Appointment with GP for anxiety/depression - how much to tell them?

[tiptoetobed]

Hi everyone, I’ve been struggling with feeling really anxious and low since the birth of my baby 10 months ago, and have finally admitted to myself that I might need some help to feel better. I’ve got an appointment with my GP next week, but I’m worrying about what to tell them, how much detail to go into etc. I worry about wasting their time and don’t want to take up more time than my appointment slot.

The anxiety is not a new thing for me - I’ve never seen a doctor about it before, but have struggled with anxiety over various things for years. I had some private CBT a few years ago because anxiety about plugs/appliance etc was really affecting my life and relationship. It helped a bit, and I’ve felt my anxiety has been largely under control for the last few years (until recently). I also think I’ve had depression in the past, although again I’ve never seen a doctor about it. From when I was about 14 - 23/24 (I’m 32 now), I had on and off periods of feeling incredibly low, self harming and binge/purging. I haven’t felt like that or done any of that for the past 8-9 years though.

I know I’ll be incredibly nervous going into my appt, so I want to prepare what to say in advance otherwise my mind will go blank. So how much do I need to tell them? Do I just go in and say I’m feeling anxious and low, and then let them ask questions? Do I include more details on how I’ve been feeling/what makes me anxious? Is my anxiety/possible depression in the past relevant and should I tell them, even though I’ve never been diagnosed, or just focus on how I feel now? Sorry for all the stupid questions, it just feels like I have so many thoughts and feelings and I don’t know how to decide what’s relevant for the GP to know!

I would tell them everything. It will help them make a useful diagnosis. You’re not wasting their time; they are paid to help you, and your health and happiness are very important.
Good luck.

Make a bullet list now of the things you want to say. Add to it later, as ideas come up. Take it with you to the appointment. You can use it as a crib sheet to help you remember, and you can hand it over to theGP if you find it difficult to talk.

Allow yourself to speak. You are not wasting anybody's time doing so. The GP needs to understand you in order to help you.

Thank you both for your replies! I know I am way overthinking this, but finding it hard to organise my thoughts at the moment. I’m also a bit worried that if I’m honest about how I’ve felt in the past, they might worry about my ability to look after my baby properly - even though I haven’t felt that way for years, it’s mainly just my anxiety affecting me at the moment and my baby is definitely safe, happy and healthy. I’ll definitely make a list to take, that’s a good idea. Thanks!