I’m going to the GP re mental health. What can I expect?

[Slat3]

Hi all,
I’ve been struggling for a long time but then when I book an apt (usually a few weeks later) I feel better so cancel. I booked it on a particularly bad day & now don’t know if I can go, but I feel I should. What can I expect them to do? Can they help me? I’ve wrote notes that I want to mention:

Struggling with MH - on paper successful & should be ‘happy’
Feel very up & down, one moment happy then really sad
Very irritable, affecting relationships
Not sleeping, can’t ‘switch off’
Mentally / physically exhausted
Can’t make my mind up e.g. with career / children / husband / weight
Can’t lose weight or find motivation
Having anxiety, a few weeks ago was in tears at work with chest pains
Feel very under pressure like failing in every aspect of life
Feeling like I’m morally not a good person - self hard binge eating, lack of control
Constant comparison to other women / mums, particularly their career success or figure
Haven’t been suicidal but constantly feel like ‘it will get better’ and it doesn’t

I don’t want signing off work (I’m in a managerial position & really don’t feel I can take any time off sick). Would it be meds? Therapy?

If it helps you, take a list of things/symptoms with you in case you forget or get anxious in the appointment.
Sadly the waiting lists are v long for therapy (I’m assuming you’re in the UK). They may offer meds and hopefully want to see you again soon to monitor you.
Sending lots of love.

I was offered CBT & meds. Took the CBT, ended up being signed off a year or so later. I actually think the talking therapy helped, so would recommend, but also allowed me to concentrate on myself for an hour a month or so which meant I couldn’t suppress things as much as I had bern. I was much less well than I had thought (or than I let on to anyone else.).