Approaching a GP about Social Phobia/Depression

LegacyUser

I haven't been to a Doctor in almost 10 years, the last time I was about 11 and I'm not sure how I would even go about approaching one now when I need it most.
I would ask Family/Friends but I really don't want them knowing how badly social phobia/depression is affecting me.
Is there anyway I could see a Dr. who isn't my family GP?
What would I even say to a GP, "Help me, I need medication"? I wouldn't know where to begin. Do doctors accept letters from people suffering from social anxiety, because I'd really prefer to avoid the face to face interaction/body inspections.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Freiheit

I'm a member of Grow, www.grow.ie a support organisation for anxiety, depression, phobia's,self harm, any form of distress. It's nationwide so a telephone call there would be a good start.

Medication should be a last resort for such. There's deep breathing techniques, (slow deep inhalation while counting to 3, hold for 3 and exhale counting to 4) , exercise and will Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. That means talking about your problems and learning how to handle them. Grow can help you with that as can a Counsellor or Psychotherapist. If you've a medical card you may be entitled to low cost Counselling or Psychotherapy. A doctor or perhaps Grow could advice you on that.

Even a parish priest might be able to recommend a Counsellor, some churches do rent rooms to Counsellors

http://www.iahip.com/index.php If you have money to pay you can source someone here.

sambuka41

Hi OP, i can understand that it must be hard to try and do the face to face chat but it sounds like its needed. Can I ask how you know you have social phobia/ depression if you haven't been to a doctor since you were a child? (unless ive misread you?)

It would be wise for you to get a diagnosis through the usual channels, that would be to start with a GP, it doesn't have to be your family GP, you can go to any doctor. But the doctor will have to see you, they cant diagnose you from a letter.

SATSUMA

Hi OP,

You obviously are suffering at some level and it's important that you get a proper diagnosis from a professional. You can go to any GP, just ring reception and say you are a new patient. Your family GP is bound by patient confidentiality.

I don't know the level of your social phobia but if you are really bad it might be worth ringing the GP and explaining the situation. They might do a house call if that's necessary.

It's great that you recognide you need a bit of support so fair play to you for that. There is a better way for you to live.

As for what you would say, just tell the truth. You could write down a few points just in case you get a bit anxious about things. Gp's deal with this daily, it's normal for them!

As for other support. Aware.ie is great. They have a phone line and also an online support group where you can just watch at first if you are shy.

I hope I have helped a little,
Best of luck x

LegacyUser

hi op,as said your doc is bound by confidentially so you don't need to worry,if you do feel awkward you can request to see another one.

On your feelings,talk to your doctor like if was a friend,be honest in what you feel,the doc might refer you to counselling if you wish to seek it.

take care.

Conas

GP's are useless in regards to mental health issues, and I mean useless. Sure you're going to leave with a prescription of either Lexapro, Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft or some other antidepressant, and sure you may get a benzo either. Fire you out drugs like sweets, they don't give a damn to be honest. You might aswell know what you're in for.

sambuka41

Conas wrote: »

GP's are useless in regards to mental health issues, and I mean useless. Sure you're going to leave with a prescription of either Lexapro, Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft or some other antidepressant, and sure you may get a benzo either. Fire you out drugs like sweets, they don't give a damn to be honest. You might aswell know what you're in for.

Thats a very unfair assessment, maybe your own GP is not good. But that is the official process, the OP will need a letter from his/her GP before a full assessment can be done. Unless they want to pay privately.

I have had the discussion with my GP about the drugs thing, and while i agree that they are over prescribed, they do help people. So a doctor is negligent if they don't at least offer it as one possible solution to a persons problem. The amount of people who ask for these drugs too, because they dont want to go to counselling. If you say to your GP i'd rather not take drugs they will listen, they cant force them down your throat. Its not like it was 50 years ago, you can say NO to your GP.

Freiheit

My problem with the Mental Health system in Ireland is that drugs are often used as a first resort rather than the last, without proper assesment of the person's life and other therepeautic options.

Some drugs help some people agreed, but look there's a very bitter on going debate about their level of effectivness, which is heavily disputed. Certainly all other options should be explored first.

I'd suggest go along to Grow and you can ask questions there,there people there will have links for therapists or sympathetic G.P.'s. Even ring them.

Conor001

If you are facing problems concerned with depression then the best option you have is to look for the specialists in the field of psychology online as that may help you to get the best of it and it will significantly help you to get a effective treatment from the experts and that will lead you to a joyful life.