Risks of seeing your GP regarding depression?
Discussion
Can anyone tell me about any potential downsides or risks to seeing my GP regarding what I assume might be depression of some kind.
By downsides I mean being put on some kind of list somewhere, or being barred from certain professions or activities?
Thankfully I’ve not had the need to see any doctor or GP in almost 20 years, but when I checked my medical history for the first time using the MyGP app I was quite surprised to see that my current GP had written in my notes, several different entries, and in capital letters “WARNING - OWNS FIREARMS” and “OWNS GUNS”.
Those notes were from around 2 years ago when I renewed my shotgun certificate, and I had to have a phone call with my GP to get the required medical letter, and I remember her being a bit arsey about it all. I’ve never met her in person but she clearly didn’t like the idea of anyone possessing firearms. I expect if I went to her for help, she would immediately phone the police and bad things would happen.
That’s one aspect of it, but I’m worried about other stuff happening that maybe I’m not aware of, and seeing those notes has made me question if there would be any major repercussions from going to see the GP.
I do think I need to see someone though, as I have come to the conclusion that how I feel every day, and have done since a child, cannot possibly be normal.
Thanks
By downsides I mean being put on some kind of list somewhere, or being barred from certain professions or activities?
Thankfully I’ve not had the need to see any doctor or GP in almost 20 years, but when I checked my medical history for the first time using the MyGP app I was quite surprised to see that my current GP had written in my notes, several different entries, and in capital letters “WARNING - OWNS FIREARMS” and “OWNS GUNS”.
Those notes were from around 2 years ago when I renewed my shotgun certificate, and I had to have a phone call with my GP to get the required medical letter, and I remember her being a bit arsey about it all. I’ve never met her in person but she clearly didn’t like the idea of anyone possessing firearms. I expect if I went to her for help, she would immediately phone the police and bad things would happen.
That’s one aspect of it, but I’m worried about other stuff happening that maybe I’m not aware of, and seeing those notes has made me question if there would be any major repercussions from going to see the GP.
I do think I need to see someone though, as I have come to the conclusion that how I feel every day, and have done since a child, cannot possibly be normal.
Thanks
A good route - in my opinion - would be to visit an independent CBT therapist for a few sessions and take things from there.
If you still need to see a GP after that, for possible prescription meds, then do so but the above is a good way to A) gain insight as to why you're feeling the way you are and B) avoid seeing a GP at the outset.
Could be talking b
ks, but that's my instinctive answer.
If you still need to see a GP after that, for possible prescription meds, then do so but the above is a good way to A) gain insight as to why you're feeling the way you are and B) avoid seeing a GP at the outset.
Could be talking b
ks, but that's my instinctive answer.When I applied for my Shotgun license in 2007, I was mindful that I had been treated for depression for a very short period in 1996.
Although, it didn’t show on my digital records, it was there on hand written notes. I discussed it with my GP at the time and he said be absolutely transparent about it - just in case.
So I always have been, I referenced it on all my renewal applications. Even 30 years after the initial event (depression). I have never had any episodes since and the initial was triggered by a relationship break up.
It’s all about honesty at the end of the day when relating to a subject like this. When I had my last renewal, the Police Firearms Officer stressed to me: “if you ever have any reoccurrence, that’s ok, but we just need to know”.
Worst case scenario: you may have your weapons taken away from you for sometime, and may go through quite a process to get them back.
I’m not sure, but it will be a subject you will need to discuss with your GP. Whether he is duty bound to inform police - I don’t know?
A friend of mine a few years ago was admitted to hospital for alcohol related issues, he fessed up straight away to the staff at the hospital that he was an FAC holder.
Guns removed immediately, he never got his license back.
Although, it didn’t show on my digital records, it was there on hand written notes. I discussed it with my GP at the time and he said be absolutely transparent about it - just in case.
So I always have been, I referenced it on all my renewal applications. Even 30 years after the initial event (depression). I have never had any episodes since and the initial was triggered by a relationship break up.
It’s all about honesty at the end of the day when relating to a subject like this. When I had my last renewal, the Police Firearms Officer stressed to me: “if you ever have any reoccurrence, that’s ok, but we just need to know”.
Worst case scenario: you may have your weapons taken away from you for sometime, and may go through quite a process to get them back.
I’m not sure, but it will be a subject you will need to discuss with your GP. Whether he is duty bound to inform police - I don’t know?
A friend of mine a few years ago was admitted to hospital for alcohol related issues, he fessed up straight away to the staff at the hospital that he was an FAC holder.
Guns removed immediately, he never got his license back.
TimmyMallett said:
Think about what you're saying.
You think you might have depression. You have guns.
You're worried about losing your guns more than getting better.
Forget about the guns. Focus on you.
As someone who has suffered some very bad bouts of depression that I didn't seek advice for, the number one thing is to seek some treatment, try a proper therapist first if you aren't keen on the doc.You think you might have depression. You have guns.
You're worried about losing your guns more than getting better.
Forget about the guns. Focus on you.
Forget about the shotguns for now, as if left to fester, you may change your opinion on those guns.
Your health and mental state is far more important than holding a SG licence.
The GP is however I believe duty bound to probably inform the Police as presumably on your last renewal she would have written the GP support saying there was no reason you could not hold them -irrespective of her personal feelings on gun ownership - its actually a form they fill out and charge you for doing so if anything changes and she was not to inform the Police etc....
But that shouldn't be a reason for putting off going to see her.
Best of luck and I hope things improve for you.
The GP is however I believe duty bound to probably inform the Police as presumably on your last renewal she would have written the GP support saying there was no reason you could not hold them -irrespective of her personal feelings on gun ownership - its actually a form they fill out and charge you for doing so if anything changes and she was not to inform the Police etc....
But that shouldn't be a reason for putting off going to see her.
Best of luck and I hope things improve for you.
Goldman Sachs said:
Can anyone tell me about any potential downsides or risks to seeing my GP regarding what I assume might be depression of some kind.
By downsides I mean being put on some kind of list somewhere, or being barred from certain professions or activities?
Thankfully I’ve not had the need to see any doctor or GP in almost 20 years, but when I checked my medical history for the first time using the MyGP app I was quite surprised to see that my current GP had written in my notes, several different entries, and in capital letters “WARNING - OWNS FIREARMS” and “OWNS GUNS”.
Those notes were from around 2 years ago when I renewed my shotgun certificate, and I had to have a phone call with my GP to get the required medical letter, and I remember her being a bit arsey about it all. I’ve never met her in person but she clearly didn’t like the idea of anyone possessing firearms. I expect if I went to her for help, she would immediately phone the police and bad things would happen.
That’s one aspect of it, but I’m worried about other stuff happening that maybe I’m not aware of, and seeing those notes has made me question if there would be any major repercussions from going to see the GP.
I do think I need to see someone though, as I have come to the conclusion that how I feel every day, and have done since a child, cannot possibly be normal.
Thanks
Those highlights around gun ownership are there for this exact reason. By downsides I mean being put on some kind of list somewhere, or being barred from certain professions or activities?
Thankfully I’ve not had the need to see any doctor or GP in almost 20 years, but when I checked my medical history for the first time using the MyGP app I was quite surprised to see that my current GP had written in my notes, several different entries, and in capital letters “WARNING - OWNS FIREARMS” and “OWNS GUNS”.
Those notes were from around 2 years ago when I renewed my shotgun certificate, and I had to have a phone call with my GP to get the required medical letter, and I remember her being a bit arsey about it all. I’ve never met her in person but she clearly didn’t like the idea of anyone possessing firearms. I expect if I went to her for help, she would immediately phone the police and bad things would happen.
That’s one aspect of it, but I’m worried about other stuff happening that maybe I’m not aware of, and seeing those notes has made me question if there would be any major repercussions from going to see the GP.
I do think I need to see someone though, as I have come to the conclusion that how I feel every day, and have done since a child, cannot possibly be normal.
Thanks
If you were to approach a GP with even the slightest concern about depression or mental health you can reasonably expect a visit from your local FAO and armed police in the next few days who will remove your guns. You will not get them back, ever..
Whether this is the correct way to approach this debatable. IMO, it's wrong. Shooting can be a large part of ones life, their only access to company outside of their immediate family and for those who of advanced years who may be the only one left it can leave them completely alone. For many, it's not just a hobby they do every once in a while, it can be a way of life for those who live in rural areas.
The shoot first and ask questions later policy of police firearms departments when it comes to mental health and firearms only leads to those who may be suffering but otherwise normal and perfectly safe to hold firearms at that time to hide their condition through fear of having their hobby and passion ripped away from them, which then worsens to point where they are no longer safe with the resulting consequences.
If the police were to have a more pragmatic approach to mental health and firearms licensing and remove the environment of immediate license revocation and firearms removal which they have created them more people may come forward before it's too late without fear that even asking a question may result in them losing everything.
That being said, OP, it's far more important that you have any issues addressed before they worsen. Loss of firearms licenses may be an unfortunate consequence but the potential alternatives are a lot worse.
Edited by dci on Friday 21st February 12:44
TimmyMallett said:
Think about what you're saying.
You think you might have depression. You have guns.
You're worried about losing your guns more than getting better.
Forget about the guns. Focus on you.
You make a good point, but as far as I’m aware, I’m not suicidal. However, I know that opinion is entirely my own and does not carry much weight.You think you might have depression. You have guns.
You're worried about losing your guns more than getting better.
Forget about the guns. Focus on you.
I’m not obsessed with keeping guns, not at all, I rarely shoot these days, but clay shooting is genuinely one of the things I really enjoy. I get out there on my own, have a great morning or afternoon, and it really takes my mind off anything.
But what I absolutely do not want is the police taking great delight in seizing £12k of guns off me (2 guns) and making it incredibly difficult to ever get them back or sell them. That would annoy me greatly.
I would be prepared to sell them myself now, before seeing the GP, but it seems a bit wrong that I have to get rid of the one thing that I really enjoy and that de-stresses me, before I call a doctor.
Hope all that makes sense.
nuyorican said:
I'm not familiar with firearms laws, but could your guns not be transferred to a responsible friend. So if your license were to be revoked, you could at least sell them rather than the police keeping them.
When one of my neighbours had his certificate temporarily revoked he handed them over to his local gun dealer. They kept them for him until it was released, I think there was a small storage charge.nuyorican said:
I'm not familiar with firearms laws, but could your guns not be transferred to a responsible friend. So if your license were to be revoked, you could at least sell them rather than the police keeping them.
Yes, that is possible providing the friend is also a certificate holder and has the required safe capacity to hold them. They can also be lodged with an RFD for weekly or monthly fee. This isn't cheap however and firearms departments do not work fast. It's not uncommon for common trivial issues to extend beyond 24 months for a resolution. The storage fees can amount to over the value of the gun in these instances.
Best not to overthink this - I think c 1 in 5 people in the UK are using anti depressant medication and a number of those will have a SGC. Depression and more importantly seeking treatment is not a barrier to a SGC but a factor that will be considered. As discussed above, SGC renewal requires a form completed by GP especially where depression is is your medical record and you will commit an offence if you don’t declare. From what you say clay pigeon shooting is positive for you and that should be emphasised every time you see or speak to GP who I think needs to put a marker on patient records with access to firearms and suffering with depression.
Again as discussed above, getting any depression treated is more important that holding a SGC as you can shoot with friends etc
I am sure all will be well and good luck
SGC= Shot Gun Certificate
Again as discussed above, getting any depression treated is more important that holding a SGC as you can shoot with friends etc
I am sure all will be well and good luck
SGC= Shot Gun Certificate
Edited by Googie on Friday 21st February 14:28
dundarach said:
Don't build up seeing the GP into thinking once you do, you'll be sorted.
I've been on and off the pills as have others I know.
They take the edge off, nothing more.
Thanks for posting this.I've been on and off the pills as have others I know.
They take the edge off, nothing more.
I’m not even sure what I want from my GP to be honest.
I don’t want a life of pills. I’ve read the threads where people talk about the side effects. But if there is no straightforward medical option, what else is there?
I would happily go to therapy or counselling to see if that helped.
TheJimi said:
A good route - in my opinion - would be to visit an independent CBT therapist for a few sessions and take things from there.
If you still need to see a GP after that, for possible prescription meds, then do so but the above is a good way to A) gain insight as to why you're feeling the way you are and B) avoid seeing a GP at the outset.
Could be talking bks, but that's my instinctive answer.
Thanks for this.If you still need to see a GP after that, for possible prescription meds, then do so but the above is a good way to A) gain insight as to why you're feeling the way you are and B) avoid seeing a GP at the outset.
Could be talking b
ks, but that's my instinctive answer.As I replied to another poster, I really don’t want a life of pills, but would like to seek therapy if I could, as a first course of action.
I will look up CBT therapists.
I’m fairly sure, but don’t quote me. That the Police Fire Arms officer who gave me the information I supplied above (about them needing to know). I’m sure she said that people can still hold a license and be on medication - as long as it’s on file.
But, I must admit that I was rather dubious about that. I mean it is no secret that the licensing authorities would rather have no type of firearm or shotgun in public hands.
When I was going through my renewal, about 2 years ago, I was asked by the officer where I kept my gun cabinet keys - but it was stressed I didn’t have to answer.
The officer explained: say, I was in an accident or something and they needed to remove my guns, they might have to get a locksmith or similar.
I replied: “Angle Grinder it is then”.
I thought it was a bit of a trick - to catch me out.
Going back to my post above where I spoke about my friend who lost his licence, he was offered the chance to re-apply. He asked me to be a reference, I knew as close friends do - he had a serious problem with booze, I take my gun ownership very seriously, as one should. It was a really difficult call to make, but I just couldn’t . I had to say no.
Now back to you OP. I feel for you fella, I suggest if you are not suicidal, you are not chronically depressed (I’m certainly not a GP). And that is not a diagnosis. When I was prescribed antidepressants over 30 years ago, they just made me feel crap and it wasn’t for me. And it was over a girl FFS. I seem to remember my dad giving me a shake and words of advice - Like. “ Pull yourself together man”
Times have changed though haven’t they? It’s so easy now to go down the MH route.?
This time of year is always hard to get through, but spring is around the corner soon. Whenever I feel a bit pissed off exercise and fresh air is a fantastic pick me up.
I hope you have a good weekend and feel better soon, you always get some good advice on this forum. A problem shared and all that.
But, I must admit that I was rather dubious about that. I mean it is no secret that the licensing authorities would rather have no type of firearm or shotgun in public hands.
When I was going through my renewal, about 2 years ago, I was asked by the officer where I kept my gun cabinet keys - but it was stressed I didn’t have to answer.
The officer explained: say, I was in an accident or something and they needed to remove my guns, they might have to get a locksmith or similar.
I replied: “Angle Grinder it is then”.
I thought it was a bit of a trick - to catch me out.
Going back to my post above where I spoke about my friend who lost his licence, he was offered the chance to re-apply. He asked me to be a reference, I knew as close friends do - he had a serious problem with booze, I take my gun ownership very seriously, as one should. It was a really difficult call to make, but I just couldn’t . I had to say no.
Now back to you OP. I feel for you fella, I suggest if you are not suicidal, you are not chronically depressed (I’m certainly not a GP). And that is not a diagnosis. When I was prescribed antidepressants over 30 years ago, they just made me feel crap and it wasn’t for me. And it was over a girl FFS. I seem to remember my dad giving me a shake and words of advice - Like. “ Pull yourself together man”
Times have changed though haven’t they? It’s so easy now to go down the MH route.?
This time of year is always hard to get through, but spring is around the corner soon. Whenever I feel a bit pissed off exercise and fresh air is a fantastic pick me up.
I hope you have a good weekend and feel better soon, you always get some good advice on this forum. A problem shared and all that.
Edited by Jim H on Friday 21st February 16:21
Goldman Sachs said:
dundarach said:
Don't build up seeing the GP into thinking once you do, you'll be sorted.
I've been on and off the pills as have others I know.
They take the edge off, nothing more.
Thanks for posting this.I've been on and off the pills as have others I know.
They take the edge off, nothing more.
I’m not even sure what I want from my GP to be honest.
I don’t want a life of pills. I’ve read the threads where people talk about the side effects. But if there is no straightforward medical option, what else is there?
I would happily go to therapy or counselling to see if that helped.
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