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 think you are doing an amazing thing in being so proactive in seeking support for your mental health, we can imagine it has been tough to put yourself first but we hope it helps you on your jounrey to feeling better. 

We wanted to drop in and remind you that you can call us anytime on 1300 22 4636 if you want immediate support if you feel like self-harming. We know it can be tough, but you don't have to go through this alone. You can also call our friends at Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you prefer, they are also kind and helpful. 

Thankyou again for being brave and for sharing your experience here, it is an incredible and courageous thing to do. 

Kind regards, 
Sophie M

[LJpd81]

Thanks very much for that. I did ring the beyond blue phone service today and spoke to a lovely lady who was very kind and helpful.

Also I now have a psychologist appointment for this Wednesday. I feel very anxious. Yesterday my appointment was September, now all of a sudden it's 2 days away.

I have also written a letter to my doctor telling her I've been S/h.

Tomorrow I'm getting this 24 hour heart monitor thing put on me and in the last 2 weeks been sent for many tests, brain x ray, breast ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound. All were fine. But I do have to see a cardiologist in 2 weeks. Never the less, I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious over everything. Particularly telling my doc, thankfully via letter.

But it's a relief to talk to my psychologist in 2 days time.

[Gabs_]

I know it feels hard, but you have done all the right things. So glad you called BB phone line. That is such a big step in the right direction.

Only 1 more day until you see the psychologist, which is amazing. It will no doubt be difficult, but you have come so far from when you first posted. Please remember to be kind to yourself. And the BB phone line, live chat and forums are here for you if you need to talk prior or after your appointment with the psych.

How did you feel writing the letter to your GP and emailing the psych? Did you get any sense of comfort for getting the words out?

Thinking of you x

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much.

It felt good, a relief. I gave my doctor the letter. She read it, asked me a few questions and asked if she could see the part where I S/h, which I showed her. She said I have to stop doing it. I said yes, but I know I will. She also prescribed a cream.

Today I was put on anti depressants. Which feels strange to me. I'm wondering, how did I get to this place.

I felt embarrassed and silly while she read my letter. But it's a relief now.

[Sophie_M]

Hi LJpd81, 

We wanted to drop in and say how impressed we are that you have taken the steps to go and see a doctor and discuss with them your self harm. Having a letter for them to read must have been difficult but it is a great way to share those thoughts and feelings. 

Thank you for being brave and posting on this thread, it is amazing to see you journey and growth. We really hope it can continue and we are here to help in any way we can. Please feel free to give us another call, anytime, if you think you need it. 

Kind regards, 
Sophie M