Writing a letter to my doctor about my depression?

Daisychains

I've been going to the doctors now for 6 months and haven't really felt like I have been taken seriously with my mental health issues. I find it hard to explain how I feel and how my anxiety etc effects me. I am seeing a new doctor soon and I was thinking of writing a letter explaining my mental health issues so that they are fully aware of the details and I'm not rushing to tell them everything in the short appointment time. I'm not sure about doing this and would like some opinions?? Thanks x

Wellyboots6

I wrote a letter for my doctor and in it put that I preferred him to ask me direct questions rather than try and get me to describe things. When I was very depressed and anxious I couldn't describe how I felt very well.
He was fine with it, and I often take letters now rather than trying to explain. He laughs about me being one of the only patients he has to fish the paper file out for as it is usually all electronic, but writing it down really helps.
He keeps the letters, with my permission, and refers back to them.

LameWolf

I wrote a list of points I wanted the consultant to be aware of, and handed it across saying "my mind goes blank when I get in here, so I prepared this in advance, to make sure I didn't forget to say something important." I was commended for being organised.
HTH; and good luck, I know only too well depression is horrible to live with.

Fireflyaway

I think that's a great idea. I have written a list of bullet points and taken it to the GP as I knew I would come out having forgotten something.

You can access help outside of your GP if you feel they are not doing enough. My brother has been on antidepressants for 5 years now. Each time he goes to the DR she gets him to fill out a questionnaire and then writes a repeat prescription and that's it! He is doing Ok that way but it doesn't work for everyone. Check out the MIND website for ideas.

PasturesNew

Short, to the point, letters are a good idea if you are so anxious at the visit (and having waited in the noisy waiting room etc) that when you get there you forget half what you came for, or walk away feeling you didn't say it right.

You can always say "I've written a letter, can I read it out to you" then hand it over.

System

When i go and see my GP i very often write a list of the main points i want to get across... just in case i miss something out.

Its very hard to remember everything when you know your in an allotted time space.

dancing_star

I wrote a letter to my doctor in advance of going to see her to confess to eating disorders. It meant I couldn't chicken out once I got to the appointment and pretend it was for something else. Also meant I couldn't leave anything out.

Anatidaephobia

I think it sounds like a very good idea, as long as it's not too long because they may not be able to read it all then. Anything that helps you convey what you're going through to them is worth a shot.

FBaby

Would do you want it off it? A doctor will either give you medicine or refer you for treatment. They can't do much more. They are not there to tell you that they understand how you feel it or that they sympathise with your distress. You can write if you want to explain why you don't think the medication is working and would like to try another dose/drug or you would like to be referred to the Mental Health service but otherwise I think you are taking the risk of raising your expectations as to what your GP will do and be disappointed that they might not rise to them.

clarryd

I think this is a great idea. Every 10 minute appointment is not enough sometimes to explain your symptoms or feelings, even if you have a list in your head that you want to go through. The doctor says something and then you forget all the points you wanted to get through.

I always now (had bad experiences in the past) write a small list on a note pad and hold it in my hand when I am in the doctors surgery and go through it line by line. I am not saying that it works 100% of the time but it definitely sets you off in the right direction.

Wellyboots6

I disagree Fbaby. I don't think there is harm in writing down how you feel, even if it is just to get it off your chest and know someone else has read it and knows what you are going through. Agreed, the doctor may not be able to do any more if you are already receiving all the treatment they can offer, but sometimes just knowing you have been heard can be enough to make you feel better.
Also, if it is a new GP then it can help them understand how to relate to the person, the sorts of questions to ask etc.