What to say to GP?

[mner1896]

I finally feel ready to speak to my GP about getting some medication for my anxiety and depression, but I'm not sure what to say! How did everyone else approach it with their doctor? And did anyone else worry they would get told they don't have a problem....I mean on the one hand I'm sure it's not 'normal' to feel how I do but also I've had this for over 20 years, since I was a teenager, so I don't really know how 'normal' feels? Does that make sense? TIA x

I just explained how I felt in a garbled mess then burst into tears!! They are very good at then unpicking what was actually wrong!

@Uramaki

I just explained how I felt in a garbled mess then burst into tears!! They are very good at then unpicking what was actually wrong!

I also did this.... called up for an appointment and just said I need support with my mental health... then at the appointment- lots of tears and waffle but also lots of support. I hope you're okay

I did it via their online bit (there's a form to fill in with my GP surgery, econsult). Might help if you are nervous to approach them.

They called me after a day or two (and also sent helpful links). I found them easy enough to talk to and helpful.

Good luck, well done for taking this step!

Turning up in a gibbering mess seems to be what a lot of people do. Your GP will get it. It happens all the time.

Maybe spend some time to write down what your struggles are. List stuff like low mood, poor sleep and appetite, no joy in usually activities etc.

I have spoken to numerous doctors about my anxiety a couple recommended I do something I like to do would be easy if I could pull myself together to do it, recommended well-being apps I finally spoke to my current doctor and she’s been like a god send because I’m cautious about taking medication she called me once a week and gradually left it longer and longer I now only call her if I need to speak to her I also do CBT once a week and I do have some medication if I need it oh how nice it would be to feel back to myself 7 months ago I really hope you feel better soon

@Uramaki

I just explained how I felt in a garbled mess then burst into tears!! They are very good at then unpicking what was actually wrong!

Also this! I felt the same as you, as if I had had anxiety my whole life - I said this to the GP and that I was exhausted of feeling like that and wanted some help. Good luck. It's a brave thing to ask for help when it had been your normal for such a long time.

Thank you for the replies, I've made the first step and phoned up for an appointment. Felt awkward having to give the receptionist a brief description (from a small town) but I actually work at a gp surgery myself (actually what spurred me on to do it, seeing how common it actually is) and expected the question and understand why they ask. I'll write down some main points I don't want to forget or downplay over the weekend. I imagine the gp will take the lead, I just want to remember how I feel at my worst as I'm feeling not so bad at the moment if that makes sense. It's telephone calls at the moment at my surgery so hoping I don't start crying, once I start crying I literally can't speak 🙈

It is ok if you cry. These things can be so overwhelming. I hope you get the help you need

I too sat in the chair and burst into tears! He handed me a box of tissues and just waited until I could actually speak.

Well done @mner1896. How did the call go, if you've had it yet?

How are you?

Have you had any talking therapy at all before? They might suggest that before they suggest medication. You will be fine speaking to the GP, well done for making the first step it’s often the hardest!

Had my phone call, was just a quick chat and I found it difficult to concentrate as I was aware my kids were upstairs and obvs didn't want them to hear anything. The tears almost started at the beginning of the phone call but I managed to hold it together thankfully. He has asked me to go in for a face to face at the end of the week to discuss it some more so I'll update on the outcome of that! No I haven't tried any talking therapy, it's actually the first time I've told anyone about my anxiety and depression apart from DH. I suppose it would be silly of me to rule out anything I haven't tried, but it feels to me like since I have no control over how I feel sometimes and I feel so anxious and down for no specific reason, I don't know if something like talking therapy would be any good...if that makes sense...

Had my appointment, not sure how I feel about it...ended up just feeling really silly and like I was wasting his time...not due to the dr or anything he said, he was understanding and asked questions etc. I'm not sure if anyone else feels the same but it's like when I feel really low I think I can't carry on like this (even feeling like I don't want to be here at my worst), but once I start to feel a bit better I look back and think 'oh it wasn't that bad'? So of course now I'm feeling pretty ok and felt I was just wasting their time and making up problems that aren't there! Ended up booking me in for an appointment with the mental health nurse, I think I'm going to have to write down what I really want to get out of this before I see her....although I'm currently not sure what that is!