Can I get help from my GP without my parents knowing?

[bleedoutlove]

I self harm, and have symptoms of borderline personality disorder and manic deppression. I don't want to self diagnose or anything, so I'd like to get help from my GP. But I don't want my parents know. I'm in the UK and I'm 13. I can't really get help unless I know it's 100% confidential. Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks alot.

[Joshh97]

Unless its life threatening and you don't need medication. Its 100% confidential, if its your life on the line and you need to take medication, your parents have to be informed I believe.

[georgiamay]

1) You're 13. I don't think I've ever met a 13 year old that didn't show symptoms of BPD and manic depression. Hormones can often look like them when you're this age, that seems more likely.

2) If your GP thinks you need help, there's a chance that they might tell your parents, I can't be too sure. If they think you're in danger of commiting suicide, then I believe they have to tell your parents.

I think going to see your GP about your problems is a good idea to get a professional's opinion. I believe there are charity councelling services around the country that they can refer you to without your parents knowing, I know that there's definitely one in my area.

Good luck with everything, PM me if you ever need to talk :hug3:

[PureReality]

I wouldn't take medication, just saying. As someone above said, as long as it's not something like, life-threatening then they wouldn't be required to notify your parents.8

[bleedoutlove]

I don't know, I mean if I was honest with them I'd tell them I self harmed, was suicidal and had attempted etc., but I REALLY don't want my parents involved as they put ridiculous pressure on me and make me feel guilty when I have a problem.
So if I said I had a lot of symptoms but wouldn't hurt myself could I get help?
And yeah, I'm not too sure about meds either, I just want to get diagnosed so I know for sure what I'm dealing with and how I can help myself further.
Thanks :)

[Spook]

It depends on your location, but in most places the doctors are only required to tell your parents if you need medication (money reasons), or if you are in danger.

[CJC95]

Of course you can confidential help and go to your GP without your parents knowing, but your GP will always do what's best for you. If that means contacting your parents, they'll do it.

[FullyAlive]

you can go to your GP and its confidential yes as everyone else has said, however if you tell them you're suicidal, you have attempted then they might well tell your parents because of your age of they think you're at risk of trying again.

As for a diagnosis, your average GP is unlikely to diagnose mental health, as Georgia said teenagers usually show a lot of symptoms of borderline whilst growing up anyway, which is why it is rarely diagnosed in under 18's.

So by all means go to your GP it should be confidential although they'll recommend telling your parents, especially as you can't actually be referred to some services without parental permission. And please remember not getting a diagnosis doesn't make your problems any less real. :hug: