Anxiety and therapy

[Baylee]

I feel too anxious to see a GP about my anxiety, to go to a counsellor and get help. It’s just a cycle of having breakdowns and then feeling somewhat okay and confident and not thinking I need to see someone about my mental health, then having another break down and panic attack. Any tips?

[Petal22]

Hi Baylee,

Wellcome to our forums!

Sorry you have been feeling this way…

I understand anxiety I had severe anxiety OCD this disorder made me feel like I was living in an internal hell it was horrible………. I have now recovered from this disorder thanks to the help of health professional I don’t know we’re I would be today with out there help…….. they truly are remarkable people……. I’m now living my best life after recovery!

I too felt anxious about seeing my gp, but I thought I have to speak up and get help for the way I’m feeling so I can get better…….the way I was feeling wasn’t a very nice place to be … I was also having panic attacks…. So I stepped forward and got help! It was the help I needed to recover…… it was a journey but I’ve learned so much from the mental health journey I’ve been on….

My recovery started from seeing my gp we did a mental health plan together this enabled me to see a clinical psychologist, my gp put me on a antidepressant to help me to manage my anxiety….. I also saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me and I did an 8 week therapy at a clinic that specialised in OCD I was given many tools and I’ve now mastered my OCD…

My advice to you is please take that first step make an appointment to see your gp.. let them know how you are feeling and how your anxiety is affecting your life….. if it’s easier write it down before your appointment and read it off the list to your gp……… I think seeing a psychologist would be great for you they can teach you many strategies for your anxiety you can learn to manage it………. 😊

Im here to chat

[geoff]

Hello Baylee, a warm welcome to the site.

Being anxious can but not necessarily include OCD but as you haven't mentioned it, then we can't believe this to be, not unless you correct me.

Having continual breakdowns may be caused by different triggers in your life, which need to be discussed with either a doctor and/or psychologist and to overcome this fear may be you can write down each one which is a major concern for you, then all you have to do is hand over this document to them, this will break the fear of answering them when they ask you 'how can I help you'.

You can't predict a breakdown, not unless you are locked into having to do something that you can't avoid, but I have visited my psychologist/doctor precisely when this happens, it is actually the best time to talk with them.

It doesn't matter whether or not you cry, I have many times, which proves that I needed help and weekly sessions were booked, and it doesn't matter whether you see them feeling much better, but during the session, you suddenly breakdown, that's when they need to find out the cause, but they do this gently and hold back, then ask you another way.

Try and write down and book an appointment, if you want may be someone can go with you, is this possible.

Looking forward in hearing back from you.

Geoff.

[Positive_vibes89]

Dear Baylee,

Thank you for reaching out in the forum.

I have experiened anxiety and breakdowns too. It is difficult to function on a daily basis whilst living with anxiety. Sometimes it can happen when you least expect it. It is okay that you are experiencing this and you are showing strength because you admitt that you do need to get some help.

It does take alot of courage to book in and speak to a councillor or GP. But you must understand that they are availble to help you, they will not judge you. When you go visit a GP by law they must adhere to keeping all things you discuss with them private and confidential. So whatever you share with them, stays in that room. Your privacy is a very big priority, the GP or councillor what to create a safe space for you.

Have you considered going to the GP with a close friend or family member for some support. It helps to have someone with you when you are taking steps to seek help. It will be okay Baylee, you will be able to manage your anxiety with the help of a GP mental health plan. The psychologist will teach you coping mechanisums to help you take control of your anxiety.

Please let us all know how you go,

Tee

[Pumpkinella]

Hi Baylee,

Some great suggestions above. I would add that GPs hear about mental health all the time, so you will not be saying anything the GP has not heard many times. The conversation is not very extensive, they will likely ask a couple of questions about how you are, fill in a mental health care plan and recommend a psychologist.

I will also advise that if you call to book in, it might be a best to tell the receptionist that you would like to speak to a GP about a 'mental health care plan.' This call may make you anxious but know you do not need to elaborate any further than that. This is because there are GPs that are specifically trained on mental health. It would be annoying if you booked an appointment and then the GP tells you that you will have to book again with the mental health GP.

Prior to your GP appointment you can also look online for psychologists that sound good to you and give them a call to see if they have availability. One such website is https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist. You can search by your area, and issue (anxiety) and click on their websites to check them out. Here you can read a bit more about what the psychologist offers, how they approach counselling and see a picture of their face. Sometimes this can make as more relaxed -knowing that they are just warm, friendly professionals here to guide/support us and nothing more.

Then if they are available you can go to the GP appointment and if mental health care plan is drawn up you can stipulate which psychologist you would like to see, which is your free choice.

There are also great therapies for anxiety - many psychologists use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You might want to google to see what it's all about. It might take some of the mystery out of the process. Gone a the days where you lie on a couch and psychologists are distant and imposing. Its very collaborative now.

Also remember you do not have to stay with a psychologist/counsellor if you don't connect with them (it happens and sometimes you try a few ones before you find one that you feel a connection with). This is just a first attempt - a little check in - to see what's out there. Baby steps.

Feel free to discuss more about what specifically is making you feel hesitant. So many of us here have anxiety and see psychologists and we might be able to give you more support.

Love

Pumps