Can i talk to my GP about self harm?

Question

Is it appropriate to talk to a doctor who i have seen for years about my self harm? Or is it only counselors who will discuss this with you? Thanks.

Answer 1

hi,

i am not a regualr self harmer but have done so (cut) afew times recently. I seen my doctor afew days ago and she asked me about wanting to hurt myself and even though it was hard, i told her. To be honest she just said it wasn't a good way to cope and talked about seeing a phychiatrist, although I am seeing a counsellor at the moment so i said no. As other people have said your GP sometimes doesn't have much experience in mental health issues but they can listen, try to understand and work with you in deciding the best menthod of help.

Best of luck xxx

Answer 2

Talking to your GP is an excellent place to start! It is likely he or she will ask you some questions about how you've been feeling, how bad those feelings have got, how long for, all things like that, and if you self harm by self-injuring, they may also ask to see your wounds. I know that might sound daunting, but rest assured it is purely to see that they're healing ok / not infected etc., and should not affect the treatment you get from them - you can of course refuse if you really don't want to, and in my experience, doctors are understanding about that. After this appointment with your GP, you're likely to be referred on to a counsellor who will be able to give you more on-going, specialised help from now on.

Also, if you're over 16 they have to keep anything you say confidential, no matter how long you and your family have been going to see that doctor. If you are under 16 but of a level of maturity where the doctor feels you can make a reasonable decision about who should know about your self harm, he or she may also agree to not tell your parents if this is what you want. The only time this confidentiality is broken is if you are sectioned and a next of kin has to be informed, but I'm sure that's not likely to happen to you, especially as you're seeking help off your own back.

If you're concerned about the fact that your GP has known you for years, making it a little strange telling him or her about this, you could opt to go to a counsellor straight away. Have a look in your local Yellow Pages - there's loads of counsellors listed in there. If you're a young person, you could also go to your local Connexions centre, and they might be able to give you a list of recommended places for young people, or even help you themselves (I've found it varies who you talk to at Connexions, as to how willing they are to talk about self harm with you.) Alternatively, if your doctors practice has more than one GP, you can request an appointment with one you don't know, if some anonyimity would make you feel more at ease. I hope some of that has been of use, take good care of yourself m'dear, and well done for considering help, it's a brave step to take :)

Answer 3

GP= General Practioner for the first poster.

If you have no access to a counselor or professional mental health advocate, talking to your GP is better than not talking to anyone. It sounds like you're ready to take the next step toward recovery in your life and I applaud you for it. If you want someone to talk to, email me :)

Answer 4

Whatever you need your GP is the first port of call unless you want to spend a lot of money by going direct to the psychologist or psycho-therapist. Your GP can send you to a 'specialist' at no cost to you...on the NHS....We all don't mind paying really as long as you can be helped.
Best wishes, Mike.

Answer 5

I would recommend talking about it. Your GP may direct you toward counseling, or may have some help to offer. Self harm is not something to take lightly, and can become dangerous. I'd suggest talking to your GP about it. I talk to my doctor about anything that's going on, and ask for referrals if I need. Please take care of you.

Answer 6

This is an issue that is better suited for discussion with a psychiatrist or psychologist. General pracitioners are unlikely to be of much help to you on this issue. They simply lack the expertise.

Self-injury is not typically a behavior which exists in isolation. More often, it is a merely one symptom of a condition which is much more complex.

In the same way that hiring an allergist to adminster anesthesia is not in your best interest, hiring a general practitioner to address a psychological/psychiatric condition is not in your best interest.

In the meantime, the following website may be of help to you:
http://www.selfinjury.com/

Best of luck,
~M~

Answer 7

Of course you can talk to your GP about self harm. He/She will refer you to the proper treatment. Call him/her as soon as possible and start getting healthy again.
Good luck!

Answer 8

Yes, it is okay. If you trust this person than this is an excellent source for you. Most likely this GP will help you find what you need in the way of counseling. Good luck.

Answer 9

I told my gp some of what has been going on, but I was so ashamed, embaressded and flustered that I haven't told him everything that has gone on, but I have told counsellors (though not everything to the crisis resolution team). I have also told the counsellor not to tell my gp everything that has gone off, though he told me that he expected me to tell my gp myself. I certainly have to go back at some point, I get quite nervous about that.

Answer 10

Where ever you start to ask about it is good. Someone you've been going to for years is a great place to start. It's an embarrassing thing to talk about, so why not start-off where you feel somewhat comfortable.

Let your Dr decide if he's qualified in this area, or wants to refer you to an expert.

Don't just let it go on.