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.

How old are you and are your living arrangements supportive? Is there a partner or family taking care of you?

Sorry you're feeling this way. Definitely tell your GP. If we assume for the sake of argument that having your son took off you was a real risk (which I disagree) then accepting the antidepressants you'll inevitably be offered and taking them would reduce your mental health problems and therefore the risk of your son being taken. You could write to the GP if you don't want to talk about it over the phone. There's also computer CBT at www.llttf.com it's NHS and free. You can contact Mind a mental health charity, they can offer various types of support from a listening ear to practical help with things which are overwhelming you and support groups.

Thank you @Honestadviceneeded it's nice to hear from someone in the same boat. I have admitted to my GP that although I won’t go through with ending things, I have acted on ways to hurt myself. This sticks out for me here as if I'm honest it's the scariest part for me to admit to. But am so so reassured by your story, I hope things continue to improve for you❤️ well done for being so brave!

I've been in your position several times and have kids too. I always know I'm at my worst when I have intrusive thoughts and have reached a point where I know I need to speak to my GP for my own safety even though I hate having to admit it. They've always been supportive and nobody has ever judged my parenting skills because of them. Please don't be afraid to speak to them.

Oh OP, well done for seeking help. Would this organisation be in your area: www.insighthealthcare.org/our-services/talking-therapies/find-a-service/tees/

You can self refer. We're in a different part of the country, but DH self referred and had his first appointment within 2 weeks, and that was with the added issue of requesting a specific counsellor he had spoken to before. So the wait might not be too long after all.

I am early 30s and live with my son and his dad. It isn't a good relationship though and I can't really speak to him about it. He has a way of twisting things and it confuses me as we just talk in circles. I don't have much contact with my family either.

So is he the reason you're depressed? Talking to Women's Aid would probably be a good idea.

I work in liaison mental health, suicidal thoughts would be extremely unlikely to generate a safe guarding referral for your ds. Even with suicide attempts if the child was not put at risk directly, such as a parent with sole care overdosing a safe guarding referral is not automatic. Certainly the case previously referred to where the child was put in foster care was not due to the mother having suicidal thoughts.

The computer CBT I mentioned is anonymous by the way

Thank you @WanderingHopefully they have the referral form on that page so will fill it in tonight! I can make sure to arrange phone appointments at a time I am able to leave the house.

They will probably ask you questions and will understand your son is a protective factor. You can tell them how your feeling. Like you said you don't plan on acting on these thoughts and it will mostly be because of your son. They will note this and will refer for counselling.

@AmberItsACertainty

So is he the reason you're depressed? Talking to Women's Aid would probably be a good idea.

He is a big part of it but I have a lot of built up resentment/feelings of worthlessness stemming from my childhood too.

Thank you for all of the replies, I do feel less worried about speaking to someone now.

@FunkyD1amonds

Thank you *@WanderingHopefully* they have the referral form on that page so will fill it in tonight! I can make sure to arrange phone appointments at a time I am able to leave the house.

Am so pleased you're going to take that step. These are for you

Thank you again @WanderingHopefully I've just filled in the referral form and am feeling so nervous, but it's done now and at least I have made a first step.

In my experience, not much

If you need support in your relationship you might want to contact My Sisters Place on Borough Road (they have a website). I have no idea how long the wait might be but a quick luck suggests they might have some counselling services you could use. Good luck

Sorry, a quick look!

So sorry to hear you are feeling like this op - please know that you are not alone and help is available for you.
I would also recommend contacting samaritans either by phone on 116 123 or email [email protected].
You may also find it helpful to download the stay alive app which has lots of useful info to help you stay safe www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app/
Stay safe.

Sorry to hear you are feeling like this. I went to my gp very recently because I was having similar thoughts. After an initial phone consultation he asked me to come in for a longer talk. I was offered anti depressants (for anxiety more than depression,) and online cbt. He also signed me off work for a bit. I didn’t go for the meds but the time off helped. I have a DD who is 8 and she didn’t really come into it.

I just wanted to say go and get some help. It feels good to have someone looking out for you.

I just wanted to say well done for completing the referral. Also thank you for starting the thread because it’s been really helpful to me. When I was scared I was going to act on such thoughts I went to the GP but there seemed to be a miss-understanding as they gave me a blood test and sent me away. Although I am much better now, I wish I had persisted with getting help at the time.

There is a mental health support line OP of crisis team you can contact if you need immediate support - it is a good sign you are seeking help and social services wouldn’t get involved. GP is a good place to start they can signpost you and discuss medication. Hugs x

I think it would be a good idea to speak to womens aid, too.

I work in mental health so I speak with experience.

Please talk to your GP who will talk you through options including medication and therapy.

Suicidal thoughts are a very normal part of being depressed and your honesty will not be judged but people will want to help you. It would be considered more of a risk to your child if you were not able to be honest with professionals - in short, they can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on. It would only be if there was a risk to your child that they would make a safeguarding referral. It’s not automatic. There are many people with depression who struggling with their thoughts and who may also self harm but are also parents and meet their child’s needs.

Op - If you feel that you cannot be honest with your partner about your feelings, or that you have to hide calls for help, something is very wrong.

Do call local services for advice and support. As someone said upthread, My sister’s Place or Harbour (www.myharbour.org.uk/) would be a good place to start if you’re in Middlesbrough. The service in Northumberland literally saved me when I couldn’t see I was being abused (emotional) but felt I was going crazy.