Where To Go For Diagnosis

jessiblah

Hi,

I'm not really sure where this goes so I'm really sorry if this is in the wrong place. I'm not looking for medical advice really, so I think here is okay?

I have two friends who have both been exhibiting signs of depression for a long time now. Because they both have the same feelings, it's quite normalised for them and when they talk about it with me it's a bit scary to be honest how they talk so casually about this stuff.

I've finally convinced one to go to see if she is depressed, and I'm hoping that this will make the other realise that there is a problem. We're just wondering now, where do you go? Can any GP diagnose you? She's stone broke so if she has money, she isn't interested in paying it to a GP to find out there's nothing wrong. Then if she needs medication she probably can't afford it anyway. I'd give her the money but I'm the same. We've just finished the Leaving and are both unemployed.

Does anyone know what to do in this situation? Is there anyone she can go to who could check if she's depressed, who's cheaper than a GP?

Thanks!
jessiblah

JuliusCaesar

You'd need to find out if you are eligible for a medical card.

If you are in college, try your college's medical service - they'll be well used to such problems.

Otherwise, you might need to pay the GP - but if s/he refers you to the HSE psychiatric services, treatment is free of charge there. You may receive counselling or medication (which have to be paid for - but the psychiatric social worker will help sort out a medical card) or both. You might need to ASK the GP to refer you to the mental health services, but once you are in the system there are a lot of resources available in most areas.

Hope this is useful to you.

Lbeard

What is the waiting time at the minute after a GP referral?