Firstly, lots and lots of hugs. I think this is pretty outrageous. To tell you you don't need a P-doc? Wow. While it is true that a GP can prescribe psych meds, doesn't make them an expert. I went through that for almost 3 years and it was very frustrating, because it wasn't working. Turned out she was treating the wrong disorder. She didn't dig deeply enough to really know what was going on. And I didn't know enough at the time to realize the other parts of what was going on. They may have wanted to be helpful, but it just isn't their forte. GPs need to realize when they are out of their depth and refer you.

Well, it's normal for me. It's very frustrating. It's super important to remember that _you didn't do anything_ to get this depressed. It happens. It's not something we do. That's so important to remember-- it can't be stressed enough.
You are in a small town, but are there any other towns or cities within any kind of reasonable distance where you can perhaps find a P-doc? (I've lived in a lot of small towns too, and the lack of resources can be very frustrating, so we have to look further afield than most.) Even a fair drive would be SOOOO worth it. One doesn't tend to see a P-doc --psychiatrist--nearly as often as they might a T-doc -- therapist or psychologist, so you don't need to worry that it would be a ton of trips. Meanwhile, have you asked if you can get on a waiting list for the local one? Have you looked into a therapist or psychologist locally? While they can't prescribe meds, it would be good to have someone to talk to.

Wishing you the very best luck, and let us know how it goes, ok?