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]

I am seriously wondering what is wrong with me.

I love my best friend. But she is not there whenever I need her. She has her own issues. My family I will not bother. As I will not burden them .And sometimes my husband doesnt understand and he doesn't like my drinking. 😭

[smallwolf]

Nobody here judges you for anything. We are a supportive and non-judgemental community here.

[LJpd81]

Thanks very much. I have noticed people are very nice and supportive.

[LJpd81]

Update: So today after work I went to the doctors.

I finished work at 10.30am and was so anxious , upset stomache and high heart rate and even chest pain of say due to anxiety.

I got a new referral for a new psychologist. Also is been emailing and back and forwards with new one discussing what I needed. I said I need help with anxiety, depression and alcohol dependance and I did mention self harm. They sound lovely.

Now I have 6 appointments in September. It's a while away but I chose a particular psychologist.

I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing I have appointments now.

And still no phone call from the other one. Very poor form.

[Guest_1643]

hi LJ - i know sep is a long way away, but once u get in, i hope u'll have more accessibility for appointments. unfortunately a lot of good and popular mental health practiotioners have waitlists at the moment, but u didn't give up. i'm impressed with ur resilience. I also had similar experiences happen to me with psychologists not calling back etc and not being avilable, so i had to wait as well. was frustrating, but once i got in was all good and they made lots of appointments for me.

[LJpd81]

Feeling in a more positive frame of mind tonight, so far. Compared to last night crying, drinking and what I did, which I'm not sure I'm allowed to mention.

Thanks so much. Yes I was determined to get in.

Thankfully for now I have this forum.

[Gabs_]

That's great to hear that you saw the doc and you already have appointments booked in. Disappointing that the previous one hasn't gotten back to you yet, but this new one seems far more encouraging. And I can completely understand how that would be a weight off your shoulders. The relief of having the appointments booked in, AND being super responsive to you.

Did your GP recommend any tools whilst you are waiting for the first appointment? The forum is always here to discuss strategies that might assist.

Well done - you've come a long way in a week.

[smallwolf]

From what you have been saying in the recent posts, you might have been waiting a long time to get any response which I personally don't think is good form. 😞

Good for you in taking the action of getting another referral. And better yet to find out you have been able to get some appointments. A new journey starts here and now?

In my view (at least for me) seeing a professional periodically is part of the journey and the other part can be applying what you learn in each session. In the time I have been seeing my psychologist I have also made many mistakes and happy to share that knowledge with you if you like. All you have to do is ask.

Peace and comforting thoughts to you.

[LJpd81]

Oh yes a huge relief. Very tired tonight. Feeling drained. Lack of sleep too. I'm happy with my choice too and I feel she can be counted on and reliable.

No she didn't give me any tools. Just referral and I did explain how anxious I've been and sick to my tummy, fast heart rates etc. I've a had chest pain and I had ecg done today and now I'm having this heart control monitor on me next week for 24 hours to monitor my heart rate. Scary, but maybe its anxiety driven.

[LJpd81]

I still can't believe I got no response. It's so weird. They shouldn't make an anxious and depressed person wait and hear no communication.

Definitely a new journey. Im nervous about my appointment. Is it easy to talk to a stranger about your feelings? What if I cry or show emotion.

Yes I'd love to know your mistakes you’ve made please. Thank you.