talk to GP's, need YOUR help guys, I want to make a difference
hey guys,
on tuesday my psych has asked me to do a talk with him to a bunch of doctors about Self Injury. I really want to do this, as I believe it can make a real difference, and would really appreciate any input.
What I want to know, is what do YOU think is important for them to know. If you've Self Injured in the past and was treated badly, tell me how and what would have been a better approach.
For those of you that are afraid to approach a doctor about your SI (I've been there, it's hard as hell I know), can you tell me what would make it easier for you to go and see them?
Tierra~Fighting for life, but losing the battle. .
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: US
I am currently:
Outside of the psych ward. . .doctors couldn't understand why I did these things to myself. I hate talking to them about it, because they think I could just stop whenever I wanted. I'm 21, and have cut for 11 years. . .if I could just stop I would. I've been treated badly, because I don't think they want to help people who aren't willing to "help themselves" as they look at it, which we all know is not the case. Many have thought it as an attention seeking attempt also. Anyway. . .hope this helps a little.
That's really brave of you to do this! And a good thing, too - yay for more awareness.
I think a big issue is that doctors might think it's attention seeking, like tierra said. That's never happened to me, but I had some talks with people who work at a hospital, and they were ranting at me how people who SI take up their time that they could use to treat "real" injuries. I found it pretty insulting, although in a way I see where they're coming from. I think it's important that doctors know that it's not something that we can just stop whenever we want, that it's not entirely under our control.
On the other hand, I've had good experiences with doctors in this regard. One time a doctor noticed my scars, but she was nice about it. She asked if I was trying to stop, I told her I'm getting treatment, and she left it alone. So yeah, I think it's nice of doctors to offer help in finding treatment (therapy etc.) but not force the issue.
It's hit and miss with GPs. You'll get a fair few that have no tolerance whatsoever for self harm and mental health problems, who are just mean and ignorant. But there are also plenty who are very aware of self harm, mental illness and most routes of recovery. I think perhaps GPs should now go through a short training course about awareness and how they should treat people like this. Because some of them are just plain mean.
I also think GPs should only prescribe ADs along with counselling or CBT as pills do not help on their own, at least, not very much.
this is the first day of my life
I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you
But now I don’t care I could go anywhere with you
And I’d probably be happy
Pround Pulmeria Sis :: Feel free to PM me anytime ::Always happy to help!
I think you should make them aware that Self Harm isnt about trying to kill yourself, but trying to save yourself.
Self Harm for me atleast is about controlling how l feel and it is a release, it isnt about trying to die.
I hope you go through with this.
EDIT- just read the post above, l cant express enough hatred for CBT, it is a short term cheap fix pushed by the NHS, and shouldnt be employed to deal with self harmer issues.
I've been to see 2 doctors in the past 3 years, and have only been able to open up properly to my latest one.
The first doctor I saw, he didn't seem interested at all about what I had to say. The second doctor wasn't too bad, I just didn't get along with her too well. The third doctor was brilliant, checked things up about what medication would be best to put me on etc, told me I should attend the YPD at least once to see what they are saying.
when I went into hospital after ODing a couple of years ago, I told the nurse that was taking my BP when I arrived to be careful with my upper arm. She asked me why and I told her. She asked me why I did it and told me to stop and think about summer coming up. After that, I didn't want to be anywhere near that hospital, and was begging my mum and the doctors to let me go home. She made me feel like I was in the wrong, when I knew I wasn't because I was using as a way to cope.
I think doctors and nurses, don't truly understand the nature of self harm. Some get it and some don't. I think they need a course or something to be told directly by psychs or something about what self harm is and isn't.