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How to discuss thingd with my GP?

Posted , 6 users are following.

simon1975mar
simon1975mar

Hi - I've finally decided to book an appointment to discuss my mental health with my GP. The last time I did this was 3 years ago. I just find it incredibly hard to talk about 'mental' stuff. I visit my doctors often for physical illness, which I'm fine discussing. But I just find it near-impossible to open up when it comes to my feelings and depression. My particulat anxiety disorder means that I have a major problem talking to certain people face-to-face. I don't know if I'll be able to go through with it. And if i can manage to speak to him, I don't know what i'll say.

Any tips?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • UK-Ven-medicate
    UK-Ven-medicate simon1975mar

    Posted

    Could you see a different GP ? I had problems with my GP when I lived down south. Just telling me to snap out of it and saying do you want me to hold your hand or something.. I decide his approach wasnt working for me so saw another doctor and explained why I wanted to see her ? Strangely enough the guy that was rude left not long after that for another surgery. I guess depression wasnt his subject
    • Aspinan
      Aspinan UK-Ven-medicate

      Posted

      Jimmy, GP's like that should be reported as they are not acting in their clients best interests and is a clear neglection of their duty of care, hope he gets the condition.

      N 

    • UK-Ven-medicate
      UK-Ven-medicate Aspinan

      Posted

      It was over 12 months ago I have moved back up north since. I supect thou his card got marked big time
  • Patish
    Patish simon1975mar

    Posted

    Why would you want to discuss your mental health with your GP? They are not at all trained to handle mental problems. 
    • gillian20097
      gillian20097 UK-Ven-medicate

      Posted

      You can ask for a referral to the crisis team at the hospital...Just tell your doctor that you feel that as far as medication distribution,he's doing a grand job but that you feel that you would benefit from extra support from people who are fully trained in mental health.

      You would be amazed how much more reassured you feel when you are discussing mental health issues with somebody who actually knows what you are going through and can explain what is happening and why it's happening and then help you take the steps to move forward with confidence.

      Simon......I always write what I want to say down and then I explain to my doc that I struggle to find the words and explain myself and worry I will forget to mention something so I've wrote it down......I think he prefers this than having to hear me anxious jabber on and believe me,when I'm anxious...I do jabber :D

      Or just start with"I'm not sure what's going on with me but I'm really struggling lately" ......and I'm sure thenyour doc will ask what you are struggling with which will open the window to you telling him what you need him to know.

      Please dint worry or carry on suffering, there is help out there but you have to take that one tiny step and ask for it xx

  • linda83143l
    linda83143l simon1975mar

    Posted

    If it helps write down what you want to say, at worse pass him the letter you wrote with your problems on.

    Explain you feel nervous discussing your mental health.

    Ask him to give you time to explain xx

  • simon1975mar
    simon1975mar

    Posted

    Hi all - and thanks for your comments.I had my appointment with my GP - and, yes, it was very difficult. I say worried for ages in the waiting room. I felt nervous and worried, and thought I was going to be sick. When I went in, I immediately said that I was having difficulty speaking ... and we sat there for ages in silence. My GP didn't rush me, and after a while I started to blurt out what was wrong with my life. I was in there for about 40 minutes, and managed to briefly cover the basics of my problems. As I was feeling very depressed (suicidal), he decided it would be best to put me on medication to change my mood, and to arrange to see a mental health specialist in the new year. So, it went okay - I was relieved when it was over. I had written down a number of 'points' to help focus my thoughts, and these were useful. What makes me worried is that seeing my GP - while very stressful for me - is amongst the least anxious of social situations I have to encounter. And since I found that difficult, I know there's no way I can handle the really problematic ones! But it's a start.

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