Doctors Attitude

Hi Augusta8,

That sounds like a horrible experience.

Unfortunately, there's good and bad in most things. I don't want to excuse the behaviour of this doctor, but what I'm trying to say is that not all doctors are like this. Some are especially great, others are not so great.

I had a doctor when I was younger who was not so great, and it also put me off seeing a doctor. Eventually I got quite unwell, and needed to see a doctor, but luckily I found a gem and have been with her since. For me it made the world of difference.

I don't think it's appropriate for doctors to behave the way the doctor did with your daughter, and I wonder if it's worth making a complaint? I think you can do it through the Health Commission.

Does your daughter have other support? A counsellor? It might also be helpful for you daughter to touch base with youth services so they can point her in the direction of youth friend doctors. There's a youth service called Reach out. Also, sometimes just asking friends or other people in your area if they know of good doctors can be helpful. I'd offer some names, but we're not allowed to on here.

Dear @Augusta8

I'm so sorry to hear that - no wonder your daughter is struggling to function, and especially with depression. I am also a survivor of CSA and I know that it has been an incredibly debilitating thing in my life. The doctor's response was utterly inappropriate.

But there is light. You might find it helpful reading this article . What your daughter needs is compassionate care (which I'm sure you do "get", unlike the gp).

I think @BeHappy 's suggestions for ways to find a good gp are excellent. Ask people you trust.

In terms of further help for your daughter (she is going to need it, you are right):

1. Has she been to CASA for counselling? They are specialists in this field, it might be a good place to start. There is usually a waiiting list, no idea what their's is like (I waited 6 months to get in at ECASA, but am told it was an unusually long time).

2. Some forums which she might find helpful are: pandora's project which is for survivors of sexual assualt (there is also a section for friends and families). It is US based but open to all. There is also Reach Out which is "Australia’s leading online youth mental health service" for 14-25yo's.

I'm so glad you reached out here - you must be beside yourself with worry about your daughter, and yet in some ways have your hands tied due to her age. I think you are doing a great job persistently looking for helpful help for her. She is lucky that you "get it" and care enough to go searching. I know this probably seems like a "what else would I do?" kind of thing, but unfortunately many young people do not have someone who is compassionate and supportive as you clearly are. Remember to give yourself a lot of credit for that.

In the midst of this please also take care of you.

Hope for finding helpful help endures...

Kindest regards,

Kristin

Augusta8, Hi, loopy here. Very sad but all to frequent with overseas trained doctors. Your next step is to write to the below,

Health Care Complaints Commission N.S.W

Health Complaints Commissioner Tas

.Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Victoria.

Thank you for your advice and for everyone elses, I will certainily report this as I really believe the treatment and the attitude we received was really not acceptable.

Help should be easier to gain access to after all we keep hearing about all the help available for mental health issues.