What to expect going to GP for mental health please? In england
Posted by Accurate_Molasses853@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 137 comments
So I am planning to ring my GP tommorrow but im really worried what sort of things they might ask me? Thank you to anyone i appreciate it
IansGotNothingLeft@reddit
For my own appointments, he usually tries to establish whether it's circumstantial. They'll probably ask what's been happening in your life, do you know why you've been feeling this way?
They may also ask if you've felt like harming yourself. It's really not as intrusive as it sounds, but I understand that it can be difficult to speak about these things. Just be as honest as you can be, and try to advocate for the path you want to take (for instance, push for medication if you feel that that's the best route).
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much!
LopsidedGear8017@reddit
Med student (ironically on GP placement right now) here.
They’ll probably begin by assessing what’s been going on lately, how long you’ve been feeling this way and whether things are getting better, worse, or staying the same (especially if this has been a chronic issue).
They may ask more specific things such as your mood, sleep (such as too much, too little, waking up a lot), appetite and energy levels, concentration or motivation and whether anything in your life might be contributing (stress, work, relationships).
They are likely to also ask some direct questions which may seem intimidating at first but is important to get a full assessment of your safety. Questions like if you’ve had thoughts about harming yourself or feeling like life isn’t worth living or whether you feel safe right now.
I know it seems super terrifying but remind yourself you’ve taken a massive step getting yourself to the GP! We acknowledge how difficult it can be to speak about it so if it makes you feel better, maybe you can note some things down on your phone about things that have been going on.
It’s likely the GP will begin thinking about what help you need, and maybe you already have an idea of what you’d like to begin with.
Again, this is all dependent on you. It’s different if you’re calling in with depressive thoughts vs postpartum psychosis. But generally, those topics are covered.
Best of luck and I hope your mental health improves!
Imaginary_Can_1043@reddit
I told her well asked her to read my phone which said childhood sexual abuse which is what I'm struggling mentally with. And she gave me a website for a charity that gives information about it💀 and a telephone line when you're in crisis about it. There was no assessment no more questions apart from if I want to report it to the police this was a couple weeks ago, should I try again? Are you 100% sure that's what's supposed to happen??
MermaidPigeon@reddit
It’s nice you think there thorough ☺️
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much for replying it's really helpful and your kind words! Sounds like you are a great doctor hopefully the person I see will be as kind
Bubbly-Weakness-4788@reddit
Awww that’s nice you took the time to reply. ❤️
Alternative-Bee2962@reddit
As someone who has lived with a number of diagnosed severe mental health problems, for many years I have found that it's best to just be totally open and honest about everything you are feeling and struggling with currently and don't be embarrassed about answering any questions the GP will ask and be totally honest with them, as it will help them know what they need to do and if it's something they can help you with or if you need a referral to your local mental health team to be further assessed.
I have had a mix of different experiences over the last 25 years from the many different GP's and the same with mental health trusts. I thankfully have an amazing GP which helps and I have been under my current mental health team for the last 6 years and they have honestly been useless and they don't have a great reputation in my local town and don't be afraid to make a complaint if it is needed and your mental health is important.
But remember that the GP has heard it all and the questions they will ask can be very personal but just be 100% open and honest and it really does help you get the correct support hopefully.
But unfortunately NHS mental health services are very underfunded, overstretched and not always the best. Sometimes you might even get referred to your local MIND depending on what your problem is and I have always had good experiences with them and they are good but limited on what they can do.
But good luck and it really does help having someone with you that knows you really well and their support can be good for you and they can also give their input on things they have noticed. I really hope it goes well and take care of yourself and I hope you get the help you are after.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much this comment is so helpful!! Seems to be so area dependent. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to take but I have made some notes so hopefully I can be clear when I go. I hope you feel better now
Alternative-Bee2962@reddit
Notes are really useful and asking for a double GP appointment can be worthwhile and then you will get enough time to be able to talk about everything. But I find it helps me having everything written down and then I don't forget anything and especially if things get too much or you find yourself overwhelmed. Sorry you don't have anyone to go with you as I know how hard it can be dealing with this sort of thing and here if you need to talk.
Mine is always going to be something I have to battle unfortunately, but after so many years I know what I am dealing with and when I need the extra support and having a good GP can make all the difference and I am lucky and I actually have a GP who knows my mental health problems really well and I know that she will listen and take me seriously. But don't ever be worried about telling them exactly how you're feeling and I know opening up isn't easy and I can be the same, but one thing I have learnt is the more you open up about everything the more they can hopefully help you. Take care of yourself and good luck when you see a GP
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks for your kind offer and really helpful information. That's great you have found a good GP, it seems so dependent on area. Unfortunately after speaking to the receptionist I got put on the waiting list for a routine appointment. I am going to try again on Monday but not sure how it will go
Alternative-Bee2962@reddit
Can you book appointments through the NHS app if you have it?
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately my app says none available on there but thank you for the suggestion! I really appreciate it
Pichouche@reddit
I'm glad u’re reaching out. I had an appointment with my GP about my mental health and was pretty nervous beforehand, but it was actually fine...They just asked some questions about how I’d been feeling and what I’ve been struggling with. I said I didn’t want medication right now and that was respected. They referred me to NHS talking therapies instead, after another assessment, they offered me 6 sessions of CBT and I’m on the waiting list now.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you and goodluck!! How long have you been waiting?
Pichouche@reddit
I first contacted my GP in January, then I was able to book in with talking therapies in February for mid-March. I had a phone assessment then, and they got back to me a few days later saying I’d be offered CBT. I was told I was put on the waiting list on March 30th.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks did you have an assessment for talking therapy? I hope it helped
Pichouche@reddit
Yes, it was over the phone, lasted about an hour and a half.
MoodyBernoulli@reddit
I don’t want to put you off, but just a negative experience so perhaps be prepared for that possibility.
I phoned in 2021 and whilst I was mid way through explaining how I felt and why, the doctor cut me off after about 15 seconds. He really couldn’t give a shit bout what I was saying and felt like he just wanted rid.
He gave me a phone number for Mind and that was it. I didn’t bother calling them.
I still consider making a complaint about that interaction.
ashycloudy@reddit
Yeah I had one say I don’t have a magic wand or magic pill to make it go away what do you want me to do? Then another experience was much more positive but then being referred to mental health services was more of a waste of time, basically said the waiting lists for therapy is too long so only going to offer you to go on the list for art therapy, and saw the same psychologist three weeks in a row who made me go through the same questions and acted like it was the first time meeting each time so have no idea if anything productive was meant to come out of those meetings. I understand it would be impossible to remember every patient but surely you’d take a couple minutes to recap the notes before each appointment idk
Chance-Bread-315@reddit
If you feel up to it I do think you should see if you can still make a complaint about that because it's truly awful.
I've been to various GPs about mental health issues over the last 10+ years and they've always been very patient and understanding - obviously not all drs are created equal but I'd say your experience was an outlier.
Electrical-Lead9621@reddit
Really not an outlier check the mental health sub. I’ve got a folder full of records where various “professionals” just make stuff as they go along and even lie about medication on a psych ward. Making complaints is stressful.
MoodyBernoulli@reddit
Yeah I think I will. He was borderline rude. I wonder how many others he’s treated like that since.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
That's so disappointing and unacceptable. Thanks for sharing I am worried about that but hopefully not. I hope you feel better now.
MoodyBernoulli@reddit
I’m sure you’ll be fine, hopefully it’s rare to have a negative experience like I did. Don’t let it put you off calling.
Thanks, I still have moments but mainly around stressful life events, so temporary and mostly short lived.
YouBoringMe@reddit
I had the same experience too
Adventurous-Idea1473@reddit
i had a similar experience. i was having intrusive thoughts and treating anxiety with alcohol. he just looked at his computer screen while i cried about how unbearable life was and cut me off to say i could self refer for talking therapy and prescribed me 2 forms of addictive anxiety meds.
Horror-Kumquat@reddit
You'll get six sessions of CBT if you're lucky. Mental health services in this country are appalling.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
I can't believe it, I actually thought it was going to go well haha! They are usually really good in my gp surgery
Lizbelizi@reddit
Again well done on taking this step and seeking help. But
Like some other comments have mentioned, I want you to go in prepared for the possibility that you come out feeling worse. My personal experience with the GP I spoke to about my mental health was quite unpleasant. They did not help and just put low mood on my file.
Another issue I had is, once I had that on my file, any appointment I had after that the GP tried to dismiss physical symptoms such as abdominal pain as lousy a symptom of my stress (that was reported years earlier). So once mental health is on your file, expect GPs to blame anything they don't want to bother treating as a mental health symptom. Not like they will offer any treatment mind, neither for the physical symptoms nor for the mental health. But they will use it to dismiss you and send you on your way.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much and to you. Unfortunately I have been offered a routine appointment with a GP but no idea when as I'm on a waitlist. I'm going to try and phone again on Monday it's so disappointing how hard it can be to get support and then trying to link things back to it, just not on!
Lizbelizi@reddit
Some comments have suggested self referral. I suggest you try that. Thats what I ended up doing after the GP wasn't interested in helping, and I got 12 cbt sessions but had to wait 8 months for my turn
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Yeah I have already had 20 CBT sessions and it didn't do me any good so I'm trying to get referred higher than that, the ones in my area only offer group sessions and it's not allowed to talk about trauma and stuff in the groups unfortunately but thanks for the reply!
Lizbelizi@reddit
Sorry I missed that in your post. Best of luck then, hope you get a kind GP who cares <3
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
No worries at all, thanks so much! I really appreciate it
remylelourie@reddit
I hope you have a better experience than me. I did an e-consult a few weeks ago. My aim was to get some medication for anxiety which I was on a few years back. I have already sorted out some therapy separately. Nobody got back to me at the GP surgery. I then got a text saying I have an appointment with a MH nurse in a month's time which I can't attend as I have something on at work that day. So yeah, not sure what to do next. All I wanted was medication and I am honestly quite disgusted they are going to let someone continue to struggle, especially after seeking help which you get told to do. Feel proper let down. Thinking of paying for a private GP appointment which I shouldn't have to do but running out of options.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
That is awful! It seems so dependent on location, I ring up for my Nan regularly and they always give a same day appointment such a shame. Have you tried ringing up or maybe making a complaint? I hope you manage to sort things out
remylelourie@reddit
I tried ringing a few times but the wait on the phone is soooo long that I just can't be arsed waiting. I may put a complaint in though. I do wish you luck with your GP though! You are right, I do think it can be dependant on location.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
I've had the same thing happen but unfortunately haven't even been given an appointment date yet! I'm going to try and ring again on Monday it's awful
remylelourie@reddit
Omg that's crazy! So were you told someone would be in touch or did you not manage to get through at all?
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
So I managed to speak to the receptonist she told me no appointments were available today but asked me what it was about and then she said she will get a GP to review it and then I had this email. It's awful I'm going to try again on Monday as it says online you can wait 2-4 weeks for a routine appointment
"A GP has reviewed your request and has advised a routine appointment for further assessment and for consideration of a referral. We are currently waiting for our routine appointments to be added to the diary, but we will be in touch to book an appointment when they are available."
Hot-Sign-249@reddit
As someone who's done it alot. My tips
Write everything down. Then if you find you cannot actually tell them, they can read it on the paper.
Take a good friend with you and let them come into the appointment. Especially your first one.
Don't be ashamed to cry.(tbh it helps) it shows you are struggling.
Don't hide anything. Be truthful. They cannot help you if they don't know what is going on.
Breathe! It will all be okay I promise. And don't be ashamed or scared to try medications. They don't always work for people but if you don't try you won't know.
If you find that you cannot connect or click with that doctor, or you don't agree with what has been said. Ask to see another one. And re book an appointment with that doctor. Also you are more than welcome to ask for a double appointment if you think a 10 min appointment is not going to be long enough.
TREAT YOURSELF AFTER! And make sure you book the rest of the day off and do some self care and rest. It can be alot and you will be drained.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you I am waiting for an appointment and I have made notes of things to talk about so that's really helpful. I appreciate the time to reply and hope you feel better now.
Hot-Sign-249@reddit
Up and down days. But I diagnosed in 2008. So it's been a while. Take care. Let us know how it goes.
BigJon_CakeKing@reddit
Excellent practical advice 👍 Taking someone with you who can 'advocate' for you is worth it's weight in gold.
Hot-Sign-249@reddit
100% I took my best friend(And work mate) who had seen me at my lowest and could fill the gaps in when I was too scared to say them. Will never ever forget that it meant alot to me
MelonCollie92@reddit
I went for the first time a few months ago. It wasn’t until I was completely burnt out that I sought help. Because I couldn’t articulate what was wrong. Or why.
But they were so great, I explained what led me to be there, that I need time off from my stressful job. They offered counselling and I asked them about medication, as I had never considered medication before. And what could I lose. They prescribed some medication and it took around 6 weeks to notice, and about 8 weeks and upping the dose to really notice the effects. The medicine is a lifesaver. I only wish I went sooner.
It’s so hard to ask for help, but you will be glad you did! Just be honest. Good luck.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you and I'm so glad medication helped you! Did you try therapy? I'm just wondering what I might be offered. Thanks so much
MelonCollie92@reddit
I did get therapy through my work, as I figured it’s there and free and I didn’t want to use the nhs when I don’t have to.
For me therapy was scary, I had never talked about anything ever before. I was reluctant and never considered it useful or necessary. But I was at a point where I figured now is the time.
I had ten sessions via zoom. And she was so lovely, full of good advice and I felt at ease. I uncovered layers I don’t realise. But ultimately ten sessions was more than enough. Because for me I knew what was wrong and I knew that it was only me who could put in the effort to change my mindset and do the work. I didn’t have any unresolved trauma or anything. I had anxiety and mild depression that I pushed deep and never dealt with.
I did benefit from the sessions and if you do go to therapy, just be sure that you get on with your therapist. If you don’t feel that they are the right fit, you can ask for another person. Nothing wrong with that. Everyone is different!
BandicootObjective32@reddit
I only really know about anxiety and depression, but for that it's generally a survey where you circle how you're feeling. Not really specific questions more to get a general idea of where you're at at the moment.
There may be a couple of questions dependant on your answers like "do you feel safe at the moment?"
Outcomes are probably some sort of medication, recommendations for mindfulness, exercise etc. and maybe a referral to some sort of talking therapy and then a follow up in a few weeks
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
MermaidPigeon@reddit
My last appointment: “I’m having these problems with my OCD” doctor: “ok, what do you want to do?” Me:”I thought you were meant to know that?” Don’t forget you only get 7min!
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Did they not offer anything at all? That's such a shame one of my issues is OCD aswell, it's such a severe condition to be dismissed like that
CatsChat@reddit
Mental health is a really common thing to see the GP about. It will depend on what kind of mental health problems you are having. They will want to know what kinds of issues you are having and how severe they are. What are they getting in the way of? They will ask about suicidality or wanting to harm others. That’s not because they think you are automatically going to do these things, they just need to know the best course of action to help you, whether that’s referring to you on to a community team or crisis team or hospital, or if it’s something that is best off managed in primary care. They might offer you options of medication, they might have a counsellor attached to the surgery who they can refer you to. There are often psychological therapies you might be able to self-refer to but the GP can also refer. If you are off work you can ask them to write you a fit note (sick note)
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you for taking the time to comment its really helpful!
CatsChat@reddit
They might also ask about drug use - they won’t get you into trouble, they need to know if you are using anything because that could be part of the picture or to know what meds to avoid. They will probably want to do physical tests, maybe blood tests etc to rule out physical causes.
Wild-Individual6876@reddit
Talking about things can help on its own, one step at a time 🙏🏻
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
Glittering-Knee9595@reddit
Best to manage mental health stuff privately - in my experience. Unless you want medication.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks I wish I could afford to carry on privately! Such a shame it seems to be a postcode lottery
YouBoringMe@reddit
As others have said the usual questions , I just want to add be prepared for the dismissive attitude also remember you have to present your case in 10 minutes before the stupid timer dings and the GP cuts you off and ushers you outta the room
MermaidPigeon@reddit
7 minutes*
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you luckily our GP doesn't use them! I'm shocked by how many people seemed to be rushed out
beernon@reddit
Most of my experiences have been like this.
Hello. Oh I’m so sorry for you. Here have some Sertraline and go away. Let’s have a review in one week.
Adventurous-Idea1473@reddit
exactly this. and a referral for 6 sessions of talking therapy if you havnt tried it before.
dont get me wrong talking therapy can be great but 6 sessions is a bit stingy of them
MermaidPigeon@reddit
Especially when there “counsellors” just sit there not saying a single thing. Just want you to chat the hour away 🙄
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Do you know what they likely do if you have had therapy before? Thank you
SorryToePads@reddit
I've done CBT about 6 times, after the second I said I don't want to do it anymore as it doesn't help. They still only offer me CBT saying that's all that is available
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Ah I'm sorry that's happened to you. This is what I'm really worried about because I found the sessions I had incredibly distressing. If you don't mind me asking you don't have to answer of course, did you go for general depression or more complex conidtions?
SorryToePads@reddit
Depression, anxieties and agoraphobia. The techniques they taught me when I was first diagnosed were very helpful, as I didn't understand that I had anxiety etc, so learning about breaking the cycle etc was great. But now I know those things, I need to be able to delve more into my condition, my thoughts and background etc, but just don't have the opportunity to do that.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
That's such a shame. Is that the GP or the talking therapy service saying they cant dp anyfhing else?
SorryToePads@reddit
Both really. Last time the GP referred me to their in house mental health service, spoke on the phone for two hours for them to tell me only CBT was available on the NHS, but gave me a list of private counsellors/therapists I could contact. Then when I speak to the CB therapist, they say there's not much they can do except possibly give me extra sessions. I didn't even finish it last time. Hopefully you have better luck where you are!
Adventurous-Idea1473@reddit
probably the same if you say you are interested and its helped you. they might just suggest that you self refer though.
beernon@reddit
They suggested AI CBT sessions to me. Genuinely had to withhold rolling my eyes
avalanchefan95@reddit
I wouldn't have ever held back
GMKitty52@reddit
This. People like to perpetuate this myth that most GPs are compassionate and won’t say anything to dismiss you, but 9 times out of 10 that’s utter bollocks.
I’ve literally told my GP I’ve been having suicidal thoughts every day for weeks and no longer see a point in living and she put in my notes that ‘I’m very future oriented’! She also described the deepest darkest hellhole of my adult life as ‘low mood’.
And of course the answer is always, Here’s some Sertraline, go away.
MermaidPigeon@reddit
lol right? “I think I have OCD, used to have physical compulsions but now they’re mental” doctor: “do you wash your hands 100x a day?” Me:no doctor:”no OCD” me:”but the psychiatrist referred me to said I do” doctor:”you know we only have 7 min for an appointment right?”
faroffland@reddit
I have a severe mood and trauma disorder which I’ve had since I was 15, been medicated for since that age, including a hospitalisation for a serious suicide attempt at 16. So I am someone with a severe long term documented history of mood issues for years and years.
My last episode, I was actively suicidal and my sister took me to the GP. He told me to just look outside because ‘I live in a really nice area’. Amongst many other dismissive things.
We walked out of that appointment and went to the local psychiatric hospital for an immediate assessment, where I was judged to be so unwell I had the crisis team coming to my house in-person 3 times a week to make sure I was safe until the episode started lifting. I ended up with a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) assigned to my care for a full 8-week assessment, medication review etc. I’ve since been stable but if I have another episode, which I probably will, I’ll be straight back under my CPN in the Affective Disorders Team.
Basically - not all GPs are like this but more than a few do not take mental illness seriously. If they can’t even take someone like me seriously, God knows how anyone having their first episode survives.
GMKitty52@reddit
I’m really sorry to hear this, I hope you’re in a better place now
Electrical-Lead9621@reddit
They just treat your notes like an open sketch pad, I’ve got bipolar and been through most of the teams it doesn’t get any better.
Glad-Pomegranate6283@reddit
Yeah I’ve got bipolar 1. At first I was under the home treatment team which was great. I was then moved to the CMHT. My second nurse was great (1st one called the police and ambulance on me bc I rearranged an appt bc I wasn’t feeling well. The mh team is on a campus style hospital site, including a hospice. This was pre at home Covid tests and I wasn’t prepared to risk it. I literally wasn’t a risk to myself at all lmao). After that, I had 2 appts a year for a meds review. My nurse basically just sat there listening, not offering any input. I have gotten more help from a counsellor (no hate to them either as a profession, but you’d expect more). They didn’t properly safeguard me and then when I moved into a domestic abuse refuge as a result, they discharged me
ThatFilthyMonkey@reddit
Haha mine was like this, was absolutely straight forward and matter of fact. And for what it’s worth, after the initial week where I felt horrendous (quite common with SSRIs), suddenly I felt OK, and carried on feeling OK.
_KAZ-2YG_@reddit
Yep same at mine
aeroash@reddit
Well done for having the courage to talk about what’s happening and taking steps to make things better for yourself.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you I appreciate it! I did have a private therapist for 20 sessions but I can't afford it anymore and I found it really hard to open up
Chance-Bread-315@reddit
It is perfectly acceptable to start with 'I find it really hard to open up about these things so I'm a bit worried about getting flustered today, thank you for being patient with me'.
You can also take notes in so you remember everything you wanted to mention - I do this frequently and every gp I've done it with has been very encouraging of it.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you luckily I have a phone call so much better and I have wrote everything down!
roxieh@reddit
Most GPs are compassionate and caring about this kind of stuff. They will ask you how you feel day to day, what's been on your mind recently, they may ask you some more sensitive questions and they should explain you don't have to answer them if you don't want to. They mostly should just listen to you and ask about how you feel. They may ask some questions that don't immediately make sense (eg about sleep) but if you feel comfortable asking them go ahead.
They should not ask or say anything that makes you feel judged or dismissed. In the unlikely event this happens you should complain. They will not accuse you of making anything up or tell you that you sound fine / normal. They will know you have reached out to them for a reason and will want to support you in whatever reason has led you to asking for help.
Medication may be discussed, again, it's your choice about whether you go down that route. You could ask for a referral to NHS mental health services in your area instead/as well.
Basically they are there to help you but not decide things for you.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks that is really helpful! Good to know about medication aswell as I would prefer not to
costvc@reddit
I totally understand not wanting to start medication it's a very, very personal decision. I can only speak from my experience, I was exactly the same had done a fair amount of therapy and it didn't really help. After gentle encouragement from a friend, I started on the medication which helped me "see the wood from the trees" and suddenly I was able to engage with the therapy loads better and implement some of the strategies. Being able to think clearer really helped the therapy "stick". Took me from day to day sadness and survival mode - to thinking about using the therapy techniques to make a better future.
ASpookyBitch@reddit
As someone who has done this, they will most definitely refer you to Minds Matter. It’s a self refferal therapy service. I’m assuming that’s who you had already seen, tell them this and ask for a referral to a specialist. It might take a while as we know the mental health services are basically nonexistent and what is there is stretched thin.
They will discuss what’s going on and your feelings and if exactly might suggest a prescription. Be aware that meds for mental health aren’t as straightforward as meds for physical ailments and there is some trial and error as well as some tweaking of dosages to be expected. If you choose to take them, it’s helpful to keep a diary to note any new symptoms, feelings and keep to a routine with taking them. For me I was given sertraline, it didn’t help with my anxiety and made me sweat perfusely, switched to a lower dose of citalopram and that seem to be the ticket.
Lastly, when mental health is concerned, just know you’re not alone. You’re not weird and it takes a LOT to get sectioned. You don’t have to worry about that lol.
thefilmforgeuk@reddit
be 100% truthful. Don't go in with an idea of what you want out of it, just tell them how you feel, whats been happening. Give them all the info they need to give you the right help.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the reply. I was just worried what to expect and don't really feel comfortable to do group therapy etc
thefilmforgeuk@reddit
i get it, but just go and be honest.
racloves@reddit
They will ask how you have been feeling, for how long you’ve been feeling like this, has it affected your physical health (such as lack of sleep or eating), how it affects your daily life activities (like you stay home instead of going out with friends, or if you’re not up to cooking yourself meals for example). The most important thing is to answer everything honestly, and if you’re unsure on something you can ask the doctor to elaborate more
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much!
_KAZ-2YG_@reddit
Mine are useless. They don't ask any particular questions, just ask if you'd like medication or tell you to do a self referral for talking therapy, which is 8 sessions and usually over the phone. There's also a waiting list for that in my area, so best to accept meds and do the referral.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
That's such a shame it seems to be so area dependent from all the replies here! Thanks
Fair_Use_9604@reddit
Not much. I was asked some basic questions, like if I want to kms and so on, then prescribed some meds. I was sent to some mental health charity for therapy but it was always a different woman every time I went there so I stopped
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you I hope you feel better
Wrong_Duty7043@reddit
If it helps- I also have an appointment tomorrow with my GP to discuss my mental health- I am experiencing depression and anxiety, and I find it extremely hard to admit that in front of others (in my real life off Reddit). have done it once before long in the past, i don’t like the actual opening up to someone and outting all the ugly truth out in the open part, but it is necessary to set in motion a change in things- and that’s the important part. I have no idea who you are Reddit stranger, but I will think of you tomorrow, and I hope you get what you need from your appointment xx
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much for taking the time to be so kind when you are going through so much yourself! I had exactly the same it took me a while to open up to the therapist I had so difficult especially when you don't know how something will go! Best of luck to you tommorrow, fingers crossed for both of us. I really appreciate this comment.
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
Hey! Assuming anxiety and/or depression and advising based on my experience of that. If you have a different concern the details will be different <3
When you ring you will just need to ask to make the appointment. You will be asked what it’s for. Some places like you to book online now rather than over the phone- they will tell you if that’s the system.
In the appointment they will ask you some questions about your mental health and your circumstances. This will include asking if you are safe.
They will offer support to help you. In terms of healthcare this will either be medication or talking therapy (or both). Sometimes they have other suggestions as well- e.g. can point you to support for any practical issues that are causing you to feel this way, or recommend things in the community to get involved in.
If you don’t want a certain kind of help you can say why and they will listen. If you do want a certain kind of help that they don’t mention, you can bring it up.
That’s basically it. If you have any other questions I am happy to help <3
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
This is really helpful so thank you so much! I hope you were able to feel better
alrightpickle@reddit
Depending on where you are they might tell you to self refer to a local mental health service and probably also offer you sertraline.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks I hope they helped you!
Responsible_Bird3384@reddit
Good for you for taking a positive step. Just remember that you deserve help and if you feel dismissed by the first GP, get an appointment with a better one!
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much!
OK_Cake05@reddit
Expect 9-12 month wait for any support
lavayuki@reddit
They might listen before losing patience at about the 1-2 minute mark and offering you an SSRI and counselling.
straight_syrup_@reddit
absolutely nothing
AmphibianNo8598@reddit
What do you want out of it? If it’s just to be back in therapy you can self-refer for that online. Afaik the gp only really helps with if you’re seeking medication.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the help! I am hoping for some yherapy but I don't think the self referal will be suitable as in my area they only offer short 8 week courses in groups and I've already had 20 sessions privately so I am wondering if there's an option for more intense therapy on NHS im not sure
AmphibianNo8598@reddit
Ah I don’t know about that then, but they may offer more therapy after the initial sessions. I had 20 on nhs.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Did you have them in a group please? In my area the local service online I can refer to only offers 8 weeks in a group. Thanks and I hope they helped you
AmphibianNo8598@reddit
No it was solo sorry
verybadgay@reddit
My experience is being given a list of questions to determine how I was feeling, then being offered a choice of taking antidepressants, self-referral to a counselling service, or both. By the third time going through it I realised it was better (for me) to choose both, even though I didn’t want medication. The wait for counselling can be very long and the amount of sessions offered is limited. I don’t say this to be negative, it’s just the way things are at the moment unfortunately. The medication was an enormous help in my case.
Good luck with it. Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing and getting sectioned - it’s absolutely not going to happen. Be open and honest and take whatever help you’re comfortable with.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much! This is what I'm worried about as the self referral service in my area is only 8 sessions in a group course. Did they only offer you 8 sessions? I hope you feel better now!
verybadgay@reddit
It had just been cut to six in my area when I made it to the top of the list, which was a bit gutting as even the counsellor said they struggled to work with. The group sessions are helpful though, I found. It’s good just to hear other people are feeling similar.
External-Praline-451@reddit
Not the person you asked, but when I did CBT, they offered a certain number of sessions and had the option to extend it if needed (which they did for me).
Hot-Sign-249@reddit
Ps Proud of you. You've got this
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much I really appreciate it!
qgwheurbwb1i@reddit
Hi OP 👋
I went to my GP over 10 years ago, so some stuff may have changed but I'll give you a rough idea of what I was asked.
Firstly, I was terrified of going. I really felt like I'd failed somehow? Seems ridiculous looking back, I would have had no problem going to get medical help for a physical issue, so idk why I felt so awkward about going for mental help.
He asked me questions about my sleeping and eating. I was asked about my hobbies and what family/friend support I have around me, and about any trauma or abuse I had experienced. I was also asked if I had ever hurt myself, tried to take my own life and if I had any plans to do so. Please be honest with the doctor. It will let them genuinely know what your mental health is like and how urgently you might need meds/therapy.
I was offered medication, which I initially refused and then a few appointments later, I agreed to them. Nothing was ever forced on me. I was also referred for therapy, and I found that to be great. It doesn't work for everyone, but I liked being able to talk through my thoughts and work them out.
Well done for reaching out!!! Things will get better :)
zelandofchocolate@reddit
Ask if they have a mental health nurse you can speak to - GPs are variable and are very quick to go the meds route in my experience
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I will do that then
Chance-Bread-315@reddit
Do you mean when trying to book the appointment or in the appointment itself?
In the appt:
Well done for taking this step, hope that things get better for you soon xx
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Yes that's great thanks I meant in the appointment. Thank you this is really helpful infomation! Thanks so much!
b135702@reddit
Depends on what your mental health issues are, if it's something like anxiety or depression:
They're gonna wanna determine if you're in immediate danger to yourself. They'll ask you some uncomfortable questions like if you're suicidal and if you have hurt yourself - it's super important to just be honest.
I recommend r/mentalhealthuk for this topic 🙂
Competitive_Test6697@reddit
I got signed off for 4 weeks without seeing anyone and a call from a nurse at the GP.
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
Thanks! Did they offer you any therapy or anything? I hope you are feeling better
Competitive_Test6697@reddit
Offered drugs and sent me on a course thing. But wasnt really of any use.
And I didn't start the meds. Just changed my job and relationship to drinking
FornyHucker22@reddit
Just be honest. if Your motive is genuine mental health concerns you have nothing to worry about
Accurate_Molasses853@reddit (OP)
What do you mean my motive sorry? It took hours of private therapy for me to open up so I want to know what to expect
roxieh@reddit
They are alluding to the supposed people who lie to get out of work / get on benefits.
FornyHucker22@reddit
That entirely depends. Mental health is a broad range of things. Just talk about what is troubling you and they can help guide you to what you need.
Beginning-Poet-2991@reddit
It depends on each GP. Just be honest.
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