What would happen if I told GP about suicidal thoughts?

[FunkyD1amonds]

Just that really? I tried contacting a counselling service (via email) moths ago but never heard back. I'm really desperate to talk to someone as I'm struggling so much, so I was thinking about phoning GP and telling them how bad I've been feeling, in the hope that they'll refer me.
But now I'm worried if I mention things like suicidal thoughts what they'll do? I have a son, so would they think I'm an unfit mother and call social services? It's not as though I'm going to do anything to harm myself but I've been having these thoughts very regularly and I'm so depressed and sad.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

They will probably ask if you intend to act on your thoughts so they can assess if you're in immediate danger.

If the answer is no, they'll likely prescribe antidepressants and refer you for counselling (waiting list will probably be long). They will not take your son away or call social services. Please call your GP and get the help that you need. I've been in your shoes and it was hard to admit but I'm glad I got the support I needed

They will ask safeguarding questions to check the level of risk.
Suicidal ideation can be active or passive.

Please get some help op. You don’t need to be alone managing these thoughts.

There are also other agencies that can help.

National support and local charities or helplines.

They may log a safeguarding referral with social services as this is routine. It’s unlikely social services will do anything more with it unless there’re additional concerns (previous referrals, indication you may act on your thoughts with your child present). I work in MH so now this is routine. It hasn’t stopped me being honest with my GP during the two periods of my life that I’ve had suicidal thoughts. Social services have never contacted me. (A total of 3 separate GPS)

*know this is routine

OP please talk to your GP, they will be able to help you.

In addition you can call or email the Samaritans at any time. Don't suffer in silence, you're not alone and many people will understand.

You can normally self refer for psychological therapies - you can find your local service here www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/free-therapy-or-counselling/

There are so many services out there that can help. Where are you and I’ll send some links.

Thank you for the replies that is reassuring. I know I need to speak to someone about it, I feel like it's eating me up inside. The other issue I have is with COVID going on I'm worried I'll have to tell them all this over the phone and I don't have any privacy in this house.

They will assess you and probably prescribe some medication or refer to primary mental health services. They may signpost to third sector organisations or have online NHS resources you can access. You are not alone and many people are feeling the way you are feeling right now. I hope you find the help and support you need to feel well. If you were bleeding you wouldn’t think twice about ringing a doctor, mental health is no different.

Think of it as a medication for a mind and a bandage for the brain.

Oh thank you I hadn't thought of emailing Samaritans. I used the NHS counselling search to find a local service, but they didn't get back to me unfortunately.

OP - you could ask the GP to call you at a time where you can pop out and take a walk so can speak in private too. Good luck hope things get better x

@ichoosewinetoomuch I am in Middlesbrough, any help would be really appreciated ❤️

Call the Samaritans they are actually quite brilliant.

If for some reason you are not happy with the first person you talk to then call again and speak to someone else.

Call and speak to the Samaritans.

116 123

You can call them every time you feel sad. Just pick up the phone and call them they will make it easier for you.

That is the type of thing I've been worrying about @purplerainox
I was thinking that because I am not planning to act on them that something like that wouldn't happen, but there's always been that 'what if' thought, and once I've said it to a dr there's no taking it back.

Unless you have acted on the thoughts they are highly, highly unlikely to do very much at all.

Thank you for the number @FlyingByTheSeatof the Samaritans feel like a good place to start as they are anonymous

@purplerainox

I know a foster carer who had a little boy in her care because the mother had contacted someone about suicidal thoughts so they took the child into care whilst she was in hospital and she wanted her child back so badly and they wouldn't give the child back to her. Im unsure whether she got the child back in the end or if they went to another carer or got adopted but the child was in the foster carers care for years.

If she was in hospital then there was a lot more to it than simply disclosing some suicidal thoughts.

Yes just pick up the phone right now and call them and if you want you can let us know how it went without going into too many details just how it felt having called and spoken to them.

Seriously, it takes a lot more than disclosing suicidal thoughts to get anyone to even blink at you.

If we had the resources to hospitalise and involve social services with every person who had experienced suicidal thoughts, our streets would also all be paved with gold.

It doesn't happen. There would have to be other significant risk factors beyond just thoughts.

purplerainox

You knew the foster carer but not the mothers medical history. Your post is neither helpful or relevant to OP’s question.

I won't be able to call them tonight as DS dad will be listening. He also doesn't like me just going for walks without a reason so I can't just nip out especially at night. But I will be going food shopping alone tomorrow and will phone then. I will let you know how it goes though!

@FunkyD1amonds I have very recently been in your situation. My GP was amazing. And there was absolutely no contact with social services. My thoughts were passive and I had no intention of acting in them. My GP referred me to the CMHteam (who just sent me a leaflet to self refer to a charity and said they would t see me). She was really unhappy with that response so has done follow up appointments with me regularly herself and has supported me by helping me with medication, sending me info on things I can do to help myself and has generally been a fantastic support. I have found a counsellor privately and am finding her very helpful. With the support of my counsellor and GP things are starting to get better.

Please don’t worry about the person above and their story about the child in foster care. It’s very unhelpful. I have admitted to my GP that although I won’t go through with ending things, I have acted on ways to hurt myself.

It is really important you get the help you need. It’s not always straightforward to find that help but try different avenues and I’m sure you’ll find something. I hope things get better for you OP. Life is tough sometimes and everybody needs a little help at times.

Doesn’t DS dad know how you’re feeling? Is he your partner? Could you/would you tell him?
Do contact GP. I had depression and anxiety and often the thought of not being around could seem appealing. The GP helped. Really did. My life is so different now. Good luck OP.