Peoples experiences of accessing Bury GPs for mental health advice
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Healthwatch Bury gathered feedback from service users’ regarding their experiences of both before and after accessing their GP’s about their mental health. We received 118 survey responses and met with 8 mental health groups.
From the survey results 81% of respondents had approached their GP about their mental health concerns in the last 12-18 months, with just under 60% seeking help within 3 months of becoming concerned and 17% waiting for over a year before seeking help.
Prior going to their GP the survey results showed that service users managed their condition in multiple ways through the help of family and friends, self-diagnosis, self-medication, on-line advice and via local charities/groups. However, some people chose to ignore their condition reaching crisis point before seeking help. Feedback indicated the lack of crisis care support and advice, as being a major area of concern for service users.
Just over 60% of survey respondents indicated they had no concerns or fears in going to talk to their GP about their mental health. The 30% who expressed fears gave the following reasons: The potential stigma attached with being diagnosed with a mental health condition. The potential impact being diagnosed with a mental health problem may have on work. Concern about not being taken seriously. Concern about being sectioned. Lack of time to discuss issues and in getting a timely appointment.
A further question highlighted that around 18% had actually found it difficult to talk to their GP. The main reasons indicated were: Feeling uncomfortable about talking about their condition. Not having enough time to talk to their GP. A lack of empathy and not being taken seriously. For the majority of respondents the support offered by their GP was medication and referral to another service and or specialist. Feedback from the groups highlighted some concern about an over reliance on medication and a lack of alternative options being offered or available to people. It was however, the main expectation of treatment from the survey responses.
When asked what would have improved the experience of those who responded, the main suggestions were for alternative therapies to be offered, quicker referrals, less waiting times to access secondary care services and the need for more time with their GP’s.