To be seeing the GP for this (anxiety/depression)

[dazzlinghaze]

I've finally bitten the bullet and have a GP appointment later this afternoon for what I assume is anxiety/depression. I've had a tough year and a half and although I initially coped well, I feel like it's all catching up on me and I'm losing myself a bit. I've been struggling since February but was sure I could help myself but things have only gotten worse. I'm so nervous for the appointment and am scared the GP is going to think I'm a massive time waster

I did the nhs online anxiety and depression test and got 21 for depression and 16 for anxiety and the website said to see my GP. I've written up a list of my symptoms to take to the appointment could you please tell me if you think I'm justified in seeing the GP over these?

Feeling of dread daily
Hate being alone
Frequent low mood
Crying a lot
Overwhelmed by day to day responsibilities
Lack of concentration
Overeating
Tired all the time
Brain fog

Thanks to anyone who reads.

Of course YANBU. I hope the GP is helpful and this improves soon.
You could write that list down if it helps and show the doctor.

It’s a good idea to go, especially since you’ve “been struggling since February”. And let the doctor know anything you’ve tried (better diet, exercise, etc.) that hasn’t helped much.

YANBU. Depression/anxiety just gets worse if left untreated. You are doing the right thing by going to see your doctor. Some employers also have employee wellness programs that give you immediate access to free counselling which you could see if your company offers as well.

You are absolutely not unreasonable.
That's your anxiety talking. Don't listen to it, you need to see a GP ❤️

Well done for taking the first step! If you need anything, just pm me

You'd BU NOT to go to your GP with those symptoms OP. Of course your GP won't think you're a time waster. Mental health problems are just as important (often much more so) than physical ones you know, so be kind to yourself and get yourself sorted. Today is the first day of your recovery. Good luck x

You're absolutely doing the right thing, OP. Just tell your doctor everything you've told us and go from there. I don't have depression but I suffer quite badly with anxiety. I had CBT which helped a little and I take medication which has helped, too.

Hope your appointment goes well.

Thank you all for being so kind, you've really reassured me! I'm going to write down my list and take that with me, I think that'll help.

I'm worrying about daft things like how to start the conversation. I haven't got a clue what to say when she asks "how can I help you?" Should I just say I've been struggling with my mental health then being out my list?

YANBU - writing it down is a very good idea! I have suffered on and off for years, and I have to write it down for appointments as i generally just cry at the doctor - DO NOT worry about crying btw (take tissues, the NHS ones are shit)

When they ask - just say exactly what you have put in your post - you have been struggling and need some help.
They will not think you are a time waster, or being dramatic - you are being VERY sensible going to see your GP.

Good luck x

Hi everyone, thank you for being so lovely earlier! I went to my appointment and the doctor was really nice and she's prescribed me a low dose of sertraline and recommended I go for cbt. Onwards and upwards hopefully!

Thanks for the update.
Best wishes!

That's great. Well done!

Hi dazzling - I was where you are 3.5 weeks ago. Also wrote a list to make sure I remembered to say everything important, came away with a prescription for sertraline and referral for CBT. I go for my four-week check next week, I am already starting to feel a bit better.

Well done for taking that step today.

I presume the GP warned you that some (many) people feel worse for the first couple of weeks? I got support from my sister (who had been on sertraline in the past), she texted me every day just to ask how I was doing, and said I could ring her any time. I also told my husband that if I started behaving irrationally he should get me to A and E. Happy to say that didn’t happen, but it’s good to be forewarned of the possibility and have some people round you who are alert, just in case.

Well done, it's a big step to admit that you need help.

Thanks again everyone! I was so close to cancelling the appointment when I posted today so I really appreciate your kind words.

@PuzzledObserver that's great to hear, I'm glad you're starting to feel better! Yeah she did warn me and I've been having a read on the sertraline stories thread in the mental health section. I've told my sister and two best friends so they've all said they'll keep an eye on me so that's made me feel less worried.

Have you started your CBT? After explaining about what's happened in my personal life she said she thinks that's what will benefit me the most so I'm keen to get started with that.

@dazzlinghaze haven’t started CBT yet - that’s another six weeks away. There was a course starting next week (I’m doing a group session) but the time was not one I could do every week. So I decided to wait for a group when I can do every session. It’s 6 weeks.

Well done OP. Hope you are feeling much better very soon x

Glad you got somewhere! The tablets should really help and give you a break from the horrible brain fog (I had post natal anxiety so I relate to that).

I've been avoiding the doctors for years now due to not knowing how to start it off. Part of me wanted a proper mental breakdown to get myself noticed and to get help.

I've just looked at that test and got 12 for depression and 19 for anxiety.

Before I stumbled on this thread I was thinking about maybe its time for me to go and get something sorted properly. I was googling cannabis oil (the legal stuff) and effects as I did see somewhere that it helps with anxiety. My googling has put me off anyway and I think a doctor might be the way to go.

I just dont know what to say. Will have to make an appointment on Monday. Right now Im all up for it, but come Monday I might chicken out. I might feel silly.

Anyway just wanted to let you know that your post has got me thinking too.

@RunningNinja79 I know exactly how you feel! I felt because I hadn't had a breakdown and was still going to work etc I didn't need help but it's not true! I'd been doing that for months as well, saying I would make the appointment then bottling it.

But honestly it was absolutely fine, a bit nerve wracking and embarrassing but I'm so glad I've done it now. I just told her I'd been struggling with my mental health and said I'd made a little list and summary and asked if she'd like to read that and she did then she asked me some questions.

I hope you're able to go and get the help you need PM me if you need anything!