advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Default Oct 10, 2018 at 11:10 AM
  #1
I've finally worked up the courage to make an appointment with a doctor. I've been having various mental health problems and am very anxious and unsure of how to explain my issues.
I have spoken to professionals before (years ago) but they have already had a general understanding of my problems and I would just be answering their questions.
Having to go to someone and immediately explain myself is very intimidating

Any tips/advice for talking about/explaining your mental health issues would be greatly appreciated!
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
*Laurie*, Fuzzybear, kecanoe, MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123

advertisement
Anonymous50287
Guest
Anonymous50287 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Oct 10, 2018 at 11:15 AM
  #2
Write it down. When I knew something was wrong I wrote down my concerns in a list form on paper. When I got to my appt I gave it to my doctor. I was convinced he was going to think I was being dramatic. My anxiety almost stopped me from going. However he read my list and prescribed meds and sent me to a therapist immediately.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky
 
Thanks for this!
*Laurie*, Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Default Oct 10, 2018 at 11:37 AM
  #3
Quote:
Originally Posted by KissTheRain View Post
I was convinced he was going to think I was being dramatic. My anxiety almost stopped me from going. However he read my list and prescribed meds and sent me to a therapist immediately.
I often worry about being seen as overdramatic too
Thanks! I will definetly do this
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous50287, Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky
MickeyCheeky
Legendary
 
MickeyCheeky's Avatar
MickeyCheeky My echo is the only voice coming back
 
Member Since: Jun 2016
Location: Italy
Posts: 11,817 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
38.4k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 10, 2018 at 12:07 PM
  #4
I agree about writing it down; you can also prepare something to say in advance. Perhaps you can practice in front of the mirror, or something similar.
MickeyCheeky is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
StripedTapir
eskielover
Legendary Wise Elder
 
eskielover's Avatar
eskielover has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 24,701 (SuperPoster!)
15 yr Member
14.5k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 01:13 AM
  #5
My suggestion is to get on a DBT site online & go into the interpersonal effectiveness section....there is a part with the acronyn DEAR MAN. The firms help you put together your thoughts so they are much easier to present & to stand your ground

__________________


Leo's favorite place was in the passenger seat of my truck. We went everywhere together like this.
Leo my soulmate will live in my heart FOREVER Nov 1, 2002 - Dec 16, 2018
eskielover is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
downandlonely
Legendary
 
downandlonely's Avatar
downandlonely has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2018
Location: United States
Posts: 10,760 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
10.6k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 01:44 AM
  #6
I would see if you can get a referral to a psychiatrist. General doctors don't know much about psych meds (at least in the US).
downandlonely is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 01:49 AM
  #7
Quote:
Originally Posted by downandlonely View Post
I would see if you can get a referral to a psychiatrist. General doctors don't know much about psych meds (at least in the US).
yep that's my goal! I have to go through a GP first to then get referred to a mental health specialist
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
downandlonely
Legendary
 
downandlonely's Avatar
downandlonely has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2018
Location: United States
Posts: 10,760 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
10.6k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 01:51 AM
  #8
Good idea. Wishing you all the best.
downandlonely is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
eskielover
Legendary Wise Elder
 
eskielover's Avatar
eskielover has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 24,701 (SuperPoster!)
15 yr Member
14.5k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 10:40 AM
  #9
Quote:
I've been having various mental health problems and am very anxious and unsure of how to explain my issues.
that DBT section I wrote about helps organize thoughts & helps go through best ways of oresenting them to get your needs met.

__________________


Leo's favorite place was in the passenger seat of my truck. We went everywhere together like this.
Leo my soulmate will live in my heart FOREVER Nov 1, 2002 - Dec 16, 2018
eskielover is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 01:55 PM
  #10
Quote:
Originally Posted by eskielover View Post
that DBT section I wrote about helps organize thoughts & helps go through best ways of oresenting them to get your needs met.
Thank you very much for telling me about this, I've never heard of this method before. It sounds very helpful, will definetly be trying it

(DEAR MAN for those who haven't heard of it -
https://www.mindfulnessmuse.com/dial...-what-you-want)
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
eskielover, Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
Fuzzybear
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Fuzzybear's Avatar
Fuzzybear has no updates.
 
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Cave.
Posts: 96,301 (SuperPoster!)
20 yr Member
81.2k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 02:01 PM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by StripedTapir View Post
Thank you very much for telling me about this, I've never heard of this method before. It sounds very helpful, will definetly be trying it

(DEAR MAN for those who haven't heard of it -
https://www.mindfulnessmuse.com/dial...-what-you-want)
Thanks for this thread. I’m also from the uk ( ) I agree about writing your concerns down. I had heard of DEAR MAN before but had forgotten it, thanks for posting. I’ll have to consult a GP myself soon probably.


__________________
Fuzzybear is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
eskielover, MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky
eskielover
Legendary Wise Elder
 
eskielover's Avatar
eskielover has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 24,701 (SuperPoster!)
15 yr Member
14.5k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 05:26 PM
  #12

__________________


Leo's favorite place was in the passenger seat of my truck. We went everywhere together like this.
Leo my soulmate will live in my heart FOREVER Nov 1, 2002 - Dec 16, 2018
eskielover is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
Anonymous47864
Guest
Anonymous47864 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Oct 11, 2018 at 07:35 PM
  #13
Who is speaking up for you if you aren’t doing it? I believe most health care providers will recognize you are speaking up for yourself when you come to them for help. I also believe most health care providers want to help and appreciate the most direct and compete form of communication. And even if they don’t care as much as you would like them to... they still have to do their job so don’t worry about what they say or think. Write down what you need to tell them if you have to. Tell them you feel nervous coming to them. I hope the visit goes well and you feel better soon. ❤️
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
Fuzzybear
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Fuzzybear's Avatar
Fuzzybear has no updates.
 
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Cave.
Posts: 96,301 (SuperPoster!)
20 yr Member
81.2k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Oct 12, 2018 at 01:15 PM
  #14
I agree that telling them you feel nervous consulting them might help. It’s hard when there is only 10 minutes and someone told me there is 11 seconds for them to “understand” the issue I can quite believe that too, as that has been my experience at least a couple of times. So I definitely recommend writing something down for them to read.

I have consulted a couple of GP’s who were helpful, or tried to be. One of them retired and the other moved away. I’m keeping my paws crossed for you

__________________
Fuzzybear is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, StripedTapir
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Default Oct 14, 2018 at 01:10 AM
  #15

Thank you Sisabel
Thank you Fuzzybear
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Fuzzybear, MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky
StripedTapir
Member
 
StripedTapir's Avatar
StripedTapir 21 yo female
 
Member Since: Aug 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 92
5 yr Member
389 hugs
given
Thumbs up Nov 05, 2018 at 01:37 PM
  #16
UPDATE!
Had my appointment today, came prepared with a letter explaining everything.
But GP already had my medical records up and guessed everything i wanted to say! She just gave me the number of a counselling service. So it was waaayyy easier than expected. Waited 40 minutes for a 4 minute appointment lol

Thanks again to all of you who gave me advice
StripedTapir is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
MickeyCheeky, Sunflower123
MickeyCheeky
Legendary
 
MickeyCheeky's Avatar
MickeyCheeky My echo is the only voice coming back
 
Member Since: Jun 2016
Location: Italy
Posts: 11,817 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
38.4k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Nov 05, 2018 at 02:27 PM
  #17
((((StripedTapir)))) I'm so happy for you
MickeyCheeky is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
StripedTapir
eskielover
Legendary Wise Elder
 
eskielover's Avatar
eskielover has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 24,701 (SuperPoster!)
15 yr Member
14.5k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Nov 10, 2018 at 08:19 AM
  #18
I guess I am really blessed because I see a PA who is my friend & lives on a farm a few miles away from me right across the street from my retired pharmacist. I can ask them questions any time I need & unless something needs done formally to be put in my records just a quick check at her home saves a trip to the office. So different from my big city living most of my life.

I was farm sitting for her last Christmas when I got bad bronchitis & was feeling horrible when they got home from their trip. She said you sound like yiu have bronchitis & She gave me a bottle of musinix & said if this doesn't help in about 3 days you can come in. It helped. Sometimes it is just good to talk to her about the best way do deal with something like when I ended up having issues with my pain specialist. I talked with her & my pharmacist friend about how to handle the situation outside of going to the office.

__________________


Leo's favorite place was in the passenger seat of my truck. We went everywhere together like this.
Leo my soulmate will live in my heart FOREVER Nov 1, 2002 - Dec 16, 2018
eskielover is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
StripedTapir, Sunflower123
 
Thanks for this!
StripedTapir
Sunflower123
Legendary Wise Elder
 
Sunflower123's Avatar
Sunflower123 has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 26,543 (SuperPoster!)
8 yr Member
95k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Nov 12, 2018 at 10:22 AM
  #19
Quote:
Originally Posted by StripedTapir View Post
UPDATE!
Had my appointment today, came prepared with a letter explaining everything.
But GP already had my medical records up and guessed everything i wanted to say! She just gave me the number of a counselling service. So it was waaayyy easier than expected. Waited 40 minutes for a 4 minute appointment lol

Thanks again to all of you who gave me advice
That’s great news!!! Congratulations on your persistence.
Sunflower123 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:55 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.