Psychiatric Help in the UK

FlamingMystic

Alright, so I pretty much need to speak to a psychiatrist of some sort due to a myriad of pretty serious mental health problems (hurrah for those), but I have basically no idea of the procedure here and am entirely shit-scared of actually going through with its. I'm partially hoping that posting this thread will give me enough of a push to stop putting it off and actually do something, but a little education would probably help things as well.
I'm in the UK. First things first, I'm not even sure how to get the ball rolling - I'm assuming it's just a matter of making an appointment with my GP and saying "hey lady, I'm crazy, get me some goddamn help already". What are the odds of me being able to see someone other than my GP? As quite frankly, the woman is a bitch. From that point is it just a matter of being referred straight on or am I going to have to sit down and explain in lengthy detail why I need to see someone? Finally, what's the likelihood of any of this stuff being covered on the NHS? I'd hate to put myself through the whole uncomfortable process only to find out I can't afford any help anyway.

Any advice or past experiences would be super-helpful.

japan

Talk to your GP.

If you aren't comfortable talking to your GP in particular ask to see someone else in the practice. You will have to explain what's wrong, but the doctor shouldn't make that difficult. They may refer you immediately, they may want to prescribe something and have you speak to the CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) first. Usually a decision to refer is made by the GP and CPN together.

Psychiatric care is provided by the NHS, so don't worry about that.

This is from experience, incidentally. I didn't want to speak to my GP so I saw another doctor that I hadn't seen previously. Made it a lot easier, for some reason.

J

Based on my experience, it's exactly as you assume. I booked an appointment with my GP, explained to him my problems, and he told me he'd refer me to a clinical psychologist, as well as throwing me on some meds to help in the meantime. Low and behold, 2 weeks later I got a letter offering, in my case, guided self help or some group courses.

Honestly, I was in there for all of 5 minutes before he sent me on my merry way.

LewieP's Mummy

Yep, starting point is your GP, then they will refer you on to the most appropriate help. They may also offer you meds in the mean time - they may well help you until you see a specialist. Its free (its what we pay National Insurance for), but may take some time to sort out for you.

You can ask to see someone else at your practice, that should be no problem - I rarely get to see my GP, as I don't often make appointments when I'm not ill (this week I am though, to talk through some CFS stuff).

Its good that you've decided to get help - when I had depression, it took me a long time to go to my GP, she was cross with me for having waited "til it was bad", cos she said I should have gone to her much sooner, rather than letting myself feel crap. That helped, actually, cos I felt bad about needing help, I'd (stupidly) tried to get better by myself. That didn't work, but the support and drugs I got from my GP did. I've also gone to a cognitive behaviour therapy group, (ostensibly to help me manage the CFS), which would have helped greatly when I was depressed, so if you're offered that, think about trying it.

FlamingMystic

Cheers for the advice guys, it's much appreciated and clears a lot up that I was concerned about.

:^: