Hello, I'm new here, not sure how to call this topic and whether this is the right place. I do feel quite hopeless and have some questions regarding doctors and medications.

I live in London over a year, soon after my arrival had to start again with antidepressant (I used to see a psychiatrist and take antidepressant earlier, before arriving to UK).

I went to the medical practice where I am registered, expecting to be referred to a psychiatrist, but was prescribed my medication by the GP. When I needed to change the medication I didn't even get to see the same GP, as it's hard to get ANY appointment, let alone choosing which GP of the practice (there's about 7 GPs there). Recently I needed to change my medication as the one I was taking stopped working, got to see another GP of the practice and got a new medication. She basically gave me the choice whether I want to increase the dosage or change for a new med.

My question is whether this is a standard way of treating depression? Not being referred to a psychiatrist? Who gets to see a psychiatrist then?

I guess I'd be happy with this if all went well, but it didn't. After several days with my new med (Mirtazapine) I feel like this medication is just very wrong for me, but, what is worse, I don't think that the GP knew much about this medication, it seems as if it was chosen randomly. As I found out, Mirtazapine is suitable for people with insomnia, as it is sedating. I have the opposite problem though-one of my symptoms is that I tend to sleep too much, have troubles to wake up, and I did tell this to the GP. Now with Mirtazapine I find it almost impossible to get up, and once I do, I seem to be even more depressed than before, I have thoughts that I just want to die too often now so that I don't have to experience what I'm experiencing (I mean feel what I'm feeling).

Here is my second question - I don't know if I should go and see the doctor again or whether I should wait for some time and if it still doesn't get better then see the doctor. I had my first dose on Saturday night. I know it's said it might take couple weeks till the meds start working, but I think I am quite sensitive to medication and react faster - for example Citalopram literally saved me within couple days. And I can't imagine having to survive another week like this.

I would be very grateful for your responses.

goodnight