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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Finally seeing GP about low mood / anxiety

17 replies

Mcbj86 · 15/05/2019 23:25

After months of being in denial about my very low mood and increased anxiety I have built up the courage to see my GP. Its appeared and gradually got worse over the past 2 years. Im married, 3 kids, good job. . . On paper Ive got everything I wanted but Im living in a cloud of misery and don't get any enjoyment out of anything anymore.
AIBU to now be thinking the appt will be a waste of time. What can a GP do in a quick 5 min appointment? Will I get fobbed off? Can anyone give me any advice? Im dreading going and now worrying that it wont go anywhere so questioning the point in going in the first place. (PS im not suicidal or thinking about self harm)

OP posts:
GarnierBBCream · 15/05/2019 23:28

I got fobbed off. Haven't been back since. I hope someone else has better experience.

SnowyAlpsandPeaks · 15/05/2019 23:29

I went with a low mood (actually sobbing) 5 min appointment, prescribed antidepressants, and an urgent referral to the psychiatrist. After several appointments with her and different meds, I was diagnosed with bipolar in about 16 months (that’s quick!). So yes a lot can be done in 5 minutes! Good luck, it will be worth it.

GiveMeFood12 · 15/05/2019 23:30

I went; after crying on my best friend; in 5 minutes I had cried to the gp - he gave me anti depressants and sent a referral for CBT

It was the best decision I made to go for that 5 minute appointment and be honest with how I felt

That was 2.5 years ago now Smile

chaoscategorised · 15/05/2019 23:32

They will probably suggest a low dose of SSRI and refer you for counselling - I found my GP to be surprisingly helpful and understanding, and just talking to someone about it lifted a little weight off my shoulders. Five minutes doesn't seem a lot, but it could change your life. Good luck x

Itsjeremycorbynsfault · 15/05/2019 23:32

I found it really helpful to write everything down and take it with me before I went to my GP with similar matters. That way, I was able to get across everything I wanted to say without getting flustered or minimising anything.

It will be beneficial going

Deccax · 15/05/2019 23:33

Firstly, well done for taking this step. It’s really brave!

Secondly, when I had to do this I found it useful to take some notes on things I wanted with me. My anxiety sometimes makes my thoughts all jumbled in stressful situations and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to articulate myself to my GP.

It’s really not a waste of time. You will be so relieved after your appointment, it’s your first step to getting better.

pink412 · 15/05/2019 23:34

I went a few year ago and got fobbed off with a telephone number for some local service but I never called due to my social/ anxiety getting in the way.

It’s been affecting me close to 20 years. I have literally gave up at the moment but need help I know now. So hoping to see someone soon.

The first real step is to know you need help and ask for it. If you can say it out loud maybe write it down and ask the doctors to read it

Nonameslob · 15/05/2019 23:39

Definitely go and see your GP, there are lots of things they can suggest to suit you. It may be medication, counselling, CBT. I suffered for years because I didn't want to admit to anyone I was depressed but I couldn't bear feeling like that any longer. I'm so glad I finally spoke to my GP. It was medication that worked for me. Be really honest with them about how you feel so they can offer the best help for you. Sometimes you do get an unsympathetic GP but if that happens book to see a different one, don't be put off. Wishing you all the best.

slashlover · 15/05/2019 23:42

I would write everything down in a letter to give to the GP. I did that and it made it easier because as soon as the doctor asked me how he could help, I burst into tears.

NoobThebrave · 15/05/2019 23:45

If you are not someone who rushes there normally then there must be something troubling you enough to go. It is 5 mins but they should help you. You don't say your age but there are definite (middle) age related hormones that can create these feelings. Also thyroid issues can be a cause of low mood et al! Be politely firm that you are concerned. Good luck x

Original poster
Mcbj86 · 15/05/2019 23:59

Im 32, i definitely dont rush there. Since being a child ive only ever been once for a sick note when my mum died and the three times i was pregnant to get a referral to the midwife.

Thanks for the replies everyone, i am going to make a list of things to discuss incase my anxiety takes over

OP posts:
Thatsalovelycuppatea · 16/05/2019 10:19

I can't take antidepressants due to another medication. Having another bad week where I am just crying. I know it will pass. However, I've had so much counselling and therapy I'm starting to wonder if it's bipolar no matter how much I try to change, It doesn't stop these highs and lows I have.You are not alone op, keep posting and talking. Thanks

Original poster
Mcbj86 · 16/05/2019 17:04

Sorry to hear youre struggling too. Has a biploar diagnosis been explored?

OP posts:
Original poster
Mcbj86 · 16/05/2019 17:09

UPDATE

i went to the GP surgery this morning, sat in the car outside and thought I couldnt bring myself to go in. I was shaking and tearful. But also in the back of my mind I knew if I didn't go in I'd have to carry on the way I am and that wasnt an option.

I sat in the waiting room feeling like i was going to get fobbed off but I couldnt have been more wrong. The HP was fantastic, he listened, was sympathetic. Gave me lots of self help advice. Talked through my options of medication and talking therapies.

The outcome I have been presecribed an anti depressant and referred for CBT (approx 4 week wait). I know i have a oong journey ahead to feel like myself again but I feel such a relief having opened up and acceped that I need the help.

OP posts:
User12879923378 · 16/05/2019 17:13

Well done, OP!

junecat · 16/05/2019 17:33

Well done! I was you 18 months ago and my GP was also great. Prescribed citralapram and referred me for CBT. He saw me every week until therapy started and every couple of months during. I can't thank him enough as I have a life again. Good luck!

LemonWhale · 16/05/2019 18:00

pink142

I went a few year ago and got fobbed off with a telephone number for some local service but I never called due to my social/ anxiety getting in the way

That’s not being fobbed off. They did the exact right thing in giving you the contact details for another NHS service which could have offered you proper help for your issues. If you felt too anxious to ring them yourself you could have told the GP that or asked someone else to do it for you. Not sure what else you expected them to do themselves for you other than link you up with specialist care?

Sadly you can’t help someone who won’t help themselves. I just hope others reading who see their GP and get given the details for a therapy service don’t see your post and think ‘oh, I’ve been fobbed off here, I’ll leave it’.

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