Admitting Never Works

I've had some real depression and suicidal thoughts, not at the moment, but recently and recurring the past few years. I love my friends, but they have no idea about my problems, as I've never told anyone until now, and have been hiding it brilliantly.
I wouldn't leave the house during my most depressive episodes, so my friends would see me at my best, usually. Today I decided to try to confide in one of my friends, not about my depression, but about my suspicions about being bipolar, and my family history of it. She was politely dismissive, telling me that she didn't think there was anything wrong with me, and that the NHS probably wouldn't treat mental illness unless I was a harm to myself or others (Suggesting I was being melodramatic, which is hypocritical considering she has had the most unnecessary foot surgery recently to realign her toes which were causing her no problems in the first place) However I AM a danger to myself.

I don't blame her, as this just confirms how little anyone seems to know about me, even those who claim to be my closest friends. What I don't understand is how nobody has a clue. I may have tried to hide my emotions, and censor my speech, but I have been caught on many an occasion crying uncontrollably for no apparent reason.

This illustrates my fears about going to a doctor. Every time I've been to the doctor, whether it be for joint pain, cramping, insomnia, or stress; I have been patronised, told to exercise, given generic painkillers, and sent on my way. Nobody takes my problems seriously, which is why I am so scared to tell them. I'm moving out in a month, and I'll be moving practices as well. I can't face the GP's in this town. The first thing I'll do when I move is ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. I have no idea how they will react. I'm so used to being dismissed. I'm begging for support. Why does no one take me seriously?

Today has just confirmed that I have no real friends. People who consider me their closest friends know nothing of my life. I chose to try to open up today, and was made to feel so melodramatic.
I'm sick of it. I've spent my life giving out empathy, I only asked for a little back today. This just illustrates how shallow every relationship I have ever made is.

The question is, how can I explain my situation to the doctor without the inevitable dismissal?

Write down exactly how you feel, how often you feel that way, symptoms...anything that you think is relative. Take that to your doctor and use it as a guide. At the very least, your doctor should refer you to a therapist or a social worker. I wouldn't get too hung up with what your friend told you, unless she went to medical school.

Thanks! I've been so used to being patronised by doctors. I think I don't sound demanding or certain enough to be taken seriously, because I am always very anxious about going. If I wrote down exactly what I felt needed to be said, that would make things much clearer. That's probably the best way to approach it. I apologise for sounding grumpy, but after spending the day among friends, I've left feeling lonelier than before. I regret admitting I'd ever had problems. People aren't as understanding as you guys at PC.

Hello Joe-Anna, I'm sorry that your friend dismissed your feelings so easily, but as a bipolar patient myself I would have to recommend seeing a counselor first rather than a psychiatrist. The reason I say that, coming from personal experience, all the psychiatrist did was throw pills at me and didn't even take my issues seriously and it sent me on a downward spiral.

I would take baby steps in trying to address this, like writing your feelings down is a good idea and present it to a counselor or therapist. Then if they decide you need medication you can see a doctor. Good luck.

Thank you :3
This is what I'm scared of, as it's been my experience with every non mental illness I've been to the doctors about. I understand it's their time, so if it's not deadly their like 'move on', but I wouldn't go unless I was at the end of my tether. I'll ask my gp to refer me to a counsellor. If I'm direct,I imagine he'll have to.

I'm no expert, but this has helped me over the yrs. Getting my primary care doc to understand my daily life and just how what's going on impairs my ability to handle it. If that makes sense?

I figured his daily routine is very different than mine and if he didn't understand how long it took me to bounce back from what was happening with me how was he going to help me? Example, if there are only 24hrs in a day and panic attacks & insomnia were taking up 6 out of my own 12hrs out of a day, and both of which lead to downward spirals in my general health....
AHEM!!!

Just how long did he think this could continue without very serious problems?

Forcing him to see me as a person instead of his latest 15min appointment REALLY helped. Yes I had to write this down, and yes I had to be forceful but in reality he works for me, and I hold him to this. If he can't or is unwilling to use his medical knowledge to assist me then I don't need him.

It's difficult enough for me to admit I need help, it's overwhelming to rely on someone elses judgement because I know mine isn't working for me. But if I have to do it, it better darn well be beneficial to me. My time is just as valuable as his.

Hope this helps?

My first day of searching for support forums and I happen across this thread first. I can relate to some of the things in the OP. I'm just now looking to see if I can get some kind of financial or job assistance to help with my physical and mental issues, but everywhere I look, it seems everyone says that it is an uphill and painstaking battle. I've waited way too long to get help, but it's hard swallowing my pride. I also feel like friends and family do not know me, and I am not looking forward to spilling my guts to a shrink and going to doctors to see if I qualify for any assistance.