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.

[Sophie_M]

Hi LJpd81,

We can understand how it would be difficult to abstain from SH and commend you for trying to resist. We recognise that things get hard sometimes. 

If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals. 

We would strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). 

We are here for you and you do not have to deal with anything alone. 
 

[LJpd81]

Thanks Sophie. Appreciate that. I'm ok.

[LJpd81]

Doesn't help right now that iam listening to Wind beneath my wings by Bette Middler, and watching the Beaches music clip. It always makes me cry. It hits home , as my best friend might have breast cancer and the song and over remind me of us.

[smallwolf]

there are going to be days that are good and days that are bad. On the bad days there will be times you can work out why and times you don't. Those bad days we have to work out a way to ride out. Or in my case, I use the analogy the going into a valley on walk to the top of the mountain - there is a point at which you will start to go up again.

On self-harm ... have you looked at the web pages on the beyond blue web site? if not, the link is here ...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/feeling-suicidal/self-harm-and-self-injur...

And if possible and before you get to that point you might want to use use some mental health related app on your phone. From my own perspective these may not work 1st time, but repeated use. There have been times when I would a word puzzle over and over. (It had random words each time.) Smiling mind has a SOS meditation. Of course which app(s) a person uses is a personal choice. Again, the ones I suggested to my Dad he didn't like, and the one he used I didn't life. Personal preferences. This is one tool I use between sessions.

Peace and comforting thoughts to you

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much.
Yes I have looked at those pages on here and find them good.
Today I am having lunch with my parent's and husband and I feel I have to be on my happiest and positive behaviour, even though I haven't felt happy lately, just sad and anxious.
I haven't told my parent's anything about my all doctor's appointments, medical tests and that I have been struggling lately and have psychologists appointments. They have been going through a lot them selves lately with my Dad's health issues. And for now I plan not to say anything.

I have been talking to my best friend. She has been amazing. I told her S/H twice and straight away she rung me and has been ringing and messaging me constantly, asking if I am ok. I do appreciate her support. She confessed she used to S/H herself. I had no idea. She hid it well.

[UltimaMic]

Its good you and your friend are speaking to each other and are open with your challenging experiences at the moment - having more and more understanding people around us can help lessen the load of depression and anxiety. A lot of people will hide that fact they SH - is a maladaptive coping strategy. Please try some other coping strategies when you feel down or anxious - positive uplifting music, comedies as I have mentioned, getting lost in a good book.

Recognize the positive steps you are making - you are heading in the right direction, step by step - GP, Psych, and yes medication can help us get in the right frame of mind. Calm our mind - especially if you have anxiety like myself. Please talk to your GP about this and of course balance medication with the support of friends and family.

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. I might try and talk to my doctor Tuesday when I'm there. It makes me very anxious but would be good to get it off my chest.

[LJpd81]

I've decided to write a letter to my doctor and tell her Tuesday about how I feel and S/H. I feel if i don't, I will back out. It will be a relief to get it off my chest.

Also tomorrow is 1 week, since I was promised I would hear from the original psychologist. Can't believe nothing. Makes me cranky. I'm glad I have found another one.

[Gabs_]

I think that's a great idea about writing your doctor a letter. I think that is very powerful and brave of you.

Can't believe you still haven't had a response. But you've found someone now and that's something to hold onto.

[LJpd81]

Yes definitely.

I've e-mailed the new psychologist and asked if i can get in earlier as I've been self harming. I'm not sure but i might get in earlier. They're seeing what's available this week.