How do I..

How do I convince a doctor to refer me to a therapist?

I've been given various bull replies over the years including

"No"

And

"You're not a priority as you're married"

I've just been reading a book on Depression for the "newly diagnosed" and... who would have thunk it... relationships can contribute to depression and... surprise surprise depression can adversely affect relationships...unless the person keeps it all bottled up as I do.. in which case maybe the likely "prognosis" would be "death" - for me, that would be just fine...



For anyone who doesn't know, I live in the U.K.

PS some doctors behave as if we know nothing (as in completely "thick" ) and yet they expect us to "cope" without any useful input regarding "coping strategies "

It sounds awful I'm really sorry, Fuzzy. I wish I knew how to help you

((((((((((Fuzzy bear))))))))))

It is shocking the way you're treated (((((Fuzzy)))))

I'm not too sure how accessable private practice therapists are, or how expensive it may be, but if it's a possibility I say you go that route. The mental health system is broke in many parts of the world, including the UK, and I can hardly ever recommend the usual system for patients.
Depression is very taxing on a relationship, and when left untreated, it's like a disease that just slowly kills and destroys vital organs. I'm roaring for you, Fuzzy.

(((((( Fuzzybear )))))))

I think you have two challenges:
convincing a doctor to refer you, and
getting a referral to the right therapist.

As difficult as is the first challenge, the second is harder.

I think you (and others?) might increase your chances of getting a referral if you can provide convincing specifics: you have symptoms+diagnoses A, B, & C and you believe you would benefit from talking to a professional with a background working with those challenges, i.e. not just any therapist.

I know it is the experience of at least some of the posters here that "no" therapist can be better than the wrong therapist.

Based on what you've previously posted, dear Fuzzybear, your chances of success working within your system are not "zero", but they are low.

If you could find an ally in the system, that would increase your chances.

Thanks.. yeah as I've probably shared before, i did get a very sub optimal referral quite some time ago... I simply refused to be fobbed off by the inane and useless (destructive?) platitudes "offered" by ....a sub optimal doctor.. I'm sure they aren't all that bad, I've consulted some other doctors who are at least civil

I distrust the NHS based on multiple profoundly sub optimal experiences, so I think going private is my only realistic option, even if I can only afford one session