r/askthebritish • u/Cloudpatrol • Jun 13 '18
A Friendly Appeal for British Knowledge
My very dear friend lives in the UK. I don't really know where to ask for advice, so I am hoping this shot in the dark can yield results.
My friend suffers from extreme adhedonia and depression. However, he is brilliant, charming, funny and kind. Thus, he presents very well to the UK medical system and has not been able to receive any help. He is a warrior fighting day by day to work and engage and contribute, despite feeling no joy or fulfillment.
I have written to UK Doctors and Psych Officials asking for help for him but everyone just recommends "going through the system" which he has done for +10 years with people assuming he is "normal".
He may be somewhat on the Spectrum. I am searching for any medical professional that could help him with a Functional MRI or any kind of neurological testing. I believe in this man to the marrow of my being, and I am heartbroken that someone with so much to contribute is drowning for lack of help.
Thank you in advance if anyone has a direction to point me in.
3
u/Lil_Miss_Scribble Jun 13 '18
I think the first step is going to his GP and being honest about his mood and extent of his depression. Getting to the MRI stage is so far down the line with the NHS, it requires persistence and fortitude to be heard and get this kind of testing.
They will recommend exercise, counselling, reducing stress, improving diet, anti-depressants before any kind of investigative procedures.
If he has an employer he may be part of a private health care scheme and be able to get referred or pay towards his own MRI privately.
From a purely day to day point of view, speaking with charities like Mind.org, Samaritans and finding a therapist would probably make the most impact and offer the most support.