Going to GP about mental health issues

I have an appointment with my GP to discuss mental health issues. I'm really scared about it. I've written a list of how I feel/symptoms in case I'm too nervous to really talk about how I feel properly.

Is it ok if I give that to them and then can discuss the list with them?

Mental health issues are one of the top reasons for consultations, so don't be concerned. I think your list idea will work well. If there's a GP you particularly like try to make an appointment with them too.

That's a great idea. That's what I've done in the past too. I find it easier if they ask me questions and I can give more of a yes/no answer, or at least give an answer based on what they've asked me rather than having to bring the entire thing up and talk about it in length myself. You've taken the first big steps in recognising that you need some help and support, and by booking the appointment and making your list. You're doing really well and you're really brave, remember that. Good luck

That's a great idea. That's what I've done in the past too. I find it easier if they ask me questions and I can give more of a yes/no answer, or at least give an answer based on what they've asked me rather than having to bring the entire thing up and talk about it in length myself. You've taken the first big steps in recognising that you need some help and support, and by booking the appointment and making your list. You're doing really well and you're really brave, remember that. Good luck

I have an appointment with my GP to discuss mental health issues. I'm really scared about it. I've written a list of how I feel/symptoms in case I'm too nervous to really talk about how I feel properly.

Is it ok if I give that to them and then can discuss the list with them?

They won't be able to help. All they will do is give you Propranolol and direct you to some websites.
Better off going private for counselling, hypnotherapy and other more useful methods.

Also they can officially diagnose you so be careful about that as it will be on your medical record then. It can hinder your chances of getting a job too and also getting medication for other unrelated things. it can also mean they wont listen to you about certain things because 'you have a mental condition so therefore you're not thinking straight' .So just be careful on what you declare to them.

I’m interested to know if a GP will ever think I’m wasting their time? I want to speak to someone about my mental health but I’m not like those who are struggling very badly, I just know I’m not coping very well.

I wondered if you know about this, can a GP make a diagnosis for mental health issues? Or will they refer me to someone else for diagnosis. I've been reading about it and it appears that the GP does but I wanted to know from someone who has been through it.

Also my appointment got cancelled and pushed back for another 2 weeks so I guess I have even more time to prepare now,

I’m interested to know if a GP will ever think I’m wasting their time? I want to speak to someone about my mental health but I’m not like those who are struggling very badly, I just know I’m not coping very well.

I wondered if you know about this, can a GP make a diagnosis for mental health issues? Or will they refer me to someone else for diagnosis. I've been reading about it and it appears that the GP does but I wanted to know from someone who has been through it.

Also my appointment got cancelled and pushed back for another 2 weeks so I guess I have even more time to prepare now,

I’ve just recently been to my GP about this because I’ve been experiencing mental health issues after an event that happened to me nearly 2 years ago. I went to the gp in December and again in February. In February the doctor was much more helpful and she was really nice. She didn’t ask too many questions and respected when I got too anxious to speak. She referred me to the NHS mental health team and I got an appointment which I went to on the 6th March. Before the appointment, you’ll get a welcome call from the START team (the team who get your referral) During that appointment they’ll talk to you about your issues, ask questions, they’ll ask about what triggers things off and other things which will help them. From there they will meet with the rest of their team and your GP to discuss the next move. In that time they will either refer you to a specialist for therapy e.g mindsmatter and will get a welcome call from them too. You don’t have to rush into ANYTHING. They’re pretty laid back and will continue at your speed. I’ve had a few panic attacks before hand as I was really worried, but when I got there and I saw from their facial reactions that they actually hear this stuff a lot more than I thought, I realised that they were serious about wanting to help me. Take the list with you; I did. I didn’t use it but I knew if I got way too anxious it was right there in my pocket with me. If you need any more questions or help or just someone to talk to you can always PM me. I hope your assessment goes well and like I said; I’m here for you x

Thanks this is really helpful.

Don’t be out off by people being negative. It is better to get what you’re feeling out on the table, even if your GO can’t help or you’re not happy with their suggestions. Their are other routes to an outcome other than medication but it just depends what works better for you, for example I cannot talk to people and choose to medicate. If you prefer to talk and don’t want to go down the drugs route, that may work better for you. My experience with all of my GPS (there have been a few!) is that they are willing to do whatever they can to help. As I was under 16 when I was diagnosed (anything over 16 is adults mental health in my county but it can differ) I was referred to children’s mental health and diagnosed that way so I’m not entirely sure how adult diagnosis works. Feel free to ask any questions if you have them, I’m more than willing to help 😉 best of luck! X