Starting the process

[HaysieFantaysie]

Hi, I've been suffering with mild anxiety/depression for years on and off. Mostly I've been able to deal with it myself and don't get many really dark days. Recently though I've noticed that I've been suffering more episodes and I'm finding it hard to handle. The last couple of weeks I just don't know what to do with myself, I feel sad and helpless a lot. A year or so ago I mentioned it to my gp, it took a lot of courage for me to speak about it, and he basically brushed it under the carpet and I left feeling worse than when I went in. A friend of mine who is struggling with similar issues suggested I complete the questionnaire on here and it said that I was moderately depressed/anxious and recommended seeing my gp. I'm really struggling with this after what happened last time, imagining the same thing happening again, or that I'd lose the plot in the appointment and have to do the walk of shame back to the receptionist desk with tear stained face/crying. It's really stressing me out and I just feel out of control. Does anyone have any advice on how to get over this? How do I find a sympathetic gp?

[james1]

Hi Haysie,

GPs can be really hit and miss. Some understand but some are just not empathetic at all.

I would definitely recommend seeing a different GP. Do you have any friends with mental illness who could recommend a better GP in your area? It could also help to look for practices with biographies because they usually detail the GP's interests and if you find one with mental health, they will most likely be more understanding.

Either way, your health is the most important thing so even though it can be so demoralising, it's super important that you get help. Perhaps if you go with someone you trust, it can be easier to go see a GP again after that other difficult appointment.

James

[HaysieFantaysie]

Thanks for your response James. I don't know anyone with mental health issues, no-one that has been open about it at least. I do know someone who is a psychologist though so she may be able to recommend someone. Worth asking at least. She has offered to help in the past so I feel comfortable talking to her about it.

[james1]

Hi haysie,

That sounds like a wonderful idea. While she probably can't help you directly because I don't think psychologists are allowed to help people they know in a non-professional environment, she may know of some GPs.

I hope your next appointment is better than the first. Regardless of what they call it, if you are struggling it's worth talking to someone about it!

James

[geoff]

hi Haysie, as James has said it would be a good idea to find another GP, because this could be a long road ahead for you, so you need to have a compassionate GP.
You find one by clicking on 'Get Support' and scroll down until you find 'find a professional', these doctors are trained in mental illness, that's why their name is listed.
I believe you have done the K-10 test as you say the questionnaire test, and it will give you a score on how bad your depression is, but try and do it at different times a day, in other words do it several tmes, I say this because your mood will vary at different times of the day.
I would suggest that you don't go back to your current GP and the psychologist you know will be able to guild you to some other doctor and then psychologist.
The trouble talking with her is that there maybe some dark secrets that could some how come back to the people you both know, and could quite easily have some conflict between the two of you, that's not what you want to happen, sure you can talk to as a friend, but try and draw the line somewhere. Geoff. x

[HaysieFantaysie]

Thank you James and Geoff, some good advice there.