Dear Plutonicmermaid
Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. I know it must have been hard for you to write in here, so well done for making it. Thank you for telling us your story. I am sad to know you are having such an uncomfortable time.
This is a good place to come to when you are feeling upset and want to talk about your problems. We cannot guarantee an answer immediately but someone will talk to you soon. In the meantime, if you want to hear another voice then phone the Beyond Blue helpline on 133 22 4636 which available 24/7. You will find it easy to talk to them.
I see Hope.for.the.best has suggested you print out your post and take it with you when you meet with your counsellor. This is something we often recommend to people who are having difficulty talking to someone. The counsellor can read it and start the conversation going. Your post is well written and understandable. No need to worry the counsellor will not understand. By the way, is this your first counselling session?
How often do you see your doctor? May I suggest you make an appointment soon, a long one, and take your post with you. I think your GP will find this very useful, especially in reviewing your medication.
It sounds from your description that you are having major panic attacks. These are really horrible, I know from my own experience. I think it would be helpful to talk about this with your GP.
Beyond Blue have lots of information about anxiety. If you look at the top of the page and look under The Facts you can access this information. Much of it you can download and read at your leisure. Other material BB will send to you, free of charge. There is information available for family and friends. Perhaps you can ask for several copies and give them to your family and other friends.
Do not worry about how your doctor and counsellor see you. People come in all shapes and sizes so to speak. It's good to see your GP regularly to keep him/her up to date with your progress. I hope you will continue to write in here.
Mary
