Visiting Your GP – A Guide for Young People
It can be difficult finding the right words to talk about self-harm and suicidal experiences with a medical professional: and, ask for help. Visiting your GP (general practitioner) to talk about self-harm and suicidal feelings can be very frightening. This is because you might not know what to expect: you might feel anxious or embarrassed: or you might even be wondering whether a GP can help with these experiences. BUT, visiting your GP is the first step towards getting the support you need and deserve.
A short guide has been put together to help young people prepare to talk with their GP about self-harm and suicidal experiences. This guide was developed in partnership with young people from the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) at the Institute for Mental Health and consists of the following sections:
- Before you visit your GP (including booking appointments, support, and preparing questions)
- During your GP visit (confidentiality, what your doctor might ask you, and managing discussions)
- After your GP visit (what will happen next, and referrals)
- Things to keep in mind (safety plans, and getting support from family and friends)
- Resources
Click here to download and view the guide.
If you need support on self harm and suicidal thoughts, click here. Or there is 24 Hour Support is available at 0800 1111 via Childline.
