sually I look forward to BBC Radio 4's All In The MInd. This week, I was left a bit concerned about their recommendation to 'speak with your GP' when experiencing mental health issues. While I agree with the qualifier that it would be best if one knew the GP well (who does though these days?) and the suggestion to describe feelings rather than theorise about them seems good, I would advise to speak with the GP only if absolutely necessary, and to take a friend to the appointment. My advice would be: Look for self help information, such as from MIND, RETHINK and these self help modules:
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm
and speak with 2 different friends about your feelings first, if possible. Of course, don't do anything to put yourself or anyone else at risk. Keep as calm as you can: Help is out there. Many libraries have a shelf 'books on prescription' on mental health - and you don't need a prescription for those! IF you decide to speak with your GP, you may end up being prescribed medication as most, in my experience do not have the time or skill to listen deeply. Think carefully about taking it and do research the side effects and risk of dependency. Doctors may not talk about before starting you on meds. In the words of one expert-by-experience, Dr. Eleanor Longden, Mental Health is about "what happened to you? - rather than 'what is wrong with you?" So the help needed may not be medical.
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm
and speak with 2 different friends about your feelings first, if possible. Of course, don't do anything to put yourself or anyone else at risk. Keep as calm as you can: Help is out there. Many libraries have a shelf 'books on prescription' on mental health - and you don't need a prescription for those! IF you decide to speak with your GP, you may end up being prescribed medication as most, in my experience do not have the time or skill to listen deeply. Think carefully about taking it and do research the side effects and risk of dependency. Doctors may not talk about before starting you on meds. In the words of one expert-by-experience, Dr. Eleanor Longden, Mental Health is about "what happened to you? - rather than 'what is wrong with you?" So the help needed may not be medical.
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