Seeing someone?

[lovewilltearusapart]

If I want to see some sort of counselor do I just ask my GP and they refer me or will they not do that?

Last time I was seeing people was about a year and a half ago and I was referred after being in hospital so I never done it myself, plus I've moved since then.

I don't mind giving the jist of things to my GP but I feel very uncomfortable giving him all the facts or going in to detail with him.

[The One Who]

Go to your GP, say you think you are depressed, explain why, then once confirmed, say you would like to see a counsellor. You may have to wait a few weeks depending on what the situation is like with the local mental health team.

If you can give the gist of things to the GP that should be fine, maybe just say that you don't feel comfortable going into details there and then with him.

[Geranium]

I agree with the above. You'll need to say a bit about what's wrong to the GP - enough to convince them you need the help. They won't want great detail as they generally don't have much time!

You could always write down a few points and hand it to them - I find that can really help.

I don't know about waiting times in Scotland but it's months not weeks in parts of England. Wouldn't be surprised if Scotland was better though.