I'm new here

[Mitten]

I'm 16 and I just wanted to know if I am able to go to the doctors by myself to check if my symptoms for anxiety or depression are real. I am asking this because my parent never take me to see a gp even after I tell them about how I feel.

[Whatsitallabout]

Hi

Yes- definitely go. You will feel much better after you go there. Doctors are trained to deal with these issues.

I found this on the Internet: “There are no laws that prevent you from visiting a doctor without your parents or guardians. However, if you plan on going alone, you should contact the doctors' office beforehand to confirm you want the appointment to be kept private.”

The doctor will be able to help you. Don’t worry about going because they deal with these issues all the time. Good luck and I hope it goes well.

[geoff]

Hello Mitten, yes I agree with What’s it all about, you can see your doctor, whether it's the family doctor or another one that's your decision, and only if you are in danger of hurting yourself, then your parents will need to be told, otherwise, you have no trouble.

Can I suggest you write down why you need to see them, that's private and unless you want other people to see what you've written down, then you may have to hide it.

It's important you give this document to your doctor, this just helps them understand, rather than you trying to explain everything and if you're like me I forget.

We tend to search the internet for answers/queries, and yes I'm no different, I know I shouldn't and I say this because we tend to look at the negatives, rather than the positives, so just be careful.

We don't know who you are, so I hope you can let us know how you are going.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Guest_4643]

Hey Mitten, welcome to the forums.

Yes it's perfectly fine to go to a GP, even if your parents/guardians sit in the waiting room and you go in to the room by yourself.

I hope you find a good GP, and I hope you get some answers.