how to get my GP to refer me to a psychiatrist?
Posted by vanessarichter@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 86 comments
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Posted by vanessarichter@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 86 comments
[removed]
donnygal@reddit
I have OCD and it took years for me to get a diagnosis. It’s not the most ethical but basically I eventually said I was having thoughts of ending my life (I didn’t). I got a referral to the community mental health team who initially messed up and referred me for trauma counselling that took a year for me to get off the waiting list for. Luckily the psychologist was very nice and disgusted at how badly I’d been treated and wrote a letter to my GP and this expedited my treatment. I hope you get help, OCD is a horrible condition and so misunderstood.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate it. yeah, I definitely have OCD, and I suspect ADHD too however would need a proper diagnosis for their later. 100% OCD since childhood though. I do have sometimes thoughts of ending my life due to the fact I talk myself down a lot (I’m too stupid, too annoying etc). I really hope it will be taken seriously, I’ve contacted my GP again, just waiting for reply. it would be depressing if I’d be turned down a proper diagnosis, as if theyre waiting for an suicide attempt until they refer
donnygal@reddit
I’m also on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment, OCD and neurodivergence often go hand in hand. I hope you get the help you need, it’s hard out there for people like us
Some-Cope1999@reddit
I would say due to how stretched the NHS is when it comes to mental health, it may be worth considering seeing someone privately.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
long term it’s not affordable for me unfortunately. is there any chance of gov financial help or not really?
acceberbex@reddit
Sadly not really. Some will offer a sliding scale BUT it boils down to your salary and benefits. I wasn't "bad" enough to go via a charity and I earnt too much to go on the sliding scale but £60 a week was leaving me short at the end of every month (and £60 for talking isn't even super high. I saw one person online who offered way more stuff at £200 a session. No way could I afford that weekly)
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
if you go private, do you have to attend weekly? because financially this wouldn’t work for me either long term. are they also offering to attend let’s say every 2 weeks to maybe manage it financially as well?
pumpkin_pie_cat@reddit
A lot of therapists offer discounted sessions, I've used the counselling directory a number of times to find someone and they sometimes state it there. There's also several charities that offer discounted sessions. I lucked out with my last person after they posted on a local FB group who was offering £10 sessions for a while, they've been great!
Having said this, speak to your GP about medication and more talking therapy. Even if this is the starting point to take the edge off what you're experiencing it's worthwhile then you can explore more from there.
Decent_Confidence_36@reddit
I had what I can only describe as a complete mental collapse brought on from work stress, spent 4 days in bed and don’t remember a single day of it. I spoke to a doctor and they put me on antidepressants straight away but every single time I’ve spoke to a doctor since they’ve told me to do talking therapy which I’ve still not done. If you speak to a doctor they’ll definitely go the talking therapy route before the medication route
septemseptem@reddit
Getting a diagnosis seems nigh impossible - I’ve been trying for a decade +, and I’ve been in NHS funded psychotherapy before and had appts with psychiatrists. Private may be your best bet.
Intelligent-Tea-4241@reddit
They’ll offer 6 sessions of CBT and medication, that’s about it.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I’ve already been on talking therapy 3 times. I don’t wanna just take any anxiety meds, I need a formal diagnosis
MeadFromHell@reddit
Ask to be referred for exactly that.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I will try that. however, last time I was told I don’t qualify for a referral as I “only have anxiety”. but there’s more to that
External-Praline-451@reddit
Why are you dismissing GAD as a serious and debilitating diagnosis?
It can absolutely paralyse people when they are in the midst of it, can cause suicidal behaviour. I know, because I have had ot for 20 plus years, on and off.
You need to give the GPs first line of treatment a chance - medication helps so many people. If it doesn't help, then they will consider other options for you. GAD is a serious and debilitating condition when it's in a bad phase, it's your preconceptions that are holding you back here.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I am not dismissing it at all. I am struggling with it myself, as I have said and I know it is a real mental health disorder. and I have given them a chance but why is it not possible to request further assessment or even re assessment?
I truly empathise with you and I know how restrictive anxiety can be. but I do think for me, it connects with something else and I don’t see an issue if somebody would like to have a proper assessment to their mental health rather than being referred to talking therapy (which I’ve been though 3x at this point) or medication which is just standardised for anxiety. why HAS there to be a trial and error with meds when we could just be assessed and then be prescribed meds according to the mental health condition we have?
I just know, it isn’t just anxiety. I’m not a doctor, but I know myself. I’d just like to be properly diagnosed instead of just being sent the talking therapy link via sms. no GP actually has ever talked to me about this. I was just referred to talking therapy. and on my NHS medical record it says “GAD”. no GP conversation, nothing.
External-Praline-451@reddit
But you keep saying it isn't "just anxiety" like that's not enough to make you feel as bad as you do? I honestly empathise with you too, because I felt similar to you before I tried medication. But it really helped and you're not giving it a chance by not trying it. It's the first line of treatment for conditions like GAD, major depression and OCD.
My friend has been diagnosed with OCD by her GP and she got prescribed talking therapy and medication and she's much better. If you give these treatments a go and still have a problem afterwards because they don't work, they will refer you.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
because it isn’t “just anxiety” it’s anxiety, PLUS something else. some things go hand in hand, like OCD and anxiety. ADHD and Autism. etc.
that’s the thing though, why does it have to be trial and error again? “first try the medication for what they think you have and if it doesn’t work, they’ll see if it’s something else”. why can’t they just asses you properly or listen to you? again, no GP has ever talked to me about my concerns. I filled out an online form and was sent the talking therapy link. 0 doctor interactions
External-Praline-451@reddit
I get it, but you're asking for a magical world where psychiatrists can do some kind of blood test or something and the result comes out with a perfect diagnosis and perfect medication that suits you.
Even with the same, accurate, diagnosis, people react to medications differently and have to do the trial and error to find what suits them individually, because of individual metabolism and side effects.
It sucks, and it's crappy trialling medications that might make you more anxious initially or sleepy or gain weight.
Maybe in the future we'll have a better way of doing it, based on DNA, etc. But psychiatrists at the moment still use trial and error.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I wasn’t asking for it. I was asking how I could get referred. you somehow took it personal because I said one of my doctors said “it’s just anxiety”. it wasn’t even what I said, it was their words.
you could’ve also just said nothing if you don’t know a way to get referred. instead, you’re just beating around the bush here and I think it’s going nowhere and in my state of mind, honestly, I don’t have the energy to argue any further. sorry if I offended you, truly wasn’t my intention. have a good night
External-Praline-451@reddit
I'm not offended or beating around the bush, I'm giving you advice of my 20 plus years of dealing with mental health issues and the NHS, and many friends who have experienced mental health issues over the years. Realistically you're not going to get referred from what you're describing, especially you're not willing to try the first line of treatment beforehand.
Also you're still going to have to do trial and error with medication with a psychiatrist,maybe even more so with them. My friend went through hell and back with medication via their psychiatrist and some really heavy stuff with serious side effects. I hope you find what you're looking for.
External-Praline-451@reddit
Also to add, my other friend saw an NHS psychiatrist and they had to do trial and error with medication - no psychiatrist is going to magically find the best medication for you first time, unless you're very lucky and unusual in that respect.
MeadFromHell@reddit
I had the same issue, so I told them I want to talk to someone about my mental health diagnosis, and anyone qualifies to talk to someone about mental health. Tell them straight that you don't feel that anxiety covers it, and you need a second opinion. It's so hard to get anywhere these days, but you deserve to at least speak to someone professional about your concerns, to either get an updated and more appropriate diagnosis which leads to different therapies being available, or at least the reassurance that someone specialising in the field feels that you don't quite fit that diagnoses, and cna look at other stuff. It's hard, and anxiety in general doesn't help when it comes to pushing to be taken seriously, but do your best, and tell them you want a second opinion.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thank you for saying this and it feels good to be understood because that’s exactly how it is for me as well. I’ll definitely communicate this to my GP and will urge them to have me re assessed
MeadFromHell@reddit
No problem at all, I was wrongly diagnosed for a long time, and after a bit of a pain she to get the initial referral, I've had a different type of therapy which has been pretty life changing. The NHS is definitely struggling, but you should still get referred for the necessary things. Good luck, I hope things get sorted and improve soon
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
there are good doctors out there, I’ve experienced it. even in the broken NHS system. just hoping I’ll find one of those. thanks again
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
What meds do you want to take?
The first line medications that would be prescribed for your symptoms (beta blockers and/or antidepressants) are prescribed because they are an effective treatment for your symptoms.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I totally understand. however I’m already very wary of medication. I understand that it’s very helpful but I have very bad OCD and pick apart everything happening with my body. I’d really rather have a proper diagnosis where it would be easier to tailor treatment than to do a “trial and error” on meds as I think any side effect would make me panic
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
I get you, I have a lot of health focused stuff too. I get super anxious about taking new meds!
But if you tell the GP your symptoms then they will be able to prescribe medicine that helps those symptoms. That is the proper process and how treatment is tailored. If you have concerns about your prescription then you can discuss them with your GP and they can help.
No one will make you take medication, but it is there if/when you are ready for it <3
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thanks, that’s actually very reassuring! thanks for understanding and your advice ❤️
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
I’m glad it was some use, really hope you find something that helps
SuzLouA@reddit
Gently, when it comes to medication and especially when it’s for treatment of mental health problems, trial and error is par for the course. There’s no silver bullet - tailoring a treatment *is* trying different medications and seeing if they work, if there are side effects, how much you can tolerate, and whether the benefits are worth the drawbacks (if any - my own MH medication is actually incredible with no side effects).
I’m not saying you have to start pounding handfuls of SSRIs, I’m just saying you may need to reconsider that if you’ve got an idealised end result in your mind, that in reality it might end up being quite different.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thanks for explaining. my friend who has received a diagnosis of BPD didn’t take any medication before. she showed up at the hospital crying and threatening to end her life. they sectioned her and she was diagnosed. they prescribed her medication afterwards. I understand trial and error is necessary and you explained it really well but then I’m confused how my friend managed to get a proper diagnosis plus more tailored medication when it’s not actually a thing? I was with her that day and showed up at the hospital with her. to be honest, I feel the same most days and thinking one more bad thing happening and I’ll throw it all away.
I don’t really have an end result. I want to know what the fuck is wrong with me because it isn’t just anxiety. I sometimes cannot even leave the house or have such bad thoughts that it really ruins my whole day and I get so depressed I’m thinking of quitting my job mid shift and “off” myself. it’s not just GAD and I just want to have a diagnosis so I can also know what exactly it is that causes me these thoughts
Bifanarama@reddit
General anxiety (GAD) is a diagnosis. Take the meds, then see how you feel.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your reply but the answer is even more depressing because it kind of means I wont be taken seriously brcause definitely its not just anxiety and I don’t know if Ill ever be taken seriously or if I fitst have to hurt myself to see someone more specified in mental health
Intelligent-Tea-4241@reddit
In all honestly, even if it did unfortunately come to that, you maybe not get the treatment and referral you’re looking for. I accompanied an ex to the hospital after he cut his wrists - he was cleaned up, added plasters and sent him away. He was later sectioned, released after 3 days. Mental health team visited twice for 5 minutes and that was it, discharged from their care.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I’m so sorry you had to go through that with your ex - and that they had to experience this. absolutely disgusting and depressing. thanks for sharing, I’m angry and disappointed in them for you and your ex
Short-and-paranoid@reddit
This is so many people’s experience. The system is strained and I’ve been stuck in a revolving door for years just given number after number to call but nothing goes anywhere. A psychiatrist won’t see me despite me calling Samaritans’s everyday. Maybe they would see me if I attempted and went to hospital but that’s not my plan, if I’m doing it I will make sure there’s no chance of it failing.
Really I am calling them because I’m desperately trying to give myself a chance. I’m a severe self harmer and have broken bones. I still don’t fit the requirements. I do lots of self-help and attend peer support groups.
Keep looking for stuff online and in the community run by like-minded people. My experience with trying to get psychiatric help has been extremely frustrating and has caused nothing but delays in me making progress.
Short-and-paranoid@reddit
I’m not saying not to pursue it by the way, just not to rely on it or expect them to be able to fix the problem.
Doctors can prescribe medication for OCD and depression if that’s the route you want to take but unfortunately it will always be trial and error.
Intelligent-Tea-4241@reddit
I would look to get that privately. You’ll likely only get that on the NHS if you’re a danger to yourself or others.
MaleficentSwan0223@reddit
Check the NICE guidelines for general anxiety disorder. If that’s what they diagnosed you with they should be following the guidelines for it. Usually it’s talking meds and then medication before a referral to a psychiatrist through the right to choose pathway. I’m surprised they’ve not offered medication though? I apparently have subconscious anxiety diagnosed by doctors (I’m not aware of it) and they push anti-depressants everytime I go. It shocks me that someone who is actively struggling isn’t getting that option.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I definitely don’t just have general anxiety. there’s a lot more to it and I was diagnosed with it during the pandemic when everybody was anxious and mental health support was very overwhelmed. the anxiety has become a symptom and I’ve done everything to help myself in regards to anxiety but the core issue is never addressed unfortunately as I’m lacking a psychiatric diagnosis. GPs unfortunately can’t diagnose extensive mental health conditions
MaleficentSwan0223@reddit
I appreciate that and you likely have a lot more but gp’s don't like doing anything more than calling everyone anxious and leaving it at that. However as they’ve diagnosed you with GAD they have to follow the NICE guidelines to support you. As you have more, the meds and talking therapies won’t be enough to help and you can argue you have treatment resistant anxiety and that’s when you can ask them to trigger a referral to a psychiatrist through the right to choose pathway. This gets you through the door to a psychiatrist who can diagnose and also has more than 10 minutes with you.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thanks, I will try that. thanks for hearing me out
dbxp@reddit
Psych are part of the community mental health team and in patient hospital teams. Unless you have a suicide attempt under your belt or are found wandering around not knowing who you are you're unlikely to see one
d3ad-and-buri3d@reddit
Even an attempt doesn't guarantee it. They just shrugged and got rid of me after mine
Opposite_Radio9388@reddit
How this is structured varies throughout the UK. In Scotland I was referred to an NHS psychiatrist via my GP.
passionfruit62022@reddit
Hey, your situation sounds very very similar to mine. I also know I've had OCD since childhood, with similar sensorimotor obsessions, but I've never received a formal diagnosis or seen a psychiatrist. I've thought many times that the OCD is getting worse despite SSRIs (I've tried just about all of them with no success). I'm currently seeing a therapist privately, it is pricey but I figured it's the best way to work on what I'm going through. I suggest you look into therapy if you can - there's a few different approaches that can help with OCD, including CBT, but also ERP.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thank you so much. I am 100% sure I have OCD, also since childhood. but definitely it’s impacting my life more as an adult, obviously. I’m constantly late for work, checking if all windows are closed, if everything is off, etc. I’m out the door but walk back to check again. about 3 times until I’m satisfied everything is ok at home. I now take pictures and look at them at work to reassure me. I have thoughts of my house burning down, etc. I even text people to ask if they could check and I annoy the people closest to me with it. it’s definitely impacting my life negatively, but somehow it’s just anxiety to my GP.
I’m looking into going private, I’m glad it’s helped you and it’s good to see it’s helping people with similar thought patterns to mine. I’ve done the NHS talking therapy route 3 times, with no success. I rejected their medication as I’m just too scared to take them, I worry for the side effects too much thanks to my health anxiety which also impacts my life. I just know I’d relate every side effects to some life threatening disease. I wanna talk to my GP to all of this but it seems like they’ll just tell me there’s not more they can do than talking therapy and anxiety meds (it’s what my previous GP told me, this is a new one so let’s see).
thanks for sharing and the encouragement there’s a solution out there I could try.
Skanedog@reddit
A psychiatrist is unlikely to see you for these sorts of issues as there aren't very many psychiatrists ilas they concemtrate on very severe mental illnesses, complex cases, and specilaist conditions related to age and stage of life.
A psychiatrist is unlikely to prescribe you or diagnose you with anything that your GP cannot unless you displayed symptoms and risk behaviours so severe that your GP felt a referral is necessary.
You've said that you don't want to get "sectioned" before you get a diagnosis, but that's exactly the point that a psychiatrist would intervene to diagnose what happened that got you to that place.
The NHS will concentrate on the talking therapies and first / second line medical interventions (anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds etc) and will exhaust all of that before they refer you on.
Your GP is a professional and they will have done extensive training in psychiatry as part of their rotation before becoming a GP.
I appreciate this isn't the answer you want, but I'm speaking from experience here of both having previously been married to a Psychiatrist and also from being someone who has struggled with mental health issues their whole life and been in and out of different types of treatment over the last 30 years.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
my GP certainly doesn’t have extensive training on mental health. I can assure you this. when I first came with my problems all they did was a send the self referral link for talking therapies. no phone call, no asking if I’m okay. so, how would my GP even know how I feel if they don’t even call me?
Kamila95@reddit
My GP must've called in sick on that extensive training in psychiatry day. I made an appointment to discuss my worries that I might have the borderline personality disorder and she replied that my symptoms don't match the bipolar disorder...
Basic_Aardvark398@reddit
Mental health nurse here.
Unfortunately, NHS community mental health teams are hugely underfunded and understaffed, so they work on a triage system. So they will often need to prioritise patients who are diagnosed with ‘complex high risk’ mental health conditions like Bi-polar, schizophrenia etc, or patients who are severely unwell. There are also crisis teams who work short term with suicidal patients. People like yourself will be referred to taking therapy and given medication as this is the correct pathway that the GP will be following.
Patients can be seen by such Community teams and see a psychiatrist to get diagnosed, but unfortunately you might not reach threshold for this (I know, it is unfair). You can definitely ask your GP to refer you though, as it sounds like things are becoming really difficult for you. Your GP should make a detailed referral with your history, current symptoms and what you are hoping for from the referral.
If you this gets declined, your GP can re refer you. If it’s still a no, you can look into private therapy. It’s worth looking into local groups that can support you also.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
Im thinking of going private but what would be the threshold to be referred by a community team?
Kittygrizzle1@reddit
I was screaming l want to die down the phone to the crisis team. I got a follow up call 3 weeks later. Oh and a prescription from the community pysch that l couldn’t take.
I think the threshold is honestly impossible to reach for community diagnosis.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I think you’d have to just act extremely mentally unwell to be taken seriously. so disappointing and I hope you’re doing better these days, I’m there at the moment and I know the desperation is unbearable sometimes. hugs x
Basic_Aardvark398@reddit
It really depends team to team, but I have referred patients to the local community Mh team who have severe anxiety, ocd and agoraphobia and they have been accepted. Other patients have been a lot more high risk and have been declined. It’s definitely worth a try!
If your GP refuses to do the referral, I’d get an appt with a different GP or consider changing surgeries. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can help with getting some support. Good luck :-)
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
you have been extremely helpful, thank you for the advice. I will reach out. I’ve already contacted my GP again to voice my wish for a referral once again. hopefully I’ll be taken seriously because it definitely isn’t just anxiety. my GP is great otherwise and actually was very helpful with my recent abnormal cell diagnosis in my cervix, so I’d hate changing but I understand I might need to get a second opinion if I’m being refused again
crooked_1988@reddit
Clinical psychologist here. Sadly, you likely fall into no man’s land in terms of the NHS - I.e. you aren’t unwell enough for community mental health teams but what the GP can offer doesn’t help you enough.
If you can afford it, I would try to find a really good therapist that you click with locally and really spend some time with them making sense of everything, looking for patterns and trying different ways of coping and improving.
There’s absolutely hope to feel much better than you do.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
I’m really thinking of going private for this, thank you for taking me seriously and not just dismissing me. you must see a lot of cases like these. I respect my GP and they’ve helped me a lot in other aspects but this definitely isn’t just GAD. thank you and I’m looking into private therapy
Kamila95@reddit
Just to give a bit different perspective than the other comments: it is possible to get more help on the NHS, without more urgent needs or diagnoses, or at least it was in my case. I am diagnosed with GAD like you, I have never been hospitalised. I get a lot of therapy through the NHS, I am currently on step 3, getting over 2 hours of DBT a week. As it is not helping they'll likely be moving me to step 3+, where the clinicians will make a tailored therapy plan for me.
This is very area dependent but so far in all the places I lived in in England I had to go through the steps. Sitting through CBT and counselling, 'failing' those and then getting moved to more in-depth/tailored therapies.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
that’s amazing and gives me hope that there are doctors who take this seriously. thanks so much for sharing with me
Kamila95@reddit
Just for clarity: I don't interact with any doctors, beyond the initial referral to talking therapies by my GP years ago.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thank you for clarifying
-info-sec-@reddit
Feel you, very similar. Like low mood triggers this. Poor sleep causes low mood. Poor sleep is caused by the children.
Currently on sertraline 50mg, been on since Nov 25 and working very well. Will take this forever if I could. May come off at some point soon to see what happens.
Been through CBT, talking therapy, writing a journal.
You've got this.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
thank you for sharing. good to know people relate and I’m not alone. I’ve also tried journaling and had NHS talking therapy (CBT) 3 times already since my mental health got worse, but it doesn’t help as when I get to a certain state of mind, I just lose all hope and will and then takes me a good while to dig out of my hole again. I’m glad the meds are working for you and I wish you nothing but the best!
whodunnit20@reddit
I had serious mental health problems and I went to my GP for help, I was referred to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with bipolar disorder, depression and PTSD. I was then referred to a psychologist who I saw weekly for two years, all the help I got saved my life.
Jenpot@reddit
Echoing what others have said already, but definitely ask the GP about starting medication. It might take a while to find the one that fits for you, and you might need to be on it forever, but that's ok. I was diagnosed with general and social anxiety around 13/14 and I've been on meds (with a few ill-advised gaps) since. I couldn't function without them and it took me years to realise it was ok just to accept that.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
but how do they know what medication I need when there’s no mental health diagnosis?
Jenpot@reddit
Generalised anxiety disorder is a mental health condition and can be diagnosed by a GP. It sounds like your GP has already done that? https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder-gad/
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
100% it is just a symptom for me, I’m kind of sure I suffer more from OCD and ADHD as I’ve had these thoughts since childhood really. I also can’t leave the house without taking pictures of everything that concerns me as proof that it’s done (eg all windows closed etc). I’ve been late for work because of this plenty of times
Emergency_Pea_2232@reddit
I hear what you’re saying, you could well have more going on than general anxiety. BUT seeing a specialist isn’t the wonder you seem to think it is, trust me I have been seen my multiple. Particularly with ADHD medication you’ll likely make the anxiety symptoms feel worse as a side effect.
At the end of the day it’s your choice, to treat each symptom as you have it, or don’t… like you are doing now.
What is the harm for accepting the help that the GP is offering in terms of medication? Worst is you try it for a few months (and I do mean months, it takes that long to fully build up in your system and iron out side effect), and you can then go from there.
Best of luck.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
definitely but also just want to know what is even wrong with me
yorkshiretearex@reddit
Because in mental health they treat the symptoms not the condition. Where are you in the uk? I can look up where you might be able to be referring to
becca413g@reddit
Unfortunately the bar for secondary mental health services is high. Even people who have previously been in hospital as a result of their mental illness often are not seen by secondary services following their admission. I myself was admitted twice before I got to see a psychiatrist in the community and frankly there’s no much benefit to doing so if you don’t wish to take medication.
Opposite_Radio9388@reddit
You've not shared where in the UK you are, and that will impact what pathways are available to you.
I would recommend speaking to your GP and telling them what you've told us here. A few comments here are somewhat pessimistic which, while perhaps realistic based on individuals' own experience, shouldn't dissuade you from taking that first step in my opinion.
Particular_Pickle465@reddit
Ask them to refer you to the community mental health team, if they do refer you to that team then you can see a psychiatrist there.
yorkshiretearex@reddit
There are lots of mental health professionals besides psychiatrists who will be easier to see and better equipped to help you. Ask for a referral to your local mental health team. These are different in all areas. I work in mental health and the focus is on needs/symptom management rather than diagnoses.
e-pancake@reddit
have a look at private services near you and see if the GP can refer you there via ‘right to choose’. unsure if that is possible for ocd (I’m hoping so though because I’m in a similar position and building up the courage to do something about it lol) but I know that’s a route possible for autism and adhd
malewifemichaelmyers@reddit
I was diagnosed with OCD and CPTSD through the community mental health team which I self referred to, my GP would not refer me to a psychiatrist as I couldn’t tell them exactly what I thought was wrong with me.
Boboshady@reddit
Ask for a second opinion, this can be as simple as asking to speak to or be moved to another GP in the same practice. You can also move to another practice entirely if you want, without telling your current GP why.
Have you spoken to your GP about how you're not happy with their diagnosis? A good GP - and whilst some are not, many are - will listen to you, even if they don't change their diagnosis they'll go into more detail about WHY they've given it and why they're not referring you further. I've learned this myself - keep asking until you're either happy that you have their full opinion, or have realised that you're not going to get it.
Note, this isn't about pushing until you hear what you want to hear, it's about filling the gaps between what you feel is wrong and any potential differing diagnosis, and giving you the opportunity to explain what you're feeling in a different way if it becomes apparent that the GP might not be fully understanding you.
Failing all else, consider going private - it gets expensive long term, but if you're looking for an alternative ear with a different diagnosis in mind, you might find your second option there.
Severe_Mastodon8072@reddit
Hey love, I’m sorry you’re struggling.
Have you asked your gp about medication? There are very commonly prescribed meds that can help with the things you described.
For talking therapy, it may be better to find someone yourself. It’s great that NHS talking therapies are there but it’s a very standardised approach that won’t be helpful for everyone. The advantage of private therapy is you can pick what works for you.
You can also ask your gp about being properly assessed for any mental health condition you think you are experiencing. But that is not a prerequisite for doing either of the things above.
FreeBogwoppits@reddit
Hi OP, sorry you're having rough time.
R/NHS might be a helpful place to crosspost this to.
vanessarichter@reddit (OP)
unfortunately they don’t allow my post because of mention of suicide :/ trying r/mentalhealthuk right now
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It looks like your post mentions suicide. Sometimes, people post questions on /r/AskUK during times of crisis, and sometimes we're not the best place to ask or provide support.
If you are considering harming yourself
Remember 9 out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide
Contact The Samaritans anonymously by calling 116 123
Visit subreddits such as /r/SuicideWatch for community support
Make an appointment with your GP and discuss your feelings
If you feel you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, please call 999; they are there to help you.
If you have been recently bereaved
You can seek additional support from subreddits such as /r/SuicideBereavement and /r/GriefSupport, or /r/MentalHealthUK
Seek online resources, such as this page from the NHS or this helpful PDF document
Consider reaching out to Cruse Bereavement Care or a bereavement therapist
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