Seeing a Doctor about a mental health problem
Seeing your GP is often the first step to dealing with health problems but going to a doctor can be daunting. When we're feeling low or anxious, it can be even harder to go there. It can be harder still to get across what the problem is.
Stigma
You're not alone!
How are diagnoses made?
What should I tell my doctor?
I can't manage all that - I get tongue-tied!
I did a test - should I tell my doctor the results?
Think about what you want to happen
What if I don’t want pills?
Will I have to go to hospital?
Will I see a psychiatrist?
I'm worried about mental health problems appearing in my medical records - should I be?
Should I tell my boss?
What happens next?
I've been using the pills / therapy for weeks now - nothing's happening!
I've been taking the drugs for months - nothing's happening.
I don't like my therapist and I don’t think they're helping.
I'm worried about a friend or relative but they won't see a doctor - what can I do?
Stigma
Many people feel uncomfortable about the whole idea of Mental Health Problems:
Mental Health Problems arise when a problem, life event or situation, disrupts the way we think and feel. This can either be temporary – for example, following a bereavement – or be more enduring. Mental health problems can include suffering stress, constant worrying…
'Stigma' literally means 'a sign of disgrace'. The stigma and prejudice that surrounds mental health problems create major barriers to recovery for people who are ill.
You're not alone!
One in four people in Scotland will experience a problem with their mental health in the course of a year. Don't be embarrassed - many people seek and get help for their problems every day. Seeking help is a sign of strength and responsibility.
How are diagnoses made?
Unfortunately, there are no blood tests or scans for Mental Health Problems:
Mental Health Problems arise when a problem, life event or situation, disrupts the way we think and feel. This can either be temporary – for example, following a bereavement – or be more enduring. Mental health problems can include suffering stress, constant worrying…
Try to answer any questions the doctor has for you as completely and honestly as possible.
What should I tell my doctor?
Don't beat around the bush - the more and clearer information you give your doctor the better they'll be able to help you.
- Make it clear from the start that you think you're having problems with your mental health.
- Tell them how you feel and how it's affecting your day-to-day life, your work and your relationships.
- Tell them about any physical symptoms - aches and pains, stomach upsets, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Tell them about any troubling thoughts - especially if you've been thinking about death or taking your own life.
- Tell them about any upsets or stresses in your life - some problems are a reaction to life events or too much pressure. It's helpful if your doctor understands what's going on in your life.
I can't manage all that - I get tongue-tied!
Talking about emotional issues is hard. GP consultations are short and it can be difficult to remember everything you want to say. Write down everything you want to say before you go. Include any questions you might have. Take the list with you when you go.
Alternatively, take a trusted friend or relative with you who understands what's going on. Discuss and agree with them beforehand what you want to say, write it down and take it with you. The doctor might still ask to speak with you alone.
I did a test - should I tell my doctor the results?
Yes. The more information they have the better. Whilst the stress test and general mental health tests are not prescriptive, they can help build a picture of where your mental health is right now.
Think about what you want to happen
Tell your doctor what you would like and what you don't want. They are obliged to take your wishes into account when recommending treatments.
What if I don’t want pills?
Drugs are just one way of tackling Mental Health Problems:
Mental Health Problems arise when a problem, life event or situation, disrupts the way we think and feel. This can either be temporary – for example, following a bereavement – or be more enduring. Mental health problems can include suffering stress, constant worrying…
Will I have to go to hospital?
This is unlikely. Where the person's life is at risk or they are considered to be a danger to others, an enforced period of treatment in a hospital might be required. In certain circumstances, patients can also be forced to take their medication while still living in the community.
For the vast majority such steps are not necessary. If you're able and willing to take yourself along to the doctor's, the chances are you're not severely ill.
The preference is always that people remain in their own homes and retain their independence. Even for those who are treated against their will, the law states that they must be treated with the 'least restrictive alternative' (i.e. the treatment that affects their freedoms least).
Will I see a psychiatrist?
This depends on your case. Psychiatrists are experts in making diagnoses and prescribing treatments for Mental Health Problems:
Mental Health Problems arise when a problem, life event or situation, disrupts the way we think and feel. This can either be temporary – for example, following a bereavement – or be more enduring. Mental health problems can include suffering stress, constant worrying…
If you want to speak to a psychiatrist, tell your GP and they will consider your request.
I'm worried about mental health problems appearing in my medical records - should I be?
If your doctor decides that you're only mildly unwell and don’t need treatment, you can ask that they don't write anything about 'Mental Health Problems:
Mental Health Problems arise when a problem, life event or situation, disrupts the way we think and feel. This can either be temporary – for example, following a bereavement – or be more enduring. Mental health problems can include suffering stress, constant worrying…
If you do need treatment, your records remain confidential. Nobody else is allowed to see them without your permission - including members of your family.
If you become severely ill and someone is appointed to look after your affairs, they could see your records if your GP agrees they should.
Should I tell my boss?
That's entirely up to you. If your mental health problem goes on for a long time or goes away and comes back regularly, you may be classed as disabled. People with disabilities are protected in law by the Disability Discrimination Act.
If you are disabled through mental illness and you choose to tell your employer, the law makes specific demands on them. They must make 'reasonable adjustments' to your duties and your workplace, so that you can continue to work if you wish to.
It doesn't matter if you had the problem when you took up the job and didn't tell them at the time. The law protects you from the point at which you tell them.
For more information on disability discrimination, visit the website of the Disability Rights Commission.
What happens next?
You could be given a drug treatment, offered counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT is concerned with how people think and react in certain situations and is seen as the most effective 'psychological intervention'. It is not a 'talking therapy' like counselling. CBT uses a series of…
You may be referred to a psychiatrist or offered support through a Community Mental Health Team:
Community Mental Health Teams look after the welfare of people who need more attention for their mental health problems than a GP doctor can provide. Teams can include…
The doctor could decide your symptoms have a physical cause and may treat this instead of or as well as your mental and emotional symptoms.
If your problem is mild, the doctor may decide not to give you any treatment at all. Instead, they may opt for what's called 'watchful waiting'. They'll keep a close eye on your progress and make another appointment for you to see them soon.
Regardless of which approach the doctor chooses for you, you will usually be asked to see them again in a couple of weeks.
I've been using the pills / therapy for weeks now - nothing's happening!
Both drug treatments and therapies take time to work - up to six weeks in most cases. To have a chance of working, you need to keep taking any drugs you've been given in exactly the way your doctor has told you to. If you're seeing a counsellor or therapist, you must follow their instructions closely.
I've been taking the drugs for months - nothing's happening!
Everyone is different and it can take time to find the most effective drug for each person. You might need to try several different drugs before you find the one that's right for you. Make sure you tell your doctor if you don’t think the treatment is working.
I don't like my therapist and I don’t think they're helping.
Everyone is different and it can take time to find a therapist you're comfortable with and who is able to help you. Therapists understand this. Don’t hesitate to tell them if you want to change (they won’t be upset or embarrassed about it). If you're uncomfortable telling your therapist directly, tell your GP.
I'm worried about a friend or relative but they won't see a doctor - what can I do?
Make yourself available to the person and let them know they can talk to you.
Assure them that many people encounter similar problems - there's nothing to be ashamed of.
Assure them you'll keep whatever they tell you private and make sure you do!
Gently encourage them to seek help.
Help them find information about mental health issues.
If they're nervous about seeing a doctor, offer to go with them.
Find out about other local sources of support, advice and information and tell the person about them.
Get them to read this guide about seeing a doctor.
For more information on being a supportive friend or family member, read our Treatments and Supports section on Family and Friends.
If someone say's they're thinking about killing themselves, always take them seriously and help them get help.
If you're worried that a person is in immediate danger of attempting suicide or has taken an overdose, call 999 and stay with them until help arrives.
