Waiting well

• Your GP is still available if you are feeling unwell or need help or your situation alters. You can book an appointment with us in the normal way.
• You should get in touch if you are getting worse
• If you’ve been prescribed medication, it may take time to work, so ask the prescriber about this. Don’t come off your medication without talking to your clinician first.

Health problems can affect the way you think, feel and behave. If you have problems with your mental health, you might feel sad, worried, confused, angry, frightened, hopeless or isolated. Having a friend of family member to support you can make all the difference.  It could be the difference between missing out on the things you care about; to getting the support you need to get better. It’s hard sometimes to explain how you feel, so

1) start small: text, phone, leave a note

2) try doing something together: go for a walk or picnic, go shopping, have a coffee

3) talk side to side rather than face to face: it might be easier

4) be open and honest as long as you feel safe

You can’t always remember things that happen every day, and recording things like symptoms, feelings, thoughts, moods, worries, events, and behaviours can help you to understand them. This is something that you can take to your appointment to show your health professional. Think about what you want to ask at your appointment, and make a note of the things that are most important to you.

• Sleep: Get enough sleep if you can. Practice good sleep ‘hygiene’ by making your bedroom a calm haven that helps you to sleep well. Don’t drink caffeine or do exercise just before going to bed. Keep electronic devices like TVs, games, phones out of the bedroom. Advice is available in an NHS self help booklet – look for the leaflet called ‘sleeping problems’ – and on the NHS website.
• Eating well: don’t skip breakfast! Take a look at the eat well guide for general advice on food and diet.
• Relaxation: try yoga, relaxation tapes, mindfulness etc. There are resources available from Mind.
• Exercise: Keep active, as this can help your mood. Go for a walk, go swimming, cycling, dancing or something else that makes you feel good. Find out more on the NHS Live Well website.
• Avoid non-prescribed drugs and alcohol: these don’t help, and can cause other problems.

There may be services that can help and give you some support. Check out all sorts of support services. Many organisations have information about mental health in general and about groups.

• See our wellbeing centre for links to services that may be useful
• The Derbyshire Directory also allows you to search voluntary and community groups in Derbyshire where you might find activities or groups that you are interested in.
• Think about any contacts you have with Faith support services. Talk to your local faith leader to see if there is any help they can offer.
• Community activities are a great way to keep involved and active. Try volunteering in a charity shop, or join in a community activity such as a choir or walking group
• Self-help booklets are free to print and can be used to help with issues you are troubled by, such as sleep, alcohol, anger, obsessions, stress, and depression.

Stress is what we feel when we are under pressure. It’s not an illness, it’s our body’s reaction to feeling under threat; the ‘fight or flight’ response. A certain amount of pressure can be quite helpful and motivating, however sustained stress can be really bad for our health. Identify the sources of your stress, and try the free self-help booklet. You can think about: relaxation; controlled breathing; exercise; hobbies; self-care.

If things get difficult enough that you need some extra help in an emergency, keep a list of numbers you can ring. You could try:

• Your GP or NHS 111 If you feel like you’re unable to manage your symptoms and feel unsafe. For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, call 999.
• In an emergency you can go to your local Accident and Emergency Department.

• You can see information about your referral on the NHS App. Select ‘ Your Health’ then ‘ Upcoming and past appointments’ then ‘ Hospital referrals and appointments’
• Go to manage your referral website and log in with your booking reference. This is an easy way to alter your appointment.
• You can telephone the hospital you have been referred to and ask to speak to the department or your consultants secretary ( If you know the consultant you have been referred to). For ease University Hospitals of Derby and Burton telephone is 01332 340131, Chesterfield Hospitals is 01246 277271
• You can email your consultant or departments secretary. University Hospitals of Derby and Burton consultant directory Or complete the enquiries form for Chesterfield Hospital.