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Mental health

If one was feeling a tad "low", if one was physically ill from said "lowness" how would one ask GP for help?

19 replies

ThisBoyDerekDrew · 21/10/2009 18:28

Feeling a tad shite ATM.

Barely eating 1 meal per day

Barely sleeping 5-6hrs per night

I have nausea to the point of gagging daily.

I cry daily, sometimes for hours.

It has been going on on and off for a couple of months.

I don't want ADs, but a friend made me promise to talk to GP to avoid her getting a first aider at work when I was in such a state that I couldn't catch my breath.

I just wouldn't even know how to broach the subject in the same way as I would if I had a "physical" illness.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 21/10/2009 18:29

Also what is said GP likely to "do"

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Littlepurpleprincess · 21/10/2009 18:35

I have felt very low before and simply phoned my GP and said I am feeling very low and do know what to do. They took from there. Please just ask. Your GP will know how to help you but you need to be honest with them and make the first step. Good luck.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 21/10/2009 18:37

Don't want to make the first step. I'm scared. But TBH I am scared of the consequences if I don't .

Will come out a blubbing mess. Will they really talk to me over the phone?

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totallyawesome · 21/10/2009 18:46

mine wouldn't talk over the phone. However, my GP was not in the least bit taken aback by the blubbing mess sat in front of her in her surgery. They'd made me wait in the surgery for AGES surrounded by sick people (part of my anxiety was germs!). I was a total and utter hyper-ventilating wreck by the time I got in there. I delayed everyone else (so sorry if it was you) by a good half hour while someone looked at me and clucked sympathetically. Make the call, keep the appointment. You are worth it.

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bigstripeytiger · 21/10/2009 18:48

They probably would do a phone consultation if you wanted, or you could go in for an appointment and explain what you said in your OP.
Your GP will be well used to dealing with people with symptoms that you have, but if you can manage it its probably easier for the consultation to be face to face rather than over the phone.

Your GP isnt going to force anything on you, but will be able to talk through the options with you - probably making sure that there isnt a physical cause for your symptoms, and maybe discussing counselling or medication.

If you do have depression that is just as valid a reason to have an appointment as a physical problem.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 21/10/2009 18:55

It just feels like such a short term problem with a specific cause.

I know I need to sort out that specific cause but TBH that is kind of out of my hands (and in DP's....although I don't think he is really "in control IYSWIM).

It is just going to get worse before it gets better.

I just don't have a clue how to start the conversation.

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bigstripeytiger · 21/10/2009 19:00

What you said in your OP would do fine. If you cant say it you could write it down, and show that to your GP.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 21/10/2009 19:01

Thanks.

Need to go for a bit...RL calls.

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duckyfuzz · 21/10/2009 19:02

I was diagnosed with 'low mood' a few years ago, you just need to tell gp how you feel, which is hard, nut no harder than coping with it on your own. Most of them are v understanding, I happened to be lucky enough to see the gp at our practice who has psych background, but then when he was off i saw another one who was equally understanding. Please go, it will be worth the effort

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Littlepurpleprincess · 22/10/2009 13:11

My GP spoke to me on the phone but then asked if I would come down for an appointment. She just listened and I told her what was going on in my life. I was prescribed ADs but it was very much my choice, I did not feel that they were pushed on me.

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LittleMarshmallow · 22/10/2009 15:28

I have been like this before, when I left xh. I called the gp who talked to me, then asked me to come in. He was really good and just listened.

He gave me some suggestions and actions which I had to do. At the time he signed me off work (as they weren't helping matters) and told me that I had to go out each day even if it were to get a coffee, just little steps.

You don't always have to have AD's but sometimes you just need a little extra help.
Take care but do call them it will help just to get it out.

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Gracie123 · 22/10/2009 15:33

If you can't handle the emotional stuff, go and tell them about your physical symptoms. That's what I did and practice nurse very quickly worked out I needed some emotional support and not drugs.

They put me in touch with a CPN (community psychiatric nurse) who came out to my house and shared cups of tea whilst we talked over my problems and what could be done to help.

No scary drs. No addictive meds. They have been really great.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 23/10/2009 15:03

|Thanks.

Have made appointment. Now just don't know what to say...at least how to open.

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cheekysealion · 23/10/2009 15:08

I would write down what you put in your opening post... and use them as pointers... try not to think to much about what you will say as you may start to worry more about it..

GP's have delt with lots and lots of situations like this

I hope you get the help and support you need

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 23/10/2009 15:12

It's the nausea I can't handle.

I can't eat because of the nausea. I suspect my empty stomach is causing the nausea....

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LittleMarshmallow · 23/10/2009 16:21

If you are feeling sick and this is stopping you eating, what about having something to drink? milky coffee, milkshake or maybe some plain soup ? Don't have a large amount just a little and try and build it up that way.

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ThisBoyDerekDrew · 23/10/2009 16:37

I am maintaining fluids.

I can drink half a cup of tea at a time.

Am on Prozac now . Also need to see a councillor. And had the option of being signed off work too...which I probably would have done if it wasn't for the fact that it would mean more time being spent with DP which is only going to make things worse.

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Gracie123 · 23/10/2009 17:44

I know it sounds lame and obvious but Ginger is really good for nausea. Chop a bit up and stick it in some boiling water with a slice of lemon. It feels comforting and safe, even if it doesn't completely cure the nausea.
Sorry this is happening to you. Hopefully the Prozac will help. Give it a few weeks though, because it has to build up in your system.

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Gracie123 · 23/10/2009 17:45

I know it sounds lame and obvious but Ginger is really good for nausea. Chop a bit up and stick it in some boiling water with a slice of lemon. It feels comforting and safe, even if it doesn't completely cure the nausea.
Sorry this is happening to you. Hopefully the Prozac will help. Give it a few weeks though, because it has to build up in your system.

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