Disability benefit & medical card following GP visit.

LegacyUser

This should probably be moved to the state benefits forum, but just wanted to post anoyn.

Long story short I've been suffering from crippling depression for 2 years (Have always suffered from it for some degree for 10 years, since I was 13). 13 months ago I lost my job because of it, and was forced to drop out of college. It got so bad I was unable to seek help of any kind, look for work or speak to anyone including friends or family about it.

After 2 members of my family basically copping on to what was happening, they pushed me to go and see my family GP. Unbeknown to me I needed an appointment to see her, and was referred to another doctor.

I explained the situation to her, that I was suffering from chronic depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, had been unable to work, had debts building and zero income due to the fact I had pretty much given up in every respect.

Her response was to refuse to fill out the GP section of an application for a medical card (which I believe I'm entitled to with zero income?), refuse to address the paperwork I had for application for disability benefit, told me to go apply for social welfare (which I'm not entitled to as I'm not able to look for work, even thou my PRSI is paid) and told me to go home, take a motilium, gave me a prescription for the equivalent of a mild Valium and told me to go back and see her in a month.

She claimed as I had not come to see her before with this during this period she wouldn't diagnose me, but she didn't refer me to see anyone else.

I understand no one here might be able to offer any advice, but I find even the thought of picking up the phone to social services or the disability allowance offices makes me collapse in a heap.

This was the only thing that's given me a bit of hope in a long time, there's been stages where I wasn't expecting to still be alive at this stage, and now I actually go to ask for help I'm offered nothing.

Is there any point seeking a second opinion. or a new GP? 50 euros down the drain when I have precisely zero to spare. Moods sunk like a stone since I came in the door, and I've my head in my hands not knowing what to do next. And I'm running out of time.

Thanks for reading this wall of text even if you can't offer anything.

sunnyside

Not all doctors accept medical card patients. Was this maybe why she wouldn't sign the form?

mood

Go to see a different doctor. I can't believe how she treated you. Bad form.

tenchi-fan

You will be means tested for the medical card. If you;re under 25 and live at home your parents their income and assets will be taken into account. If your only source of income is social welfare you will be entitled to a medical card... but you're not in receipt of social welfare.

Doctors see people the whole time saying they have depression and expect the doctor to wave a magic wand. But a lot of doctors are used to diagnosing depression where the individual doesn't wash in a month because they are so depressed - not because they are under the weather. My advice, if you aren't happy with your doctor go for a second opinion. Otherwise, maybe consider that you're not as bad as you thought you were. Mild depression is often a state of mind rather than a serious chemical imbalance in your brain. If you are depressed at being depressed you will be depressed the whole time.

Take the doctor's advice and try to pick up the pieces over the next month. Apply for unemployment benefit.. tell them you are actively seeking employment (think positive!) - living on benefits will do nothing for your self esteem.

Read up the facts on the various types of depression and personality disorders and see if anything at all resembles how you feel, then look up self help reading on how to overcome these feelings.

Get into a routine of healthy eating, exercise, meeting friends regularly, going for a walk in the morning, and take up a sport or hobby. Ask friends to help you overcome depression. And consider going back to college in September. If might give your life some focus.

I'm only saying this because I suffered depression over the years. Now that I understand the condition I am able to overcome it quicker if I ever have a bout of depression.

mood

Surely 'suicidal thoughts' should get any doctor worried. Go to a different doctor for sure.

Victor

guest10001 wrote: »

After 2 members of my family basically copping on to what was happening, they pushed me to go and see my family GP.

You need someone to advocate for you. Are these family members up to it?

Consider going to the local social worker. Print off what you have written and give it to them.

sam34

tenchifan wrote: »

Read up the facts on the various types of depression and personality disorders and see if anything at all resembles how you feel, then look up self help reading on how to overcome these feelings

i think self-diagnosing and self-management is really dodgy and potentially dangerous.

Victor

tenchifan wrote: »

Read up the facts on the various types of depression and personality disorders and see if anything at all resembles how you feel, then look up self help reading on how to overcome these feelings.

For serious conditions, not even doctors are allowed self-diagnose.

While it would be one thing to do some reading when there is a diagnosis, internet diagnosis is notorious for giving people with a one-off headache a diagnosis of cancer.

That said, your advice on eating well, getting some exercise and getting out an about is good for anyone.