"To be heard is more important than anything else."

I've spent the last 30 years fighting clinical depression. My GP heard but didn't listen and put me on front line medication. It didn't work. I had talking therapy it didn't work, they just wanted to talk about my weight not what I wanted/needed to talk about. This went on for next 25 years.

I've had various GPs, NHS psychiatrists and private ones too. Only thing I found out is that I have a medical reason. I have a chemical imbalance and will always need medication. Private psychiatrists just kept giving me more and more meds. At 1 point I took 13 different ones at night alone.

6 months ago my husband found me crying and rocking in a corner unable to cope or talk. Everything was too much and my brain literally shut down. I met a new GP who actually listened. I got an emergency appointment with an NHS psychiatrist. He listens, asks the right questions and I've finally been able to explain my thoughts in a rational way. Now I'm coming off old meds in a rationed way and starting newer better drugs.

I'm waiting on a therapy appointment, but on my terms and to talk about what I want to. My GP checks in every month and actually listens. This is actually the whole point. Someone listens! I'm no longer ignored and given another prescription or asked what I want to do next - how do I know I'm the patient and its not as simple as do you want an operation or not. 

To the whole NHS thank you, but please just listen. It makes all the difference to your patients.

To be heard is more important than anything else.