Honesty with a GP or Psychologist

[Mira8]

I'm new, I'm 17 years old, and I've been struggling for a long while, and I've lied about it for a long while.

I had a psychologist two years ago, upon recommendation of my previous GP that I should see someone for reasons that I didn't know and still don't really, and I was 12 when I first saw the psychologist. Some things I told her were truthful but other things I didn't tell her and sometimes I straight up lied to her.

After two years of not seeing the psychologist and living normally (or trying to), I'm tired of where I am right now, and I want to be a better friend and person, but I'm worried I'll lie about my life, or that i'll get angry, or that they won't be able to help me, or that my parents will ask me questions, or that I'll be judged.

I don't feel like I'm a good person because my lying caused damage to myself and some others and I'm weary of how helpful a psychologist could actually be.

I made appointment with a GP this week and I want to cancel it.

Any advice?

[Croix]

Dear new member~

Welcome here to the Forum where if you look around you will find others who have has to cope with the  same sort of situation.

Not telling all to a doctor, psychologies or anyone is a pretty common thing. I did it. I had depression, which I did describe to me doctor, but left out the suicidal thoughts. In face I went for a very long time saying I was OK -a sort of mask. It seemed simpler at the time, no awkward questions, no judgment and no hassles.

When I look back on it now I think it was mostly fear, fear I'd be judged, fear I'd be put in hospital or lose being in charge of myself. that stopped me talking.

Things got worse until in desperation I did tell someone and after that we went to the GP and psych. I still could not say everything out loud - I had a real problem in doing that, so I wrote everything I felt down in point-form and gave the paper to the Doctor.

It worked really well. I had plenty of time beforehand to describe things without forgetting anything under the  pressure of face to face, it also stopped me from chickening out and not describing the frightening or embarrassing things. I ended up just answering questions about what I had written.

After that things started to improve, and nowadays I'm good.

Clinicians are very used to people not opening up, especially at first, and it is no hassle to talk about something you had not talked about before.

Of course wihtout the full facts they had been treating me for the wrong things, so it was not surprising I had not improved much.

I hope you come back and say what you decided and how you got on

Croix

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

Firstly, I want you to know that it takes a lot of courage to open up about this, and I want you to know you're not alone. It's completely normal to struggle at 17, and lying when things are tough happens more often than you think.

I would also say that the fact that you're worried about lying again shows you actually want to be honest. Therapists can help you develop coping mechanisms to deal with anger and those worries you have. I would suggest (?) you could take your post and show this to the GP or therapist you meet.

As for your parents, they might be surprised, but most likely relieved you're taking this step. They probably just want to see you happy and healthy. And trust me, no judgment comes from a good therapist. They've heard it all.

You're not a bad person because you lied. We all make mistakes. What matters is you're ready to change. Think of therapy as a toolbox – it might take some time to find the right tool, but it can equip you to deal with whatever life throws your way.

Please don't cancel that appointment. You deserve to feel better and be the friend and person you want to be. I believe in you. Listening if you want to chat more.

[Mira8]

Hi Croix,

Thank you so much for the reply. I really appreciate the support.

I kept the appointment, talked to my doctor (who was extremely supportive), and we discussed what I'd been experiencing. She recommended that I see a psychologist and look for an anxiety/depression diagnoses, and she gave me a list of psychologists that she recommends.

I am yet to make an appointment with a psychologist, but will soon.

Thank you again,

Mira

[Mira8]

Hello,

Thank you for the reply, I wouldn't have kept the appointment without it.

I really appreciate your support, and my doctor referred me to see a psychologist for further treatment and support of some sort, and a potential diagnoses.

Thank you very much.

[Croix]

Dear Mira8~

I'm really please you went to oyur GP and fond understanding and help. It makes a huge difference ot have a GP on side and taking matters seriously in a kindly way. I hope you can find a psychologist on that list who is suitable and whose gap payment is not too large

Good luck

Croix

[smallwolf]

Hi Mira8,

Just checking in to see how you are doing?

[Mira8]

Hi,

Thank you for checking in. I still haven’t booked a psychology appointment, but im trying. I called a place but never heard back and have been struggling to find another place that I’m really happy with.

Again thanks for checking in.

Mira8

[smallwolf]

Hi Mira8,

Sorry to read that. It sucks to hear they did not call back. It can be hard to find someone you are comfortable with. I feel it is quite important for a person (client) to feel like they are able to talk to the psychologist about anything. In the meantime, and I understand it is not the same, we're typically around, and you can vent or write here if it helps.

[Mira8]

Hi Smallwolf,

I'm pleased to tell you that I have an appointment with a psychologist in a weeks time. She seems really lovely and I'm hoping that it'll be good.

Mira