I have an appointment with my GP about getting a referral to a psychologist regarding my depression and anxiety. I'm now starting to get really anxious that I won't be able to find someone that I connect with and have no idea what I'm doing. Has anyone done this before and feel comfortable giving me some advice? Should I just go to whoever my GP suggests or should I be shopping around? GP's offices and talking about my mental health in person is a massive trigger for me so I need to be prepared. Please help!
4 Replies
Your GP will know who is working in your area, have an idea if they hard to get into and will also have had feedback from other patients and may even have read reports written by the psychologists.
If you feel more comfortable speaking to a male/female express that to the GP. Also the GO might suggest a particular psych depending on your history/profile. For example my psych has a special interest in my profile.
If you don't feel like you gel with a psych (and to be honest it takes a few appointments) then you can change.
I went through about 8 before I found one that worked for me. It was just trial and error of who worked for me and could keep me talking for an hour and offer me strategies that worked for me. I was a cutter when I got bored and one told me to go on the treadmill whenever I felt like doing it (as a teenager and it would wake up everyone in the house) or go for a walk to clear my mind .. really unrealistic! So I moved along and kept trying:)
When I went it wasnt about connecting, i was very nervous about it but they strt asking questions, getting a picture and once you start talking it just flows.
I had one that was really scattered, so hard to get hold of, never had the right number for me, I was really let down there, I had a gp that wouldnt sign to update the mental health form so I couldnt get back to see one that was really helpful, I think its those kind of things are more the problem withmental health support in our system.
I'd ask GP for 3 names and contact the psych directly, if you feel a connection then go back to GP for referral.
By going for a short visit (standard consultation) to start off with, it might help to reduce your anxiety. I go to a small clinic where the receptionist is lovely and friendly and the waiting room's not full of sick people, usually one other person if that. Ask when their quiet times are and book in then, def avoid first thing (oldies) and after 3pm (school kids)
You'll book a double appointment to complete the care plan on your second visit.