get it. Sigh.
I just can't believe that we can't get the drugs we need because of the way the NHS works. Like MAOIs. Like stimilants. Like so many things.....
There must be soo many people who can't get the meds they need - and they don't even know it!
If you have severe depression/anxiety GPs don't really seem to refer you to a pdoc. They just put you on a SSRI and send you on your way. But thats not enough! You need to see a pdoc! But many people who don't know enough trust their GPs and don't question them and don't realise that their lives could be much better if they got the proper help they need. They put up with the SSRIs and don't seem to question that. Thats whats happened to my two overdosing friends - I know their lives are completely impaired, stunted even - all because they don't get the help they need. I try and help, but its hard. One of them won't admit she even has a problem, so talking shop is difficult!
Anyway, I am deeply jealous of prescribing patterns of some of our friends here on pbabble, partilcury the Americans/Canadians - it seems that they can get the meds they need. Sometimes I see some of their med regimens and my eyes nearly pop out of my head! Five different pmeds are used and obviously its to the patients' benefit.
There is a MAJOR gap in healthcare threatment here for people with severe depression/anxiety just going to their GPs and getting the bog standard SSRIs (which aren't particulary effective) and just putting up with it. They don't go to a pdoc, and don't get help, yet their lives are severly impaired by their mental health. (Sorry, I should say 'our' because I am one of them!)
Sorry about the rant folks - I'm very VERY frustrated with the whole system at the moment. I just want the help that I/we deserve.
Much love
Meri
xx
Posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 19:17:32
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS, posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 19, 2005, at 18:28:55
> Hey there!
>
> I have to agree with Tom - the NHS is particulary bad when it comes to mental health, esp depression and/or aniexty.
>
> Its really awful. I get sooo frustrated by it. For instance, two of my friends have overdosed on prescription medicines and had to go to hospital etc ... are they being seen by a pdoc as a result of said overdose? NO WAY!
>
> They just go to their GP and get presribed SSRIs. We just don't get the help we need to lead productive, fulfilling lives.
>
> BUT it would be a different story if we had mild asmtha - at my health centre there is all kinds of clinics help etc availble for asmtha. But mental illness? No way. And the thing is, it really really really affects our daily lives! Its not as if its an 'inconvenience' or whatever. And this is the thing I don't get - a couple of weeks ago I went into my local Waterstone's and picked up the green book thing (it used to be purple) that advises GPs on the medicines they prescribe - you know, GPs have it on their desk, and its their bible and constantly scabble about in it.
>
> For aniexty, it specifically says that benzos should be avoided at all costs, particulary in people who haven't used them before and if they are used, they should only be given for short term only. Of couse, if you're already addicted, then you're okay.
>
> But thats not my point. What are GPs supposed to prescribe for anxiety then? If benzos are out whats availble? BuSpar? I tried that with my GP but he said that is was similar to the benzos. And he wouldn't give it to me. Hmmm he's oblviously not very knowledgeable. So what do you get if you have major anxiety for long periods of time then? Do GPs relent and give you benzos for short term use only? I don't know. I don't get it. Sigh.
>
> I just can't believe that we can't get the drugs we need because of the way the NHS works. Like MAOIs. Like stimilants. Like so many things.....
>
> There must be soo many people who can't get the meds they need - and they don't even know it!
>
> If you have severe depression/anxiety GPs don't really seem to refer you to a pdoc. They just put you on a SSRI and send you on your way. But thats not enough! You need to see a pdoc! But many people who don't know enough trust their GPs and don't question them and don't realise that their lives could be much better if they got the proper help they need. They put up with the SSRIs and don't seem to question that. Thats whats happened to my two overdosing friends - I know their lives are completely impaired, stunted even - all because they don't get the help they need. I try and help, but its hard. One of them won't admit she even has a problem, so talking shop is difficult!
>
> Anyway, I am deeply jealous of prescribing patterns of some of our friends here on pbabble, partilcury the Americans/Canadians - it seems that they can get the meds they need. Sometimes I see some of their med regimens and my eyes nearly pop out of my head! Five different pmeds are used and obviously its to the patients' benefit.
>
> There is a MAJOR gap in healthcare threatment here for people with severe depression/anxiety just going to their GPs and getting the bog standard SSRIs (which aren't particulary effective) and just putting up with it. They don't go to a pdoc, and don't get help, yet their lives are severly impaired by their mental health. (Sorry, I should say 'our' because I am one of them!)
>
> Sorry about the rant folks - I'm very VERY frustrated with the whole system at the moment. I just want the help that I/we deserve.
>
> Much love
>
> Meri
> xx
I actually had one gp who i nearly had to walk out on. He said that the next time i feel anxious i have just to imagine myself on a quiet beach. I walked out of the practise and i was absolutely flabbergasted!! It isn't taken nearly as serious in the u.k. as it is in other countries. Years i went to seek help and even printed some information given from people on this site to show my doc.......all to no avail. They hand out ssri's like smarties......like it is the only way they know how to deal with it!
Posted by Phillipa on December 19, 2005, at 20:12:15
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 19:17:32
But why? I mean no advertising there. What is their reasoning it makes no sense. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by RobertDavid on December 19, 2005, at 20:50:04
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Gillette:
I was in your situation once. When in school starting about 7th grade I had anxiety so bad I could hardly go to class. I medicated with alcohol. Back then (In the 70's) there wasn't much info on social anxiety which seems to me what your dealing with. Depression seems to come with anxiety I think because life sucks so bad from the anxiety.
That said klonopin in my opinion would be a first line choice to try. Most docs that are savvy about benzo's and anxiety disorters don't have a problem perscribing them and having those that need it taking it daily.
People with anxiety typically don't abuse benzo's even if they have had substance abuse problems before. And you typically don't have to take more for it to continue to be effective. Just the initial side affects of drowsyness go away, but not the anit anxiety benefits.
I like you was a total non responder to SSRI's, in fact, they just made me more anxious. Once I learned about klonopin, it changed my life. Social situations no longer were an issue. For about 12 years I have taken doses that range from 1 to 3mgs, currently taking 2mgs of klonopin. Otherwise, the other med that seems to be a front line social anxiety drug is an MAOI like Nardil.
There are lots of other choices out there and I'm not saying SSRI's or other anti depressants/other meds don't help some people with anxiety, just that it seems klonopin or nardil are gold standards when it comes to treating social anxiety. Everyone has different experieces with meds, this is just my take based on what's worked for me.
You need to find a doctor that knows how to treat and has experience treating anxiety. There is definately hope for you, you just need the right doctor to get you on the right med, then the right dose. After a little trial and error you can have a life. Don't loose hope!
Posted by med_empowered on December 20, 2005, at 9:36:57
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » gillettecavalcade, posted by RobertDavid on December 19, 2005, at 20:50:04
hi! I'm in the US, so I really have **no** advice whatsoever on how to deal with NHS. It sounds like the NHS is pretty good at physical ailments, but an absolute dismal failure at addressing emotional/psychiatric problems. This is highly unfortunate.
What I was wondering is...could you go outside the UK? I mean, could you find a private doc in a nearby country to treat your problems? Here in the US, its pretty common to see a psychiatrist once a month (perhaps a bit more often) for a little while, and then go onto "med management," where you may only see the doctor every 3 months or so. Could you possibly go to France (which has an amazing health care system) or another country to seek treatment privately, outside of the NHS system? Also, are there any private docs in practice in the UK? The cost would obviously be greater, but if you can afford it I would think that would be the best option--it appears that the **system** is deeply flawed, so escaping the system is probably your best bet for finding adequate treatment.
Have you tried alternative health care? Since the conventional docs seem hell-bent on pumping you full of SSRIs and other drugs that prove either ineffective or have unaccepable side effects, I would think that giving alternative medical practitioners a shot would be reasonable. Is that a viable option?
Good luck!
Posted by ed_uk on December 20, 2005, at 13:47:53
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Hi
In my experience, anxiety (even severe anxiety) is not taken very seriously by UK doctors. Depression (even mild depression) receives a lot more attention. Psychiatrists are generally most interested in treating schizophrenia and manic-depression. Anxiety tends to be trivialised by many.
As you well know, severe anxiety is NOT a trivial matter. You need to get the treatment that you deserve.
>Also i think that there is a conspiracy in my town and everyone actually knows what i am going through and plays on it.
Tell us more about this......
>When i was on prozac 20mg i had awful mood swings and i just wanted to kill myself.
How long did you take it for? What is the longest period of time you have ever (continuously) taken an SSRI?
>When i woke up in hospital i felt i was reborn again....
What do you mean when you say that?
>Went to see a pdoc who gave me a prescription for benzodiazapines(klonopin i think) .....and here is the weird thing, Due to nhs procedures i had to get permission from my actual gp and he refused to sign the prescription and gave me celexa(citalopram).
So did you ever try a benzodiazepine?
Pdocs usually write the initial prescription for a psych med, then GPs continue the medication if the pdoc asks them to. Pdocs CAN write as many prescriptions as they want to, the reason that they often don't is because they want to stay within their drugs budget. If the GP prescribes the medication, it will go on the GPs drugs budget, not the pdocs. Pdocs don't *have* to stay within their drugs budget, but they do try to shift the cost on to GPs as much as possible.
Many UK docs are very reluctant to prescribe benzos.
Regards
Ed
PS. Did your pdoc provide a diagnosis?
Posted by RobertDavid on December 20, 2005, at 14:31:59
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Have you condidered buying meds online? I hear some pharmacy companies have doctors that will write the perscriptions then sell you the meds and mail it to you. I know it's not the best option, or one that would normally be recommeded, but perhaps its a way to try meds not currently available to you. I've heard some of the Canadian companies are reputable for online meds. Just a thought
Posted by FredPotter on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:39
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » gillettecavalcade, posted by RobertDavid on December 20, 2005, at 14:31:59
Trouble is I don't find benzos very effective. Nowhere near as effective as alcohol, but of course then the anxiety comes back to bite you twice as hard
Posted by Jakeman on December 20, 2005, at 21:52:07
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » gillettecavalcade, posted by RobertDavid on December 20, 2005, at 14:31:59
> Have you condidered buying meds online? I hear some pharmacy companies have doctors that will write the perscriptions then sell you the meds and mail it to you. I know it's not the best option, or one that would normally be recommeded, but perhaps its a way to try meds not currently available to you. I've heard some of the Canadian companies are reputable for online meds. Just a thought
That's what I did...ordered meds from a Canadian pharmancy paying out of pocket. I'm insured with one of the largest health insurance companies in the US (United Health Care) but I could not get an appointment with a pdoc for three months.. got the run around with the insurance people and eventually I got fed up. Between me and my employer, my insurance costs about $300 per month. They may be useful for major physical health care issues, but for mental health, they have done me no good.
I got my meds in about 10 days, at a decent price.
good luck ~Jake
Posted by fairywings on December 22, 2005, at 21:42:55
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
SSRI's that I've tried made me depressed too. It s*cks that mental healthcare is so archaic in the UK, but even in the US it is for those without insurance, or those w/o adequate insurance. And the cost of 1 Rx for psychotropics can run a couple of hundred dollars a month. Who can afford much of that?!
And just a heads up for those in the US. I have a friend who runs a large oncology group here in the US, and she said that the 5 major insurers are posing themselves for national healthcare in the US. I want everyone to have insurance, but not if it's going to be like the NHS, and even in Canada, I've heard nightmare stories. Let's hope there's something better.
fw
Posted by med_empowered on December 22, 2005, at 23:32:25
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » gillettecavalcade, posted by fairywings on December 22, 2005, at 21:42:55
who knows, really? I'd rather have affordable (but ho-hum) insurance for everyone than deal with no insurance for lots of people, then ho hum insurance for more people, and good insurance for only a few. On the plus side...crazy cocktails have become really common in psychiatry in the US, with no real demonstrated benefit. Maybe with national health insurance, docs will stick to meds and combos that are proven by good, quality data instead of writing for whatever the pretty drug reps tell them to.
One can hope.
Posted by Sebastian on December 23, 2005, at 20:37:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » RobertDavid, posted by Jakeman on December 20, 2005, at 21:52:07
I used to have United Health care. No problems like you said. They gave me great mental health care. They have a hole division divoted to mental health.
Posted by Phillipa on December 23, 2005, at 20:43:18
In reply to Re: Anxiety vs NHS » Jakeman, posted by Sebastian on December 23, 2005, at 20:37:08
Sebastian I just tried to babblemail you and for whatever reason I can't I am not home and not on my computer it was reference to the alchohol. Will on Tuesday when I get home but in the time please send me your address. Sorry to hyjack but didn't know how to get a message to you. Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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