Speaking to the doctor?

Question

I'm terrified about going to the doctor as I suffer depression and badly need help as I've been drinking alcohol too much over this last week.

I cant think right and cant find the words to explain how I feel can anyone advise me on how to start the conversation

Please I just dont know what to say

Answer 1

I totally understand what you mean, and after my own GP appointment this afternoon, totally empathise with you....

and it's not because he doesn't know or understand me, or that he doesn't give me time, it's just that I absolutely hate having to ask anyone for help.

The way I try and help myself is to do one of a few things:

write down what I want to say and either - use it to prompt me - or hand it over for him to read

take someone with me who I trust and can talk if I'm unable to - or even just to be there for moral support

go for one appointment and not say what I need to - then go back again a few days later and 'blurt' it all out

I even once sent him a letter.

To try and be helpful, I would suggest one of the first two options as the best to try!!

Try and be as honest as you can as they can't help you if you aren't and they don't know all the facts. They aren't there to judge or blame you, or they shouldn't be..... they are there to help and support you.

Unfortunately not all GP's are as understanding or knowledgeable about mental health as would be most useful, but don't be afraid to try another one if you don't think you are getting the best from yours. I know I'm lucky with the one I've got (especially after taking clients to see others....).

You need and deserve help and treatment and you have a right to receive it.

I would also suggest seeing if there is a local mental health charity in your area:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

they offer excellent support, information and help and are easy to access and much less formal than Dr's.

I now work for the association that has helped me for over 10 years with my depression, and I feel priveleged to do so.

Also try these links to the Mind website, which offer a great source of information:

Understanding Depression
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm

Understanding Anxiety
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+anxiety.htm

Panic Attacks - troubleshooter
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Other/Mindtroubleshooterspanicattacks.htm

hopefully these will give you information and offer some useful pointers and tips for you.

Please believe me when I say that there is good help and support available to you, if you know where to look for it.

And it is possible to regain control of your life, and you have to be willing to work hard and make changes - but you don't have to do it alone.

I really hope this helps you.

Take care and good luck.

Answer 2

When I was suffering from depression (although I didn't really know what it was until I was diagnosed), I found it almost impossible to talk to people. I became totally insecure and wrapped myself up in my own problems. It can seem that nothing anyone says is helping. If you can bear it just go and tell it exactly as it is. Hiding th truth at this point can make things harder later on. They will be able to advise you, maybe refer you to a counsellor or prescribe some medication.

Alternatively there are help lines you could try, people like the Samaritans or something like that.

Do talk to somebody if you can, it can take time but there are ways out of depression. Me sitting here today is proof of that.

All the best. ((Hug))

Answer 3

I know exactly how you feel. I would suggest writing something down if you think you won't be able to tell him how you are feeling. From there hopefully he'll ask the questions which makes things easier.

I was convinced that my doctor wouldn't believe me. I felt like half way through I was trying to convince him, and was amazed that he did believe me. The same with telling my tutors at university, I was convinced that nobody would want to help me, they'd all shout at me for being an idiot and say I'm getting what I deserved. I was completely confused when people actually willingly helped me.

One thing I did to make sure that I didn't back out of telling the doctor was to tell somebody else that I was going. I told one of my tutors that I trusted that I was having problems and was going, that way I couldn't back out. Whenever I had to tell somebody, counsellors, doctor, psychiatrist, crisis resolution teams, I did shake like a leaf. At some points I did get close to crying, or did cry, though you may feel pathetic about yourself for doing this, it is nothing to be ashamed of.

The very best of luck.

Answer 4

Two things you need to do ....

One write down what you are feeling.

Two ask someone you trust to go with you talk with this person before you go about what you want to discuss so they can prompt you if needed.

And remember the doctor is not there to judge you just help you

Answer 5

just say i dont feel good at the moment and i cant stop drinking, maybe i am depressed, could you advise me ?
easy peasy and dont worry, its REALLY good that you are going, i wouldnt have the guts (i never have the guts till my problams get really bad) so i am proud of u (whoever you are!! lol)
try to stay off the booze if u are unhappy...for a while at least, cos it just accentuates your mood, and i have punched many a wall in this way..

Answer 6

Believe me most doctors have the book, the tee-shirt and the DVD. You will not be presenting him with anything new. Just go and be yourself and tell him the problem as you see it. He will guide the consultation to find out what he needs to arrange effective management for you.

Answer 7

Just go with the flow. The best way for the doctor to understand how you feel is for you to basically tell him/her like it is. that way they can get a precise understanding and therefore help you in a way that suits ur needs.

Answer 8

tell the doctor u are depressed and u need anti depression pils too help u dont b affaird as my g/f has the same and now she is getting better she was like that when i met her

Answer 9

you are doing a good job here just say what you have said here and he/she will take it from there. also writing down your symptoms how you feeling etc. good luck help is on the way

Answer 10

ok what do you mean by too much ? Do you realise the fact that you are telling the world you feel you are drinking too much is good.