I’ve had a problem for a while with my mental health. Randomly getting really depressed (generally in the evening and I’m sure its not random, but I’ve no idea why), dealing with stress in pretty bad ways (cutting myself and isolating myself from others generally), and suicidal thoughts occasionally.
I want to go to therapy, but I’m really worried about it. My family can’t know about any of it (I’m 18+ so hopefully that’s not as issue anyway), and I’m really worried about being put in a psyche ward because of the self harm and suicidal thoughts. I really really don’t want that to happen. What should I do?
Edit: Should’ve mentioned, I’m in the UK, probably moving to Ireland in August though.
I’ve been dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts for nearly a decade now.
I’ve been through numerous therapists and have been seeing my current one for almost a year now.
First if all you need to speak to your GP. This is all confidential, your family will only know if you tell them. You need to be open and honest with the GP, tell them about your self harm and suicidal thoughts. I have never been threatened with any sort of psyc ward. But I suppose it would depend how bad things are? If your suicidal thoughts are only that, and you haven’t made any actual plans or any attempts at suicide, then you won’t be taken to a ward as far as I’m aware.
After speaking to your GP, they may offer some medication/anti depressants such as sertraline. They may also ask if you would like a referral for therapy. (If they don’t ask you. Make sure you bring it up to them). Unfortunately, referral to therapy is different under every council in the UK. Some, the GP will do the referral for you. Others you will have to self refer. In that case the GP should give you a website or a phone number for you to do this. Once referred by the GP or yourself, you will usually hear from someone within a week or so to Have a thorough discussion of your needs so they can find the right type of therapy and therapist for you. Unfortunately, the next part is a waiting game. Again depending on your council there could be a waiting list of several months before you get to speak to an actual therapist. You are usually offered a choice of video call therapy or in person therapy by the way. So pick what suits you.
I don’t know if you are male or female, but there are likly some local support groups in your area targeted at either group. Go onto your app/play store and search for an app called Hub of Hope. That can help you find local support services.
Also, if you have access to private medical cover such as Bupa, therapy may be covered in that. You will need GP referral to provide to Bupa, but they will be able to get you speaking to a therapist within about 1 to 2 weeks of sending your referral.
If you need to ask anymore please feel free to message me.