Useless Doctors

I'm sorry to be a moaning so-and-so, but has anyone else found that their GP has very little, if no idea, what they're talking about? Either that or they're just completely useless. When one of my teachers suggested i might be sad, i went to my GP who said Yeah, you've probably got it. Take these antidepressants every day and come and see me next month. Did she bother to go into detail about my symptoms? No. Did she refer me for counselling over my depression? No. Is it a good idea to put a 16 year old on Prozac? Probably not.

Not that they actually did anything but make me sleep for SIXTEEN HOURS EVERY DAY! Is that the new remedy for depressives now? Sleep so much that you don't have time to be depressed?

The psychiatrist was crap 2. All he did was confirm what i already knew and prescribe me more drugs. Took myself off them after a few months (have now learnt you're not supposed to do that, never mind) and stopped sleeping quite so much. he said i needed a lightbox, but that Leicestershire NHS couldn't afford to lend me one to try.

2 Years have passed since then, and still can't afford a lightbox. Went to GP today (a new one in Boro) and asked if he knew of any techniques or drugs to keep me awake. He said no and asked if i wanted more prozac. I wanted to scream at him THAT WAS THE ENTIRE REASON I SLEPT THROUGH AN ENTIRE WINTER YOU TWIT!, but decided this probably wasn't a good idea and declined the offer.

The point of my ranting is why have they got drugs to put you to sleep, but none to wake you up? Plus anyone else who feels like moaning, especially about their GP, let me know. Hopefully (or not? i'm confusing myself now) I'm not the only one who seems to have CRAP DOCTORS!! :twisted:

I now see doctors as 'receptionists' in a vast place which is actually full of experts. The problem is getting this receptionist 2 see which expert you need and send you there! Be stubborn, have staying power, insist politely.... all of which I appreciate is like being told to climb the north face of the Eiger when one is suffering from sad. Print off sad info from websites and hand it 2 yr doctor. It is just not possible 4 doctors 2 know it all, the scope is just too vast. But, they could sometimes be more willing 2 pass us on 2 the expert.........

Hi Chris, what a wise move! Your cousin is lucky to have you, and lucky that you are so observant, informed and caring. Am convinced you will be pleased about your purchase, but do get this light box from a company (like OutsideIn) who offer a money back guarantee just in case it does not work for him as they are quite expensive. Though if your cousin is suffering from SAD as you suspect, the chance of you needing a refund is absolutely miniscule!

February and March can be simply dreadful for SAD people. My birthday is 21 March and I can honestly count on one hand the number of years I have felt almost good enough to enjoy it. (Have had SAD for in excess of 25 years) Usually I dread the day as I feel utterly awful, and people unintentionally pile on the pressure as they all expect me to be cheerful and happy, after all, it's my birthday.... But, hurrah, this year, my first year with a light box, I feel great! Unbelievable!

All the best to your cousin with his light box. Julie :D