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]

Thank you so much. So very kind of you.

I got a phone call from the receptionist this morning. He was very apologetic and explained that the psychologist isn't in today, as she had a slipped disc in the neck. She will call me Monday and I am top of the list. I'm happy I was updated though. But waiting another 3 days and having to work long hours over the weekend and Monday. Ahh.

[Gabs_]

Well, it's something. At least you know. And you're at the top of the list (so that's a yay).

Please be gentle with yourself in the meantime and try not to work too hard over the weekend (I would say "don't work at all", but I know that that would be very much the pot calling the kettle black).

You do always have the Beyond Blue guys available for a chat (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline (13 11 14) if you need a chat over the weekend - they are manned 24/7. So if you have a "moment", call them. Don't think about it, just pick up the phone.

Otherwise, you can always come back to the forums if you need a chat. We're all here for you and we've all been in your position at one point or another, so know that you are never alone.

I'll be working on a uni assignment all weekend, so I will continue to check the forums if you want to chat further.

Deep breaths, try to take it easy with the booze (I always find if I drink when I'm feeling unwell, I have the "deep blues" the day after which just exacerbates the negative and depressive thoughts), try and get out for a walk and hopefully feel the sun on your face (if you can during a winter's day). Thinking of you x

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much for your help.

I am having a few drinks now. That clearly doesn't help me.

The forums are great and I have found everyone to be friendly.

[LJpd81]

Thanks everyone so much for your very helpful and kind advice. I truly appreciate it.

[LJpd81]

And thank you everyone for taking the time to reply.

[smallwolf]

Hi. Just thought I would check in and see how you were doing?

I read about the cancelled appointment and how you are now at the top of the list. Just wanted to say that I know how much it sucks when an appointment like this gets cancelled. I have been seeing a psychologist for some time and had the occasional appointment cancelled. I sort of look forward to it because it allows me to get things off my chest and work through these and work out way to deal with the negative thoughts. And then there are places like here. I think both compliment each other.

Hope you have a good weekend and good luck for Monday.

[LJpd81]

Thanks for checking in. I feel I'm really struggling today.

I called in sick for today and tomorrow. Can't handle I have to be around people for 10 hours and 9 hours tomorrow.

Plus have splitting headache and neck pain. I drunk last night so feeling it today. I know it doesnt help.

Something isn't right. My blood pressure is really high and I don't care. My heart pounds so fast.

I'm currently sitting in a cafe drinking a coffee. I have a doctor's appointment soon and I'm nervous as. I haven't seen this doctor before as mine doesn't work weekends. I have to get a doctor's certificate. I'm going to say im not coping at the moment.

[LJpd81]

I ended up having a chat with my husband tonight. Briefly but let him know I've been sad lately. He was supportive.

[Matchy69]

HilJpd81 that's good you have a supportive husband as having someone in your life that you can talk to about what's going on can make a difference with your recovery.A lot of people have nobody who we can talk to besides our medical professionals.

How are you feeling today?

[smallwolf]

Hello. Good to hear you were able to have a chat with your husband and that he is supportive.

As you start to speak with a therapist (professional) you will learn ways of dealing with the issues that are stressful for you. Know that some may not work and others will. Which is perfectly ok. What works for one person might not work for you and vice versa. You can also look at the threads on grounding and mindfulness on the forums here for ideas and what works for others here.

You are doing all the right things.