first visit to new GP and explaining long term MH issues?
This is a follow on from a thread I made a while back, but I didn't want to raise a zombie so started a new one.
I am moving house on Tuesday.
Soon after I need to get myself set up with a new GP.
Obviously I'd go in and register, and yadda yadda, but then would clearly need to make an appointment to get things started.
How to approach it without being 'all the awkward'?
How to explain that my meds do help?
That I'm in long term private therapy which works well for me?
What to do if they want to change my meds?
How to explain my work?
How to explain I need lots of support and reassurance when starting new things and with new people?
How to explain my personality split without them thinking I'm, I don't know what?
When I moved and changed doctors I asked the receptionist for an appointment with a GP with mental health experience.
Other than that I would say it's a case of building up and time. Try and focus on the more immediate things that they may need to know in regards to your therapy, medication and the support you need from them. It doesn't have to be all laid bare on the table from the start, that sounds (to me anyway) far too overwhelming for something that is stressful enough. Maybe make a list of the main issues (I don't want that word but I fail at finding another one) that you feel your doctor should be aware of and then work from there.
Take care
You see a mouse trap
I see free cheese
And a ****ing challenge
I would perhaps ask your old GP to write a letter to the new GP explaining. Then you just need to fill in the gaps and answer any questions the new GP might have.
I doubt they would want to change your meds if they work
My meds were prescribed by the area consultant psych, and I've been taking them for 8 years now. They do help, a lot. Changing them would be downright dangerous, especially right now when I feel so insecure.
To get my old GP to write a letter could be problematic, and would involve another appointment there. So I don't know.
I don't want it to be overwhelming.. I know it's the immature little girl inside of me who wants all of the care and everything looked after now or her world will fall apart, and so must tell them everything now or she'll crumble. Like that.
I guess I need to make notes of what my previous GP actually did. It's hard to describe though.
i'd go in and present it to him/her. this is my history. these are the meds i am on. this is what works for me, etc. if you already have a pdoc who prescribes your meds and a therapist, just say that. i find it most helpful to let doctors know how they can best help me and what my expectations are right up front. my previous GP did this for me and it was very helpful, etc.
The more straightforward the better and people often take a cue from how you act about it. if you act like it is something to be ashamed of, then you are likely to get that response.
Well, it centres around struggling with dependency feelings, which, whilst they aren't the biggest sin ever, people can take them the wrong way, and make snap judgements about me. It's also very painful. These feelings won't ever go away, and so my task is to compassionately accept them, develop a part that has independence and inter-dependence that can bear them.
Mostly I need a GP to a) get my refill prescriptions of meds, b) to supervise my medication in case of need of dose increase or reduction, c) help keep me on a level and emotionally contained, and of course d) treat any physical stuff I have which can sometimes be related to the MH stuff [like my IBS, and how when I get viruses I get lower than low after].
That is explained very well, and is completely understandable.
Your list at the bottom sounds like a good starting point to speak to the doctor about, it encompasses a good range of things and is very clear.
I think it might be a good idea to also explain to them how the move has affected you. Moving is unsettling and stressful and can bring up a lot of emotions. I understand getting everything across to them is very important, but please do not ignore your current needs, for they are just as valid as these ones.
I hope you are doing ok
You see a mouse trap
I see free cheese
And a ****ing challenge
I had such a good relationship with the GP I'm leaving. It's hard to change. Though it can reflect my life now more fully.
Right now I am very in personality trouble land, and therein lies another confusion for a different GP - my diagnosis is depression. THAT they may question, if they know anything about MH. Maybe. It's something I've personally made peace with, so I really don't want it raked over again.
Stellata - I get this totally!
Is there some way you can see which of the GP's has the most knowledge/interest in Mental Health and have them as your 'main' GP?
I could try. I just wish there was some kind of place that could point me in the right direction. There is a Mind near where I'm moving to, but I'm not in that borough as I'm just on the border.
Hi there,
I was just wondering how you were doing with this? I understand you're probably in the middle of your move right now and I hope it's going well and isn't too challenging and overwhelming for you.
You see a mouse trap
I see free cheese
And a ****ing challenge
I am moving on Tuesday, so I will get to this probably later in the week. I want to ask my new 'flatmates', but I don't as yet want to give away too much of what I deal with... Dilemma....
Doh! I forgot what day it was, for some reason in my mind it was already Tuesday, which doesn't make sense come to think of it. Mind fail.
Perhaps you should try to focus yourself on one goal at the time for the moment. Moving house can feel like a huge bundle of impossible tasks, especially if you are feeling vulnerable. Speaking to your flatmates about it seems like a good idea, but perhaps you should let yourself settle a bit before stepping towards that if you feel uncomfortable about it. Adding more stress onto your plate isn't going to make things easier.
I wish you all the best for Tuesday!
You see a mouse trap
I see free cheese
And a ****ing challenge
When I've done this in the past I've taken a letter from my GP to the new GP and also the copy of my assessment from my psych. I find that usually helps as it explains a lot. It can be very difficult and awkward and sometimes you have to see a few GPs at the practice before you find one that fits. Good luck
A bit frazzled at the moment. Seeing how my illness has resulted in cumulative minor damage to parts of my room. Neglect really, and borne of my fear of my landlady. Plus, well, you live somewhere every day for 5 years and it won't be pristine. But I do see the impact of my illness. If I hadn't been terrified of her, in part of me, it would have been ok.
I guess this is one thing I need medical help with. Obviously also I'm working on this kind of thing in therapy, too. I feel pretty ugh about it right now though.
Yeah, it was the 'moving out inventory' kind of talk thing she had with me.
Mind you, if she thinks that was bad, she should see my parents' house.
