The Student Room Group

I don't know how to ask for help with my mental health

I haven't really planned anything that I'm going to say, so I apologise if this turns into a long rant or something like that.

For the past year or so, I've been struggling with my mental health. I think I might have OCD, as I experience obsessions and compulsions, but I'm not diagnosed yet so I won't say that I really do have it - which is the problem.

I'm really not sure how to get diagnosed and get help for it. I suppose I'm just scared to ask. I know that I really need to, and I want to, because it's really affecting my life. Throughout all of Year 11, I was struggling in class. I would just spend ages doing my compulsions and wouldn't really pay attention. It has also affected my sleep pretty badly too - I just stay awake for most of the night, and when I do finally get to sleep, I don't get much of it and it's not very good quality sleep, and I still feel tired throughout the day.

In my mocks, I got good scores on all of my exams, so I don't think it has really affected my GCSEs much, but I don't want to take the same chance with A-levels, because screwing those up wouldn't help me at all.

I've tried multiple attempts to ask people for help. I've tried asking my pastoral leader and my parents multiple times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just scared that they might angry, or just might not care at all. Yes, I know that they probably would take it quite well, but there's just a part of me that's just worrying about them not responding well. I'm thinking about going to a GP for help, but again, I don't know how to. I think my GP only allows me to book by either going in and asking, or booking via a phone call, and I'm not very good with either of those, plus I'm worried about what will happen there too.

If anyone can give me some suggestions to help, please do. I think help would really benefit me.
Original post by Anonymous
I haven't really planned anything that I'm going to say, so I apologise if this turns into a long rant or something like that.
For the past year or so, I've been struggling with my mental health. I think I might have OCD, as I experience obsessions and compulsions, but I'm not diagnosed yet so I won't say that I really do have it - which is the problem.
I'm really not sure how to get diagnosed and get help for it. I suppose I'm just scared to ask. I know that I really need to, and I want to, because it's really affecting my life. Throughout all of Year 11, I was struggling in class. I would just spend ages doing my compulsions and wouldn't really pay attention. It has also affected my sleep pretty badly too - I just stay awake for most of the night, and when I do finally get to sleep, I don't get much of it and it's not very good quality sleep, and I still feel tired throughout the day.
In my mocks, I got good scores on all of my exams, so I don't think it has really affected my GCSEs much, but I don't want to take the same chance with A-levels, because screwing those up wouldn't help me at all.
I've tried multiple attempts to ask people for help. I've tried asking my pastoral leader and my parents multiple times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just scared that they might angry, or just might not care at all. Yes, I know that they probably would take it quite well, but there's just a part of me that's just worrying about them not responding well. I'm thinking about going to a GP for help, but again, I don't know how to. I think my GP only allows me to book by either going in and asking, or booking via a phone call, and I'm not very good with either of those, plus I'm worried about what will happen there too.
If anyone can give me some suggestions to help, please do. I think help would really benefit me.


Please call and book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
We are need help at one point or the other. The first step is recognising we need help, you have taken that step. The next step you have taken is asking for help on here. Well done.
Take the next step now, book an appointment follow through and discuss with your GP. They understand more than you imagine. Don’t suffer alone. Mental illness will eventually manifest into something physical if not dealt with early.
I wish you all the very best.
It's really brave of you to speak about this, on here and by thinking about talking to your pastoral leader. We all have times where we need help, and it's great that you're looking ahead and thinking about how to do that now. You might be able to contact your GP via their website, or speak to your pastoral team over email if speaking over the phone feels difficult. If you're ever having thoughts about suicide, there's several different ways you can get in touch with us - you can see them on our website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous
Please call and book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
We are need help at one point or the other. The first step is recognising we need help, you have taken that step. The next step you have taken is asking for help on here. Well done.
Take the next step now, book an appointment follow through and discuss with your GP. They understand more than you imagine. Don’t suffer alone. Mental illness will eventually manifest into something physical if not dealt with early.
I wish you all the very best.

Any advice on how to? I'm nervous and I wouldn't have my parents coming with me.
Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous
Any advice on how to? I'm nervous and I wouldn't have my parents coming with me.


Are you registered with a GP? Just phone them and request an appointment. You will need to explain how you are feeling.
Otherwise call 111 and explain how you are feeling
Reply 5
Original post by Drafd
Are you registered with a GP? Just phone them and request an appointment. You will need to explain how you are feeling.
Otherwise call 111 and explain how you are feeling

Calling someone is the last thing I want to do tbh
Reply 6
Original post by Anonymous
I haven't really planned anything that I'm going to say, so I apologise if this turns into a long rant or something like that.
For the past year or so, I've been struggling with my mental health. I think I might have OCD, as I experience obsessions and compulsions, but I'm not diagnosed yet so I won't say that I really do have it - which is the problem.
I'm really not sure how to get diagnosed and get help for it. I suppose I'm just scared to ask. I know that I really need to, and I want to, because it's really affecting my life. Throughout all of Year 11, I was struggling in class. I would just spend ages doing my compulsions and wouldn't really pay attention. It has also affected my sleep pretty badly too - I just stay awake for most of the night, and when I do finally get to sleep, I don't get much of it and it's not very good quality sleep, and I still feel tired throughout the day.
In my mocks, I got good scores on all of my exams, so I don't think it has really affected my GCSEs much, but I don't want to take the same chance with A-levels, because screwing those up wouldn't help me at all.
I've tried multiple attempts to ask people for help. I've tried asking my pastoral leader and my parents multiple times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just scared that they might angry, or just might not care at all. Yes, I know that they probably would take it quite well, but there's just a part of me that's just worrying about them not responding well. I'm thinking about going to a GP for help, but again, I don't know how to. I think my GP only allows me to book by either going in and asking, or booking via a phone call, and I'm not very good with either of those, plus I'm worried about what will happen there too.
If anyone can give me some suggestions to help, please do. I think help would really benefit me.

Maybe it's best to see a GP or/and your school counselor.

There is a lot of support out there such as:

-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day

-Mind, 0300 123 3393

-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm

-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm

-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service

-Crises, 741741, text service

-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress

-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927

-No Panic, 0800 138 8889

-Relate, they have a chat advisor

-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516

-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area

You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.

There is the mind forum

Also Facebook groups You can join support groups

You can contact a crises team if things get very bad Plenty of resources online, information regarding well being.
Original post by Anonymous
I haven't really planned anything that I'm going to say, so I apologise if this turns into a long rant or something like that.
For the past year or so, I've been struggling with my mental health. I think I might have OCD, as I experience obsessions and compulsions, but I'm not diagnosed yet so I won't say that I really do have it - which is the problem.
I'm really not sure how to get diagnosed and get help for it. I suppose I'm just scared to ask. I know that I really need to, and I want to, because it's really affecting my life. Throughout all of Year 11, I was struggling in class. I would just spend ages doing my compulsions and wouldn't really pay attention. It has also affected my sleep pretty badly too - I just stay awake for most of the night, and when I do finally get to sleep, I don't get much of it and it's not very good quality sleep, and I still feel tired throughout the day.
In my mocks, I got good scores on all of my exams, so I don't think it has really affected my GCSEs much, but I don't want to take the same chance with A-levels, because screwing those up wouldn't help me at all.
I've tried multiple attempts to ask people for help. I've tried asking my pastoral leader and my parents multiple times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just scared that they might angry, or just might not care at all. Yes, I know that they probably would take it quite well, but there's just a part of me that's just worrying about them not responding well. I'm thinking about going to a GP for help, but again, I don't know how to. I think my GP only allows me to book by either going in and asking, or booking via a phone call, and I'm not very good with either of those, plus I'm worried about what will happen there too.
If anyone can give me some suggestions to help, please do. I think help would really benefit me.

Hey, I think you're taking such good steps in the right direction by asking these sorts of questions!! I was in a similar position last year, ending up telling school who made me tell my parents however it worked out in that a had one conversation about it and that was end of (in the sense the didnt bring it up or treat me differently but made sure I knew talking to them was an option). I would 100% suggest making a GP appointment, perhaps writing out what to say on the phone, it can be super brief such as im calling as I want to make an appointment in regards to my recent mental health. I know you've heard this before but it really does get better, even just with time. I received no actual help as I didnt pursue it but over time I have become such a different person and so much happier in myself. wishing you all the best :smile:
Original post by Anonymous
Any advice on how to? I'm nervous and I wouldn't have my parents coming with me.

Young Minds has a helpful guide on how to make and prepare for an appointment here:
How To Speak To Your GP About Your Mental Health | YoungMinds

And there's a useful tool called DocReady which can help you to prepare for any kind of health appointment:
Doc Ready

It's really brave of you to explore options for support and to consider reaching out; we hope you're able to access some support that will help you to be able to thrive and be less burdened by all of these overwhelming thoughts.
Original post by Anonymous
I haven't really planned anything that I'm going to say, so I apologise if this turns into a long rant or something like that.
For the past year or so, I've been struggling with my mental health. I think I might have OCD, as I experience obsessions and compulsions, but I'm not diagnosed yet so I won't say that I really do have it - which is the problem.
I'm really not sure how to get diagnosed and get help for it. I suppose I'm just scared to ask. I know that I really need to, and I want to, because it's really affecting my life. Throughout all of Year 11, I was struggling in class. I would just spend ages doing my compulsions and wouldn't really pay attention. It has also affected my sleep pretty badly too - I just stay awake for most of the night, and when I do finally get to sleep, I don't get much of it and it's not very good quality sleep, and I still feel tired throughout the day.
In my mocks, I got good scores on all of my exams, so I don't think it has really affected my GCSEs much, but I don't want to take the same chance with A-levels, because screwing those up wouldn't help me at all.
I've tried multiple attempts to ask people for help. I've tried asking my pastoral leader and my parents multiple times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm just scared that they might angry, or just might not care at all. Yes, I know that they probably would take it quite well, but there's just a part of me that's just worrying about them not responding well. I'm thinking about going to a GP for help, but again, I don't know how to. I think my GP only allows me to book by either going in and asking, or booking via a phone call, and I'm not very good with either of those, plus I'm worried about what will happen there too.
If anyone can give me some suggestions to help, please do. I think help would really benefit me.

Asking for help will definitely help! Better to ask someone you're comfortable with and know or suspect will be there for you, it's always better to try than to keep it in because that will make things worse. Especially when starting A-Levels with it being daunting at times, it's good to know you can have someone to talk too about these things because it always helps relieve some stress or anxiety

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