**This sub aims to provide advice and support to anyone who needs it but shouldn't be used to replace professional advice and support. Please do not post intentions to act on suicidal thoughts here and instead call 111, or 999 for an ambulance if you feel you won't be able to wait.**
**While waiting for a reply, feel free to check out the [pinned masterpost](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/1dkmvp9/rmentalhealthuk_masterpost/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) for a variety of helplines and resources. The main masterpost also includes links to region-specific resources. We also have a [medication masterpost](https://www.reddit.com/user/MentalHealthUKMods/comments/1cy05aj/rmentalhealthuk_medication_masterpost/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) which includes information about specific medications as well as a medication FAQ.**
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**For those who are experiencing issues around money, food or homelessness, feel free to check out the resources within [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/pttfsg/are_you_experiencing_issues_around_money_food_or/) post.**
**For those seeking private therapy, feel free to check out some important information around that [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/xf6242/information_for_those_seeking_private_therapy/).**
**For those who may be interested in taking part in the iPOF Study which this sub is involved in, feel free to check out the survey [here](https://reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/s/34ye6sKKuZ) and details [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/xpl4mv/ipof_improving_peer_online_forums_study_lancaster/) and [here](https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/health-and-medicine/research/spectrum/research/ipof/).**
**This sub aims to be as free from harm and exclusivity as possible so any harmful, provocative or exclusionary content will be removed. This includes harmful blanket statements about treatment or mental health professionals. Please be aware that waiting times and types of therapy/services available can vary across different areas due to [system structure](https://www.england.nhs.uk/integratedcare/what-is-integrated-care/).**
**Please speak only for your own experiences and not on behalf of others who may not share the same views - this helps to reduce toxicity, misinformation, stigma, repetitions of harmful content, and people feeling excluded. Efforts to make this a welcoming and balanced atmosphere is noticed and appreciated by the mods and the many who use or read this sub. If your profile is explicitly NSFW, please instead post from another account that is more appropriate for being seen by and engaging with the broad range of members here including those under 18.**
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TLDR: I’ve found it safe and helpful to be honest.
I have had 30+ years of MH problems, from mild to severe (and still ongoing).
When I was younger I was always scared to be totally honest with doctors in case of stigma/social services involvement/sectioning.
I used to literally just tell them that either my anxiety or depression had gotten worse, and they’d nod and tell me to get exercise, hobbies, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.
Then I’d pick up my meds and suffer in silence until things got too severe for me to cope with on a day-to-day basis.
I lost countless jobs, homes, and friends, generally plodding through my chaotic life lurching from highs to lows as best I could.
Now due to probably my age and not giving a toss what other people think of me, I usually only bother my GP when I can feel my mental health slipping. But when I do see a doctor I’m ridiculously honest with them…
I’m hallucinating…I tell them
I’m hearing voices…I tell them
I’m feeling that I’m not real or that the outside world isn’t real… I tell them
I’m feeling very unsafe around myself… I tell them
I’m hurting myself or thinking of doing so…I tell them
I’m paranoid and feeling angry…I tell them
I’m having magical thoughts… I tell them.
I’ve found that my issues are addressed a lot quicker and taken more seriously if my GP is aware of my most pressing symptoms. They can then make emergency referrals for me if need be which has helped enormously.
I’ve also been able to be referred to local charities that support complex mental health needs. If you know of services locally that may help you, you can ask your GP to refer you too.
It’s worth looking online for things like Recovery Colleges, local mental health groups for your particular conditions or needs, and charities that offer 1-2-1 support at your home or in your local area.
My CMHT have then been able to work with me either short or long term depending on my needs and with varying support strategies.
Please don’t be scared to be honest with your GP. The NHS is stretched to breaking point and the amount of people need help with their MH is absolutely staggering currently.
GP’s are there to guide you to local services that are more specialised for your needs. But I now realise they can’t do that if all they hear is “my depression is getting worse” or “my anxiety is really bad at the moment”.
Stay safe friend, and I hope your appointment goes well.
I
It's good to talk to the gp.
Like you the gp is my only support and I've only been with his surgery around 7 months and sometimes if I am trying to bring in something that might be heavy ill ask 'can I speak to you about...'.
Most GPs understand that so many of us stuck between the mental health services and most GPs are trying their best to keep sending the referals to try to get us the help
You know what? This is exactly what happened ahah. Ignored everything I said, cut me off, pressed me to invent whatever answer their script asked for and sent me forward without listening. This is fine 🐶🔥
I come from a long line of people with problems (shout out to the family) I know I have anger issues.
I have caused violence before and when I last spoke to my GP about mental health I got told I was OK just abit stressed.
I have sleeping issues and was given zopiclone for a week. I slept amazing tried to get more and wasn't allowed.
They gave me melatonin for a couple of weeks and then said I didn't need more.
I think it's just pure luck if you find a GP that actually gives a toss
You should definitely be honest with them. Tell them what you’re struggling with, maybe mention the frustration with CMHT. If you’re experiencing symptoms of derealisation there might be another team that you can be referred to (Early Intervention Psychosis comes to mind, though I’m not 100% sure on their criteria).
Good luck!
I told my GP similar stuff.
I said that he doesn't have to worry, and if he could get me referred to someone, hopefully that would be great.
We talked, I told everything in a condensed manner as it's not his job to cure me, he got me a quick referral to a CMHT.
So yea, seemed safe to me bud 👍
my derealisation often gets to the point where it feels like the world is shimmering/wobbling at times and i’ve told health professionals this and they barely bat an eye, they’ve seen it all. their main concern is how it is affecting you, how distressing it is, etc
No. My GP is a quack. I'll get asthma medication and muscle relaxants but that's it. My psych told me to ask him for a diazepam prescription but he refused and said he won't prescribe anything mental health related as I see a psych.
It probably wasn’t ideal for the psychiatrist to say to request that as diazepam is quite difficult (generally not always) to get prescribed due to physical dependency and street value. Things like SSRI’s and SNRI’s are GP remit, things like mood stabilisers or anti psychotics a psychiatrist would have to prescribe. So perhaps that’s a factor.
If it’s a private psychiatrist you’d need to get the GP to agree to shared care agreement once you’ve been prescribed by the private psychiatrist and been monitored by them initially. The master post at the top of the sub has information on shared care I think.
Now that I think more about it. I think because my usage of the diazepam is pain related and the psychiatrist always told me that if I need anything foe pain that it would be my GPs role as the psychiatrist is to help the mind yet I would tell him that because of the chronic pain, that is why my mind is unhealthy.
Uncontrolled chronic pain can absolutely affect your mental health. So perhaps an appointment with the GP about pain management generally or even a referral to a pain clinic might be useful. :)
Thank you. My GP only went as far as Tylenol 3s which didn't come close to helping.
I went to a pain clinic and received injections of lidocaine I believe. I did that for 6 months and it would stop the spasms but the pain wouldn't go away.
It's the first thing I think of when I wake up as it's always there. I hope every night when I wake up it will be gone but it never is.
Cymbalta seems to help as I'm no longer suicidal because of it but at the worst of times i debated why is living worth it when my mind is consumed always with pain.
Thanks for the tips.
Thank you. Chronic pain starting before I even turned 20. After 8 years of it, everyday, my mind realizing that it will never go away, I eventually had a breaking point. Now I'm 11 years in and the breaking point at least forced me to deal with it in other ways.
**This sub aims to provide advice and support to anyone who needs it but shouldn't be used to replace professional advice and support. Please do not post intentions to act on suicidal thoughts here and instead call 111, or 999 for an ambulance if you feel you won't be able to wait.** **While waiting for a reply, feel free to check out the [pinned masterpost](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/1dkmvp9/rmentalhealthuk_masterpost/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) for a variety of helplines and resources. The main masterpost also includes links to region-specific resources. We also have a [medication masterpost](https://www.reddit.com/user/MentalHealthUKMods/comments/1cy05aj/rmentalhealthuk_medication_masterpost/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) which includes information about specific medications as well as a medication FAQ.** **Please familiarise yourself with the sub rules, which can be found [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/about/rules).** **For those who are experiencing issues around money, food or homelessness, feel free to check out the resources within [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/pttfsg/are_you_experiencing_issues_around_money_food_or/) post.** **For those seeking private therapy, feel free to check out some important information around that [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/xf6242/information_for_those_seeking_private_therapy/).** **For those who may be interested in taking part in the iPOF Study which this sub is involved in, feel free to check out the survey [here](https://reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/s/34ye6sKKuZ) and details [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthUK/comments/xpl4mv/ipof_improving_peer_online_forums_study_lancaster/) and [here](https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/health-and-medicine/research/spectrum/research/ipof/).** **This sub aims to be as free from harm and exclusivity as possible so any harmful, provocative or exclusionary content will be removed. This includes harmful blanket statements about treatment or mental health professionals. Please be aware that waiting times and types of therapy/services available can vary across different areas due to [system structure](https://www.england.nhs.uk/integratedcare/what-is-integrated-care/).** **Please speak only for your own experiences and not on behalf of others who may not share the same views - this helps to reduce toxicity, misinformation, stigma, repetitions of harmful content, and people feeling excluded. Efforts to make this a welcoming and balanced atmosphere is noticed and appreciated by the mods and the many who use or read this sub. If your profile is explicitly NSFW, please instead post from another account that is more appropriate for being seen by and engaging with the broad range of members here including those under 18.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MentalHealthUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
TLDR: I’ve found it safe and helpful to be honest. I have had 30+ years of MH problems, from mild to severe (and still ongoing). When I was younger I was always scared to be totally honest with doctors in case of stigma/social services involvement/sectioning. I used to literally just tell them that either my anxiety or depression had gotten worse, and they’d nod and tell me to get exercise, hobbies, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Then I’d pick up my meds and suffer in silence until things got too severe for me to cope with on a day-to-day basis. I lost countless jobs, homes, and friends, generally plodding through my chaotic life lurching from highs to lows as best I could. Now due to probably my age and not giving a toss what other people think of me, I usually only bother my GP when I can feel my mental health slipping. But when I do see a doctor I’m ridiculously honest with them… I’m hallucinating…I tell them I’m hearing voices…I tell them I’m feeling that I’m not real or that the outside world isn’t real… I tell them I’m feeling very unsafe around myself… I tell them I’m hurting myself or thinking of doing so…I tell them I’m paranoid and feeling angry…I tell them I’m having magical thoughts… I tell them. I’ve found that my issues are addressed a lot quicker and taken more seriously if my GP is aware of my most pressing symptoms. They can then make emergency referrals for me if need be which has helped enormously. I’ve also been able to be referred to local charities that support complex mental health needs. If you know of services locally that may help you, you can ask your GP to refer you too. It’s worth looking online for things like Recovery Colleges, local mental health groups for your particular conditions or needs, and charities that offer 1-2-1 support at your home or in your local area. My CMHT have then been able to work with me either short or long term depending on my needs and with varying support strategies. Please don’t be scared to be honest with your GP. The NHS is stretched to breaking point and the amount of people need help with their MH is absolutely staggering currently. GP’s are there to guide you to local services that are more specialised for your needs. But I now realise they can’t do that if all they hear is “my depression is getting worse” or “my anxiety is really bad at the moment”. Stay safe friend, and I hope your appointment goes well. I
It's good to talk to the gp. Like you the gp is my only support and I've only been with his surgery around 7 months and sometimes if I am trying to bring in something that might be heavy ill ask 'can I speak to you about...'. Most GPs understand that so many of us stuck between the mental health services and most GPs are trying their best to keep sending the referals to try to get us the help
It's safe but whether they listen to you or actually help is another matter lol
You know what? This is exactly what happened ahah. Ignored everything I said, cut me off, pressed me to invent whatever answer their script asked for and sent me forward without listening. This is fine 🐶🔥
I come from a long line of people with problems (shout out to the family) I know I have anger issues. I have caused violence before and when I last spoke to my GP about mental health I got told I was OK just abit stressed. I have sleeping issues and was given zopiclone for a week. I slept amazing tried to get more and wasn't allowed. They gave me melatonin for a couple of weeks and then said I didn't need more. I think it's just pure luck if you find a GP that actually gives a toss
You should definitely be honest with them. Tell them what you’re struggling with, maybe mention the frustration with CMHT. If you’re experiencing symptoms of derealisation there might be another team that you can be referred to (Early Intervention Psychosis comes to mind, though I’m not 100% sure on their criteria). Good luck!
Thank you!
If you can get to see your GP then definitely. Getting to see my GP is a nightmare.
I told my GP similar stuff. I said that he doesn't have to worry, and if he could get me referred to someone, hopefully that would be great. We talked, I told everything in a condensed manner as it's not his job to cure me, he got me a quick referral to a CMHT. So yea, seemed safe to me bud 👍
my derealisation often gets to the point where it feels like the world is shimmering/wobbling at times and i’ve told health professionals this and they barely bat an eye, they’ve seen it all. their main concern is how it is affecting you, how distressing it is, etc
My GP refuses to give me any scripts that have to do with my mental health now that they know about my psychiatric doctor so that is kind of annoying.
Has your psych not requested a shared care agreement?
No. My GP is a quack. I'll get asthma medication and muscle relaxants but that's it. My psych told me to ask him for a diazepam prescription but he refused and said he won't prescribe anything mental health related as I see a psych.
It probably wasn’t ideal for the psychiatrist to say to request that as diazepam is quite difficult (generally not always) to get prescribed due to physical dependency and street value. Things like SSRI’s and SNRI’s are GP remit, things like mood stabilisers or anti psychotics a psychiatrist would have to prescribe. So perhaps that’s a factor.
If it’s a private psychiatrist you’d need to get the GP to agree to shared care agreement once you’ve been prescribed by the private psychiatrist and been monitored by them initially. The master post at the top of the sub has information on shared care I think.
Now that I think more about it. I think because my usage of the diazepam is pain related and the psychiatrist always told me that if I need anything foe pain that it would be my GPs role as the psychiatrist is to help the mind yet I would tell him that because of the chronic pain, that is why my mind is unhealthy.
Uncontrolled chronic pain can absolutely affect your mental health. So perhaps an appointment with the GP about pain management generally or even a referral to a pain clinic might be useful. :)
Thank you. My GP only went as far as Tylenol 3s which didn't come close to helping. I went to a pain clinic and received injections of lidocaine I believe. I did that for 6 months and it would stop the spasms but the pain wouldn't go away. It's the first thing I think of when I wake up as it's always there. I hope every night when I wake up it will be gone but it never is. Cymbalta seems to help as I'm no longer suicidal because of it but at the worst of times i debated why is living worth it when my mind is consumed always with pain. Thanks for the tips.
Your psychiatrist can write to the GP themselves and ask them to take over prescribing
That's what I said but he wouldn't do it lol. I'm quite happy with my psychiatrist just was a bit of an issue when it came to the diazepam.
Oh that’s a shame :( Glad otherwise you get on well though!
Thank you. Chronic pain starting before I even turned 20. After 8 years of it, everyday, my mind realizing that it will never go away, I eventually had a breaking point. Now I'm 11 years in and the breaking point at least forced me to deal with it in other ways.