“I was struggling with my mental health, not knowing what else I could do, and the wait times at my NHS GP practice were ridiculous. So, I was just looking for a fast alternative. My employer offers Teladoc Health’s virtual healthcare services as an employee benefit. So, I downloaded the app, completed the sign-up process, and asked for a consultation. That’s very easy and fast, too. I was expecting a longer wait for a consultation, but it’s all on the same day!
A reassuring consultation
I was expecting perhaps a little bit of a barrier. I was a bit worried about explaining that it was mental health in case it was more weighted towards my employer’s benefit than mine. But the GP, Dr Laura Sheldrake, was excellent and put me at ease fast. I initially struggled to say the words and explain what was wrong.
I spilled everything to her within a few minutes, and she gave me many options. She asked me what I was already doing. There was something I’ve done in the past that could benefit me, and it was nice to have someone lay out options at the time because I was in such a brain fog and probably wasn’t even considering myself. And she was pragmatic about it all and put all the solutions on the table, which was helpful. Without Laura’s help, I probably would have ended up heading towards a mental health crisis because I was struggling, and I couldn’t get an appointment with my GP.
In the longer term, we agreed that I should book a face-to-face review with my local GP after two weeks of trying out the various options, including accessing Teladoc Health’s mental health app, myStrength, for personalised activities.
A big difference
The two weeks were enough for me to reset and use the advice that Laura had given me. It made a big difference. If I hadn’t done that and hadn’t spoken to Laura, I probably would have ended up in a much worse place and probably off work a lot longer.
When you’re in that place, it’s tough even to share what’s going on with people you’re close to, let alone feel like you’ll be able to get help from strangers. But I was so pleased I did it. I’m encouraging anyone else in that place that it’s not as bad as you think. And you’ll have a supportive person at the end of the line.
It’s valuable to have this kind of benefit from my company. It’s just nice to know that I can also book Mental Health consultations with Teladoc Health if I feel I need extra support. I think it’s nice that the app has a dedicated area for mental health. It shows that my employer takes mental health seriously.
It’s valuable to have this kind of benefit from my company. I am re-energised and ready to go back to work again. I’ve been great ever since.”
REF;CL
Teladoc Health UK
Floor 5
Aspect House
84-87 Queens Road
Brighton, BN1 3XE
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