Wear to start

[Riveroscar]

I feel that I need a mental Heath check is there any way to a mental Heath service with out going thu your gp

[DMM218 Ambassador]

Hi. I don't think so unless private. Some people assessed at A&E when in crisis but I wouldn't recommend that.

What's your concern about mental health?

[Riveroscar in reply to DMM218]

I not sure I hear voices and am very down at the moment but am on top of it but worried I my go under I went to to doctors some years ago and he just give me antidepressants which made me feel empty inside so I bin them not been back since my doctor is very old School sort I just feel I need to sit and take to a professional about my concerns for more than 5 minutes I just can not get the way I feel out I freeze up and show or say what I think I need to or feel I am wasting there time.

[DMM218 Ambassador in reply to Riveroscar]

It's really hard to express yourself if mental health poor due to stress. When I'm really depressed I literally can not get my words out. It's so frustrating. I wish I could say it will be ok but sometimes GP busy etc.

You could write down stuff before appointment.

My daughter is autistic, she's 13, bright but social and emotional skills bit off. Anyway, in the last 6 months she's been hearing voices etc. It's probably been going on longer. She also describes hallucinations, being paranoid and having episodes of depersonalisation.

She saw psychiatrist 6 months ago and he felt that it may be stress related or due to her autism. It's quite common to hear voices and of itself doesn't signal mental illness.

She's been getting more distressed by it so on last visit prescribed anti psychotics. It's too early to see if making a difference. But we will see how it goes. She's convinced she is schizophrenic, I'm kinda concerned about it too, but due to her age she will get no fixed diagnosis until at least 16.

The easiest way is to speak to GP and explain experiences and for how long been going on. He may offer meds!, therapy or referral to psychiatrist.

A private consultation with psychiatrist could be very expensive.

I think there is a national support group called hearing voices. They certainly say that it's not automatically schizophrenia.

Maybe look them up and see if a group near you.

Extreme stress or depression can also cause this.

Does that help?

[blackcat64013 in reply to Riveroscar]

You feel stressed/anxious because it is scary meeting a stranger who has so much power to help you, or not, but it’s worth it because, honestly, most doctors just want to see you get better. Yes, there are bad apples. If you have/get one, you’ll have to see about changing doctors, but most really do want to help. Try to go into the surgery with a positive attitude, with the backup of a loved one, some notes and start getting the help you need to get better.

[planetjanet]

Hi Riveroscar

I have just self referred to Healthy Minds they offer different therapies including counseling. I suppose it depends where you live and what services they offer.

healthyminds.penninecare.nh...

[Sarah1111111 Ambassador in reply to planetjanet]

Great minds think alike! I'm guessing you don't sleep either.

[Sarah1111111 Ambassador]

If you are in the uk and their is a local Iapt service near you then self refer. Look on line, often called talking therapies or talking health but every area is different. They may link up with your GP as part of the assessment or following it but they would be able to help you find out what troubling you and offer some extra support if they feel it will help you.

[Riveroscar]

Thankyou planetjanet

I am in Manchester just looked on link you posted will look into that tomorrow looks a good place to start I think I just got to grow up and say I need help

[planetjanet in reply to Riveroscar]

They have been really nice, no pressure ... Let me know how you get on. Take care x

[Terricotta in reply to Riveroscar]

Good luck, Riveroscar. I hope this is the first step on the ladder for you. It's a shame when you can't take this step via your GP. I've had the same experience and had to go it alone in the end. I didn't want to take antidepressants. I wanted to know what the underlying issue was and address that. You might still need to do this, but being able to talk to someone and get that support an only be a good thing

[Riveroscar in reply to Terricotta]

Went and signed up to a new gp today so will be able to book an appointment in five days and I will be doing I have lived with this for years so a week is nothing to wait hopefully to see a more open minded go this is the first step and I have been avoiding it only when I googled what normal and not normal seems to confirm what I thought I just tied off living the way I am feeling and will be seeking help thank you all for your posts on her makes me feel like I'm not the first or alone 🌝

[Riveroscar]

Sleep my mind starts doing over time I have to listen to music audio book book just to drowned out my thoughts when my body is at it most tired my mind is at its most awake

[Riveroscar]

Thankyou to Sarah

Goodnight all will update on my mission to get help

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Good luck with that Riveroscar . If you find it difficult to talk how about writing it down and just handing it to your doctor/counsellor? Also if you are in a group practise you can see anyone you like so get yourself a 'new fangled' doctor instead of your old one. x

[Riveroscar]

Feeling better and stronger now I changed gp and about six weeks ago went to see my new doctor they booked me in for a double appointment my new doctor was very understanding and I have been in on mirtazapine 15 mg for six weeks now and am sleeping a lot better and starting to feel a bit like my old self some time I even feel happy I just like to say a big thank you to all that replied to my cry for help 2 months back please do not stop what your doing on here as you make a big difference to peoples lives thank you a lots of love Oscar xx