How do GP appointments work these days?

[EveryPlanetHasAYorkshire]

I am having panic attacks almost every day now. Every single little thing scares me or stresses me out.

I was told to go home from work last week and take the rest of the week off which I did but I am due back tomorrow and I don't think I can face it.

Work and DP keep telling me to phone GP but I get really anxious and panicky again. Do I just phone up and they give me a telephone appointment? I'm scared they will dismiss me and tell me everyone is anxious right now .

I also feel terrible because there are people going through so much more than me right now. Yet here I am crying over nothing.

Ring them tomorrow, you will probably be offered a phonecall and possibly a video consultation. They won't dismiss you. Ring them. This isn't just a bit of extra stress, it's impacting your life and they will help you.

Telephone consultation most likely. I had one for panic attacks and anxiety and it really helped. Had some temp meds ready at the pharmacy an hour after consult and the GP rang me back weekly for a month after. Signposted for therapies too. Easier than going in IMO

Yes,telephone consultations are the order of the day at the moment. Have you thought about having a chat on the 111 line? ive found it excellent,also check out helplines for organisations such as mind etc ...

OK I am assuming I just phone up and ask for a telephone appointment.

Yes no gone up and ask for an appointment. It will most likely be a telephone one. Good luck.

This is similar to what I went through a few weeks ago. The GP called me back and I got upset so my husband spoke to him and described how I was panicking so much.

Good luck it’s awful and I understand

What did they do Teacup? If you don't mind me asking.

At our surgery you phone up and tell the receptionist roughly what the issue is. So in your case you would say 'its about my mental health ' they would then arrange for a GP to phone you. When this was would depend on how urgent it was. The GP might ask you to send photos etc (obviously not applicable in your case) and then if necessary a face to face appointment would be made.

Check if your GP has a website. If so they might have a click to make an appointment type form that asks for a brief outline of symptoms. You then get a call to arrange a telephone conversation or other actions..

I’ll PM you

@Arnoldthecat

Check if your GP has a website. If so they might have a click to make an appointment type form that asks for a brief outline of symptoms. You then get a call to arrange a telephone conversation or other actions..

OMG, I've just checked and they have this service! Going to fill in the form now.

May i also recommend a good book ? second hand copies will likely be available cheap on sites such as abebooks.co.uk

Brilliant CBT by Doctor Stephen Briars... a great read and it helps to explore and explain thought patterns which bring about anxiety and similar issues.

They will give you a phone appointment and actually I've found the whole process to be a lot calmer and smoother now as they are quieter.

Agree with the website suggestion, during lockdown both my husband & daughter have needed a go appointment (typical - haven’t needed a gp for years)
In husbands case they replied with an email & prescription, in daughters case they rang for a phone consultation & then decided they needed to see her (which happened quickly) both were dealt with very quickly & efficiently with both problems resolved.

Think I am going to have to tell work again I won't be in tomorrow. This is so pathetic.

You're not pathetic. You just need some help and there's nothing wrong with that.