topic Not Sure where to begin. in Welcome and orientation

Not Sure where to begin.

Simon_M — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:59:02 GMT

Hi All, a little bit lost. I think I suffer from depression and anxiety. One of my main symptoms is crippling when I even try talking to other people. I get shaky, heart thumping, eyes water, slur my words or I open my mouth and they don't come out. These are people that I know well, not someone I've just met. I am also displaying alot of symptoms of depression. I have tried on one occasion to talk to my GP but got all worked up and couldn't articulate which he didn't seem to notice. The thought of looking someone in the eye and pouring my heart out terrifies me. I know I need to see someone. Any suggestions ? The depression is alot worse than I could explain here.

Not Sure where to begin.

geoff — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:04:05 GMT

hi Simon, I'm sorry that you have to experience this, because it's not pleasant when you want to talk to someone, but instead what you can do is write down what you want to talk about on a piece of paper and then give it to your doctor and/or therapist, they will then read through it and then ask you some questions, but what you have done eliminates the fear of having to speak about each individual problem, in other words it gives them the chance of talking about one concern at a time, just as you won't forget an important topic that really needs to be addressed. Geoff.

Not Sure where to begin.

cally — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 10:47:12 GMT

Hi Simon, I also think Geoff's idea of writing down your thoughts would be helpful. Or maybe you have someone who could go with you to the GP to help you get your needs met. I know from my own experience with depression and now my son who is quite unwell, it is very hard to have to order your thoughts at times and having to repeat your situation too many times is also difficult. I also just saw on the blackdog site a tool they use could MAPS. You do need a referral from a GP, but then you go online to answer a whole range of questions, and it sends a report back to your GP regarding diagnosing illness. It may be helpful to be able to answer all those questions in your own space. I'm going to suggest it for my son who is 21 and hates the idea of speaking about his feelings to strangers.

good luck

Cally