Living abroad without a pdoc

Since I moved abroad for school, nearly a year ago, I've been receiving monthly scripts from my GP. Of course these scripts only refer back to the last one my pdoc at home wrote and I haven't asked to alter the dose. I intended to find a pdoc when I moved but out of laziness, poor time management and some anticipated language barriers in coordinating with secretaries, I allowed the appointment to come and go, and never rescheduled. First time appointments are often scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance here, so after missing mine I found seeing my GP, who is willing to hand me scripts between patients, much more convenient.

Though this has presented problems that I ultimately need to address by finding an actual pdoc, I've enjoyed being able to receive my meds without presenting an hourly timeline of my mood changes or pointing at the facial expression that corresponds to my irritability levels. Instead of pathologising my frustration or sadness, I've allowed myself to re-examine it in terms of events and things in my life worth feeling frustrated about or disappointed by. In a way, I've developed a bit more of a backbone. Instead of automatically thinking, "well, I'm pathologically (insert adjective), so this is probably my fault," I've felt more confident asserting my desires and analysing my actions. And I guess I'm afraid of losing this "agency" of sorts when I start seeing a psychiatrist again.

Any of you have experience being on meds sans pdoc? Also, is it just me or doesn't it seem a bit odd for a GP to write scripts for anti-psychotics to a foreigner with a year old letter from her last psychiatrist?

Sigh... welcome to socialized health care.

My sister (in the UK) had clinical depression, to the extent that she was calling suicide hotlines that would literally not even respond. I had to do my research here and just tell her to put 'fluoxetine' since everything is generic over there, into her pocket.

I'm sorry, I wish that I could provide some actual information on how to find a Psychiatrist/Psychotherapist abroad, because that's always the right route to go. My sister was actually worried about receiving a refill over here in America when she comes to visit, and I told her, "I've got you, no worries..." since I can just walk into any place and get a script for Prozac.

Are there genuinely no psychiatrists in your area, or would you have to pop into a hospital, tell them you've lost your marbles, and then have some legit papers for your ordinary prescriptions? I mean, that would get in the way of everything... outside of being completely ridiculous.

Can your old guy not just photocopy your papers and e-mail them over? Can you e-mail him?

-- Fri Dec 08, 2017 12:09 am --

Sorry, just re-reading this again... I have a bit of a seroquel withdrawal (manic, didn't sleep for over a week, needed the stuff).

Yea, it's weird outside of America for a GP to prescribe you your medications, but it's not weird where you are. It's normal. Are you on the right medicatoins? Is there any other issue that you need psychotherapy for, or are you alright?