to visit my GP about my son's mental health

[MariaWaria]

My young adult DS has been experiencing anxiety for a year or so (which I didn't recognise). He's now told me about it but says he doesn't want to see his GP as there's no point as he wouldn't take medication.

WIBU to make an appointment with a GP at the practice (which we both attend) and seek some advise on a way forward?

No unreasonable but there will be a limited amount your gap can say. At best a general discussion on managing anxiety. I did the same with my go to discuss my dad and possible dementia (not his GP) and it was helpful.

Also consider callin Young Minds, I'm not sure of their age cut off but they were very helpful to a friend.

Good luck.

Sorry for typos am lying down!

Talk to your son first. Explain that medication is not the only option, that often treatments like CBT work really well. CBT is not psychologically invasive: no one's going to ask him to lie on a couch and open up his innermost dreams; they will ask just enough to establish what his problem is and then it will be about techniques for him to use to gain control over his own situation.

It is true that it is difficult to get referred these days, particularly for an adult, but you won't get anything if you don't ask for it.

If he absolutely will not go, he may still be able to access some techniques via the internet and use those.

How old is your DS?
I have made appointments at Gp for my DS anxiety and attended without him but he was 8 and I felt there was information if he heard but was relevant would exacerbate symptoms.

However as you say young adult I don't think you can if he won't attend with you.

Hes 22.

I think that unless you think he is a risk to himself that would be overstepping a boundary.

It would be a good idea. Mental Health among our young men is in a bad way. My 15 year old lad suffers from Anxiety. Similar to you he wouldn't take his medication.

All the best.

The GP won't talk to you about him unless he gives written confirmation of permission. You will only get general information.

I wouldn't book an appointment unless he wants you too. You need to be very careful not to overstep the mark and lead to him losing trust in you.

Would be seek out other non medical options to help himself?

Thanks for all your comments.

What non medical options were you thinking of Sirzy?

Suggest counselling or some sort of other talking therapy. Anxiety is not something you want to see spiral.

He can refer himself to IAPT for talking therapies if he doesn't want to take medication. You can do that online. And yes it would be worth you visiting the GP together. They may offer medication but that isn't the only OP.

Why would he not consider medication?