What will the first GP visit consist of?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have been dealing with depression for several years on my own but its finally become too much and I broke down infront of my boyfriend and told him how I felt. Now I am booked in to see a GP about it next week and I am terrified as to what they are going to ask me. I have kept this to myself for so long and am afraid that I can't do the interview or whatever it is without becoming emotional. 

Can someone who has been through the initial consultation with a GP explain to me what is going to happen/what theyre going to ask? 

Any info would be really appreciated.

[The_Real_David_Charles]

Dear Anonymous,

Turning up is the tricky bit.

When you go in take your boyfriend for support.

Try and give a full history or as much as you can work out.

Embrace the situation.   Feel comfortable.  You will not forget small details if you are relaxed and end up back home thinking "I wish I'd said that".   Sometimes a few notes are good.  Whatever helps you overcome any anxiety or fretlessness.  

Drugs, therapy and all that jazz are individual but most anti depressants take a while to work or maybe won't be OK for you so you might have to change to something else.   This is the High School Sweetheart period where Gary seems OK but actually Phillip is better for you in the long run.

But, seriously, the main thing is to turn up.   Have a coffee at a nice cafe before or after.  Think "Well, that wasn't too bad - what was I worrying about".

You are a work in progress.   We all stumble and fall but it's the way we get back up again that affects our bearing in society the most.  It's a tricky balance.

If any GP ever says "Can you fill out this survey on depression, etc" just reply "Sure, I'll do them at home and bring them in next time".   You don't want to waste GP time doing a survey.  Same goes for most medical experts. Face to face time is much better utilised with talking, crying and saying "But why me ?" about 100 different ways.     If you like the GP put him/her on your Christmas Card list or do what I do and take in the odd bit of cake.

Just to prove that they are normal.

Adios, David.

PS  Oh and get a Medical/Treatment plan with some free psychology visits - this is something that gets updated every 6 months so don't forget the Christmas Card.

[The_Real_David_Charles]

Dear Anonymous,

You can book a double session with your GP if the consultation is a first time affair.   This basically gives the GP a more achievable time period to consult and be familiar with ALL your medical problems.

In psychiatric circles this first assessment effort is usually allocated to 1 hr.  Unfortunately most DON'T bulk bill so the first hour might cost you $350 (or thereabouts) but Medicare will reimburse part of that.    This is only a guide so check with each individual psychiatrist.   This might be your only payment if all the other sessions can be bulk billed but most psychiatrists have fees of some kind.  Maybe the GP is an easy, cheap start.

I find any payment abhorent because YOU ARE STILL SICK WHEN THEY ARE TRIALLING DRUGS AND WHAT NOT.   Depends if you can cope with the guinea pig aspect of mental health.  I'm jaded by years of this but you might find the right people to help in a friendly and wonderful manner.   You can only try.

Adios, David.

PS  Sorry, only had half my brain working on my initial response.   Actually, for me, that's pretty good.  Just ask the moderators.