Depression due to circumstances

Gaia2014

scooby088 wrote: »

In our area there is a self refer system ask your gp if they do healthy minds in your area.

Thanks scooby. I will ask my GP. I would also be receptive to some kind of support group.

Gaia2014

tomtontom wrote: »

It may be possible to self refer for counselling, search for NHS counselling and the name of your area to see what provision is available.

Thanks tomtontom. I will do a search.

Gaia2014

Indie_Kid wrote: »

There are, I think, some online things like mood gym that may help. I've never tried them, so can't comment on them.

I think there is one called Beating the Blues aswell, but it requires a GP referral. It's a CBT online course. You can also pay for it privately. I think it's £150 for the course.

PeacefulWaters

Gaia2014 wrote: »

Thanks Peaceful Waters. Yes my employer does offer free counselling to employees, which I've taken advantage of already. You are offered 6 sessions, which is fair enough if it's free.

You might find approaching them with a slightly different set of issues gets you six more .

BigAunty

Pop over to the debt free wanabee board. They can help you come up with a a strategy to make your debt repayment more manageable if you wish to free up some income towards counselling.

Gaia2014

BigAunty wrote: »

Pop over to the debt free wanabee board. They can help you come up with a a strategy to make your debt repayment more manageable if you wish to free up some income towards counselling.

Hi BigAunty,

I'm on the DFW board. I'm on a self adminstered DMP paying £450/month towards my debts on a pro rata basis. I can't reduce the payments any more than I have. I could probably just about afford counselling if I went without some other things. However, where I live the average fee for a private counsellor is £50 for 50 minutes. I would be happy with a session a fortnight, but most counsellors require that you commit to a weekly session. It's their income after all.

bagpussbear

Hi Gaia

Firstly wanted to give you a hug. You've been through quite a lot in a short time and I am not surprised you feel defeated by life a bit.

It is possible that the doctor may give you pills, but it doesn't sound like that's what you necessarily want.

I wonder if the best thing to help you at this time is addressing the loneliness. It's such a horrid thing. You mentioned a dwindling social circle, but do you have anyone close, friends or family, you could spend more time with? more importantly anyone you enjoy spending time with?

When_the_going_gets_tough

I would search around for some private counselling and see if you cant get it a bit cheaper rather than try for 6 more weeks. That is no time to build a safe and helpful trusting relationship which will help you. Good luck.

VfM4meplse

Gaia2014 wrote: »

So, I've been thinking about going to the GP to discuss all this, but am worried I"m just going to be handed some pills (would prefer counselling, but it's hard to come by on the NHS). I'm a great believer in the benefit of talking therapies (with the right therapist) as I work in a similar field. But, private counselling is too expensive at the moment due to debts.

Not true. A good GP will be able to listen and make a treatment selection WITH you. Also successive governments have ploughed millions into IAPT, with good reason. I wouldn't pay privately if I were in debt. The issue might be the wait, though.

bagpussbear

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Not true. A good GP will be able to listen and make a treatment selection WITH you. Also successive governments have ploughed millions into IAPT, with good reason. I wouldn't pay privately if I were in debt. The issue might be the wait, though.

Sadly, not all GPs are good ones. It is possible she may be handed pills. My own experience has been that. My son recently (last 5 months) got diagnosed with depression, at age 19. Came out with an immediate prescription. No discussion about other therapies, ways forward.