Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

I can't go to my GP

2 replies

JustAnotherThinker · 28/08/2017 21:07

I need a bit of support/ advice.
I think I am suffering from depression. I have had several people close to me tell me they think I sound depressed given my symptoms and overall outlook atm. I have googled various tests and given that I have been feeling like this for over 2 months now I am getting concerned as it is only getting worse. Recently I have been unable to eat much at all, I still feel hungry but now I don't want to eat. Anything. Which is 100% not like me. I don't enjoy anything at the moment, can't watch tv for more than a few minutes, can barely concentrate to read an article in my magazine, don't want to go out, don't want to talk to anyone really. I feel like a zombie just going from day to day doing the absolute essentials but for no really purpose or reason.
Here comes my main issue... I hate doctors.
All doctors. I have had a fear of anything medical related for a long time. I only go when absolutely necessary and refuse to most of the time. This is not something I choose to feel or can control.
So how best to tackle making the phone call (I have to endure a stupid pre-visit GP assessment on the phone where you basically have to sell your symptoms and persuade a GP you are worthy of an appointment which is the first degrading, humiliating hurdle).
I need advice/ tips from anyone who has been to their GP and had this kind of conversation. I'm terrified they will think I'm being over dramatic and send me away. I'm mainly terrified because if this happens I doubt I'll feel like I can go back and this just keeps feeling worse. I have been having thoughts about death and what if I wasn't here any more etc etc and due to a history of mental illness and suicide in the family I know what can happen if left untreated. Any advice would be greatly received but I need practical tips to help me speak to the GP not just confirmation that I should go and see someone- I know that bit, it's just getting there that's the issue.

OP posts:
Karmapolicearrestthisman · 28/08/2017 21:23

Hi OP, I'm so sorry you're having a shit time of it.

I only go when absolutely necessary

I mean this kindly - it is necessary now. This is affecting your life and you have a family history of suicide.

I'd advise this:

  1. Ask to see a GP you like, a regular one - or ask the receptionist for one with an interest in mental health.
  2. Write a list of your symptoms, how long they've gone on for and your family.
  3. Get a friend or family member to sit with you in the waiting room and take you home afterwards for support.

You can do this OP. I believe in you. Getting my diagnosis and treatment changed my life.

NolongerAnxiousCarer · 28/08/2017 21:27

I would suggest printing out your post and reading what you have written here to you GP. You can also get the depression questionairres that your GP will use online so you could do this and then give your GP the result when you speak to them on the phone.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page