[LookMumNoHands]

I'm struggling to work out my feelings with what happened at the GP on Thursday, and would like to hear some outside opinions.

I have depression. I went to the GP to request a referral for a psychologist. I said that I'm not coping well with my pregnancy, and am worried about what will happen when the baby is born, my emotional well being etc.

He offered me an abortion, but said I'd have to hurry with the decision.

I replied that abortion wasn't an option.

I'm very angry. And I can't stop thinking about what he said.

How would you feel?

[~Sorceress~]

I'd feel glad that it was an option, and that I could consciously choose to continue the pregnancy . Making you aware of all your options is the doctor's job.

Did you get the referral you wanted? I hope things turn around soon for you .

[~buzz~]

I would be furious and looking for another doctor

Did he give you a referral to a psychologist?

[cinnabubble]

I wouldn't be offended. It seems like a practical response to an untenable situation. Aren't abortions meant (legally speaking) for when a woman's physical or emotional well being are threatened by her pregnancy?

It also might be a clever way to trigger your positive and protective instincts towards your pregnancy.

I'd put it behind you and concentrate on your mental health.

This post has been edited by cinnabubble: 24/11/2012, 08:13 AM

[Bacongirl]

I don't think any of us can judge whether what the GP offered is horrendous or not. We do not know the OP's state of mind, nor her mental background. Nor if there are any other physical issues with the pregnancy.


OP, I hope the GP has given you the mental health refrerral and that you find some help. In my opinion, I would be relieved that there was an option available if needed, but not offended that it was suggested.

If you feel your are really struggling and at risk of harming yourself or others, please seek urgent help at your local hospital or call one of the depression assistance lines like BeyondBlue.

EB has lots of assistance lines pinned here. http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...howtopic=500857



I watched a dear friend mentally struggle with her unexpected pregnancy (was told she was infertile and they had already adopted). She struggled through the pregnancy without any help and ended up in hospital with severe PND.

Please get help.

[evalynnI]

OP, first of all and I really hope that your GP gave you the referral you requested.

As for how I would feel about it, exactly the same as you. I would be furious and would avoid that GP at all costs in the future.

An abortion would never be an option for me either, for any reason at all (not that I expect my GP to know that), but I would expect a GP dealing with a depressed patient to have a little more sympathy and tact than straight out offering an abortion, especially if you hadn't said that you regretted the pregnancy or words to that effect. There is a huge difference between struggling with a pregnancy and wanting to terminate.

Thinking of you OP, hope you get the help you need

[SarahVandooo]

I personally find it odd that you went to him seeking help from a psychologist and he offers an abortion?? Rather than first trying to help you deal with your stresses. So out of all things to talk about, aka the stress, what's bothering you ways to go about it, he mentions abortion?

But thats just my opinion.

[Jemstar]

While it's upsetting I don't think it's anything to be offended Or furious about. He was doing his job, letting you know what is available. Unless he pushed you to do it after you said it wasn't an option then I don't see the issue.

I hope you get the help you need psychologically OP.

[raone]

I would probably be upset by it OP. But being on the outside looking in I can understand why it was offered. Even though you were asking for something else he may have thought you didn't know it was still possible or felt too much shame/guilt to ask for it.

[Ehill]

I feel he was doing his job and giving you all the options.

I hope you are okay and get some help. Good luck with your pregnancy.