[StripedTapir]

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!

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.

[StripedTapir]

Originally Posted by KissTheRain

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

[MickeyCheeky]

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.

[eskielover]

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

[downandlonely]

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).

[StripedTapir]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

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

[downandlonely]

Good idea. Wishing you all the best.

[eskielover]

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.

[StripedTapir]

Originally Posted by eskielover

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)

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by StripedTapir

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.

[eskielover]

Here is an online DEARMAN worksheet:

DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills DEARMAN Worksheet | PsychPoint

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. ❤️

[Fuzzybear]

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

[StripedTapir]

Thank you Sisabel
Thank you Fuzzybear

[StripedTapir]

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

[MickeyCheeky]

((((StripedTapir)))) I'm so happy for you

[eskielover]

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.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by StripedTapir

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.