How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

[LJpd81]

Hi I am new here. For a while now I have had feelings of being sad and depressed,crying and drinking too much. Something is wrong with me. I feel I need to talk to someone. I usually talk to my best friend. She has her own issues at the moment and I don't want to burden my husband or family or worry them. Was thinking of asking my doctor for a referral for a psychologist. She does healthcare plans there. I feel very nervous to ask in case she thinks I am being dramatic, silly or not sad enough.

How should I ask my doctor please? What do I say? I find this more nerve racking than telling her my medical issues.

Thanks very much.

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. Yes I love comedy. I watched Kath and Kim last night for some light viewing. They always make me laugh. Tonight I'm drinking and back to sad songs ahh!

[LJpd81]

Thank you so much

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. I'm so nervous. The fact my maybe psychologist isn't there yet for me, as she is not returning my calls. But wondering if whether to get a referral for a new one. They don't come cheap.

[LJpd81]

I have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor after work. Last minute appointment. I decided as I finish work at 10.30am, I might as well get new referral. Rather than wait for Wednesday. I opened up slightly to doctor Saturday and said not coping at the moment. Will tell my doctor tomorrow too. She was very kind when I originally asked for referral.

[smallwolf]

Worst luck possible! Sorry to hear that you had to ring up to find out that it was not happening today. 😞 If my psychologist is unwell, I get a text message from the office in the morning. I will still get down because as I might have previously said, I look forward to the sessions. Whether you ask for another referral when you see your GP next is your choice. I would be feeling majorly frustrated in your shoes.

Was it going to be a session via phone?

On the medical tests... tho male I went through that one stage as well. And found a few things that needed looking at. These are resolved now, but when you have to get ultrasounds, and MRIs done periodically, etc. it can get stressful. This was when i found out I had haemochromatosis, and prostate checks etc. And it is hard to compartmentalize thoughts about results etc. If it helps to write it here, please do. Venting here is better than ruminating on it.

At the first session with my psychologist, at the end, she suggested I get "virtual hope box" and "relax melodies". So I downloaded and installed these. These might not suit you, and if so, look at the other apps like "smiling mind" or paid mindfulness related apps depending on your budget.

Peace and comforting thoughts to you.

[LJpd81]

Thank . In your experience, should I give my psychologist, another chance? I'm juxtb5super worried. Not a good start and I've never met her.

[LJpd81]

An in person session

[Gabs_]

I'm glad you are going back to the doctor sooner rather than later. I'm so sorry you haven't had the psychologist come back to you yet. It's so difficult when you are feeling so anxious and they sometimes don't understand that they are adding to the issue.

If you are already feeling let down and uneasy, I think chatting to your GP about other recommendations is a positive step. You want a find a psychologist that you can establish trust and support with, and if you are already feeling this way from the way they operate, it's totally understandable to want to find someone else who you can view as reliable. I'd be totally upfront with your GP so she can understand the gravity of the situation and how important it is for you to see someone ASAP. It is also important to explain to your GP how the anxiety is increasing and manifesting in physical symptoms. She might be able to recommend something to calm the nausea or to help you sleep.

In relation to the alcohol, is it worth speaking to your husband about your concerns of using the alcohol as a coping mechanism? I know in the past, when I have maybe relied on alcohol a little heavier than I should, I have sat down with my partner and asked him to support me in a booze-free week/month. If I explain to him that my mental health is deteriorating and that alcohol makes my anxiety and depression worse (especially the next day), then he understands completely and will not suggest a glass of wine for dinner etc and he supports me in not drinking. You can ask him to be your responsibili-buddy (that's what we call it at home) whilst you are going through a difficult time.

Could you also consider taking some annual or personal leave? I'm sure your GP would be willing to give you a medical certificate for the next few days.

I am also going to suggest that when you have these moments of overwhelming anxiety, rather than spiralling further, whilst you wait for the psychologist appointment - please call the Beyond Blue team 1300 22 4636. The team are there for you.

Good luck at the doctor tomorrow and please try and rest tonight. Thinking of you

[LJpd81]

Please don't judge me. Would you tell your doctor if you tried to self harm? Also I'm ok.

[LJpd81]

And I have 2 weeks annual leave at the end of August, thankfully, in time for my 40th.