How do you know when to see your GP?

[jackiesmum]

A ling time ago I used to have problems with anxiety and depression ? I used to overreact I think ? but it is more tha 12 years since I have felt like that ? and over the years I learnt a lot of coping strategies.

Now all these feelings have come back. There is nothing wrong externally ? nothing in my life has changed ? if it wasn?t for these feelings everything would be fine?but they are getting in the way of everything?

My dh is fed up of being woken at 3am every morning and wants me to see our GP ? but I?m not sure it would achieve anything. I?m not sure what he could do anyway. I have strategies for coping and am busy applying them. I always used to avoid seeing GP until I was forced by circumstances ? but things are not so bad now that anyone will force me.

How can I tell if I should make an appointment?

What's your GP like? If it's someone you like and could talk to I would say you have nothing to lose. Waking up at 3am every night must be exhausting for you both and whilst it's great you have your strategies and are working on applying them, maybe there is other help you could take advantage of? I certainly don't think you should be forced to do anything but what's there to lose? If your GP is not very friendly or helpful it might be a different matter, but in that case it could be a case of seeing a different GP.

We all need extra help sometimes and I think it can be a sign of strength that you can acknowledge there's a problem and look for some help. Your GP ight be able to direct you towards a self help group or a counsellor or just provide an ear to listen to how you are feeling.

"...might be able to direct you towards a self help group or a counsellor or just provide an ear to listen to how you are feeling..." Yes, that is what I thought, so really there would be no point in seeing him...I wouldn't want to use up resources when I don't need them - counsellors / self help groups can only give me strategies and I already have strategies. I won't speak so an ear to listen to me is a waste of everyone's time. I guess I just have to sit it out.

Some ad's relieve anxiety, so it would be worth going anyway IMO.