I so hope this is the correct channel, but how does one open up to local doctor about gender affirmation support to be refereed for help when money for private support isn’t an option? I’m just so worried as I have had mental health issues that my wife thinks are for other reasons than why I’m here?
@lila It's a tough one but you just have to book an appointment & talk to your GP if you can. It is better if you have a working relationship with them. Failing that check out transactual.org.uk There are lists of accessable gender clinics & referral services nationwide. Hopefully you can find something useful there.
@lila Hi Lilly, If you are living in Wales the situation is much better than England. The Welsh Gov. is fully supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. The waiting list for referral from your GP is far less than England also.
Yes I would make an appointment with your GP and explain yourself and how you feel. You won't be the first so you can expect a sympathetic ear...as a general rule, though not all GP's will be the same.
@alexl hi and so sorry to reply directly but I need to speak to a doctor to arrange support but I hope that doesn’t sound daft but should I ask for a male or female doctor as I just don’t know who would understand my better if that makes sense x
@lila my preference is for a female doctor , it’s debatable whether there is much difference to be honest. In my experience UK NHS doctors have very little experience and training in trans care. You will almost certainly get a referral if appropriate. My doctor is a man but I always see a woman lol… as a practice I can choose.
Do you have a doctor that you go to often/regularly?
I find it easier to talk to a doctor that I know and have been seeing for a while. I talked to my family doctor who I've been seeing for most of my life and I was still kinda nervous, but it was definitely easier.
Otherwise find a doctor that is LGBTQ friendly and practice what you want to ask in the mirror (kinda like your going on a first date) and then talk to the doctor once you have it all talked out and memorized.
So yea I have to do it so as it’s a bank holiday weekend I’ll be booking an appointment at the doctors Tuesday. I’m so scarred as o have no problem with help just not speaking to doctors who keep records on my health x
As people have mentioned you need to see your GP and explain clearly that you are requesting a referral to a Gender Clinic, don't get dragged into a long conversation about dysphoria etc, they aren't there to asses you, they just act a gate keepers.
a couple of weeks after the appointment, ring again to confirm the referral has actually been sent to the Gender Clinic, also confirm which one.
I'm sorry to say the waiting lists can be anywhere up 20+ years in the England.
In the meantime I recommend finding a decent gender counselor and after that the options are go private or wait.
There is the option of bridging treatments, very low dosage, if you have an assessment, but 99% of GPs will not provide this.
Good luck
@delirium thank hun am so scarred just to speak to a doctor lol. As scarred and nervous as I am I’m just going to do it and thank you xx
