Talking to GP about depression?

Question

Tomorrow I will be talking about my depression with a GP.

Last time I went I felt very uncomfortable, couldn't get the words out right and felt incredibly awkward and vulnerable. 
I didn't feel like they were taking me seriously and like I was taking up their time for trivial matters, and that there wasn't really anything wrong with me. 
The woman who was "treating" me clearly didn't think I was in great need, so she put me on a waiting list for some form of therapy "because it's not serious enough for medication, dear"

I never said I wanted medication, all I wanted was help. I didn't get it.

A year later now, and it has got a lot worse. In this time I started self harming, and I feel like crap all the time. My moods are low, my self-esteem is low. I cannot deal with this by myself anymore, it's a chore to even get into school in the mornings and my attendance is horrible.

I made the decision to make another appointment at the same practise, with a different doctor.

Is there any advice that anybody has for me about how to go about it this time?
All I want is for them to take me seriously. I want to get across how bad I feel and how I want to get better, but can't do it on my own. 
I'm extremely scared. 
Is there anything I can do to prepare for this visit?
I don't want it to sound like I learned all the symptoms off by heart, just to get attention or whatever.

Please, please help me.
Any tips or stories of similar experiences are GREATLY appreciated. 
Thank you!!!

P.S. I live in the UK
P.P.S. I am 17 years old, currently doing A-Levels

Anonym · Accepted Answer

God, i'm in exactly the same situation, with anxiety, i don't feel i could talk about my depression to them. My doctor was useless with my anxiety, and i would have preferred medication, but i got no 'waiting list' no nothing, but just a leaflet about anxiety, which was useless. I felt like, because i wasn't 'dying' i didn't get help. Im also 17, and in the UK, and clearly uk doctors know nothing about us lot aha 

It was a good idea going to another doctor- but have you been to that doctor before? I think you need to talk to someone you 'like'. I mean, i don't really like any of the doctors at my practise, so i have no choice, hense why i don't talk about it to them. The awkwardness is horrid, so yeah, get someone you like. Don't feel like you are waisting there time, i've come to the conclusion it can feel like that, but they are really not. Forget the 'usual' time is 15 minutes, and go in and just explain everything you want/need to.You don't even need to think what they are thinking etc, you need to get your point across, and say that you really do need/want help, and that your at a total loss now. I go to a 6th form college, so i have access to a free councillor, obviously i would go, but my anxiety has stopped me for the past year, but if you can, and have the access, try doing that! Good luck :)

Florence · Answer

When I went to my doctor for Depression I went in the room crying my eyes out as I was terribly depressed, I even showed her my self harm. She got me an emergency appointment with CAHMS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and I attended that within 2 weeks of my doctors appointment. I left CAHMS after 3 months as I thought I was better. I got worse and went back to my GP, this time I just told him my issues with Depression, mood swings and self harm and again I was given an emergency appointment at CAHMS which I went back to for another 5 months and received therapy and saw a psychiatrist. 

Just explain to the doctor you have been feeling so low that you have started to self harm. That should show him how serious it has gotten and they should do something about it and get you into therapy quicker. Good luck x

Anonym · Answer

Hi jam,
The best thing to do is be calm and tell the doc everything that happened everything you have done I know how you feel i was in depression before but my advice to you is find a new hobby or watch funny movies to get rid of these bad thoughts get back to school make new friends and get a tutor to help with the work you have missed but for tomorrow just be calm speak the words and you'll be fine best wishes for the future

anna · Answer

Hi jam
I just read your experience and I have to say you were badly treated. I am sorry you were not taken seriously as I am sure it was hard enough for you to talk about.
I hope you get better soon,  I know you will.
All the best and be happy :)

Talking to GP about depression?

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