How do you tell people?

[OllieB]

Hi all,

I have been attending counselling through uni and I have now been told that I should visit a GP and obtain a mental health care plan from them and discuss various options going foward.

So basically I feel like this just got real, like before I could pretend that what I was feeling was everyday stress- I knew it wasn't but accepting that has been hard. I also recently went to the doctors to ensure there wasn't any physiological cause for my anxiety and felt like I was being judged the whole time and honestly didn't find the whole experience very helpful- so going back even to a different place is causing me a whole heap of stress.

Is there any advice on how to approach this, even just what to expect going forward. I am in a whole new place and new things and me do not mix very well. I feel like I'm in danger of burying my head in the sand and ignoring this problem, even though I'm at the stage where I Think that will no longer work.

I think my main concern is people finding out I don't share my feelings very often and hide panic attacks when they occur- how do I tell people and when I do how do I get Over the constant feeling of judgement?

[MsPurple]

Hi Ollie and welcome to the forums (I have dyslexia so sorry in advance for some typos)

I myself have struggled with anxiety at univeristy too. I went to a counsellor and they also suggested I see a GP for more options. I also agree with them. A mental health plan allows you to see a psychologist with medicare helping with payment (note not all psychologist bulk bill, so if you need this ask your GP to refer to one). Like yourself I felt judged by some doctors. I decided to go through headspace. It is a youth mental health service for those 12-25. I am not sure if you are in this age bracket. They also have GPs there that can do a metnal health care plan. I got mine this way. I didn't feel judged. This is what they do. For more info go to www.headspace.org.au

YOu could also ask you counsellor if they know any GPs that they recommend. THis may make you feel more comfortable. Also when I aged out of headspace I had to see a gp and organise my own psychologist. I found it helpful looking into my local gp clinics and looking at their website. I then saw in any of their GPs had an interest in mental health (and LGBT+ as I am part of this community, but also as I thought they wouldn't be judgemental). I found this doctor really good and they helped me find a really good psychologist.

I hope this was helpful. I know it is hard but trust me it gets better. Also maybe ask your counsellor at uni about disability services. I found it helpful for myself at uni (allowed me to have one day off every three weeks of placements for appointments).

MsP

[OllieB]

Thank you, I will definitely check out headspace and do some research of gps myself, it's nice to get some reassurance. I have looked into the uni side of things, but would like to get a clearer picture of what is going on first I think.

Thanks again

-ollie B:)

[smallwolf]

Hi OllieB,

welcome to beyond blue.

MsPurple has provided an excellent response, so I only have add a couple of words about my experience.

For me, all of this occurred much later in life. Well it was present for much of my life, but I had thought it was normal and something everyone felt etc. I have a mental health plan as well. I can remember a quick test at the GP to work out how "bad" it was. The problem with my questions I found were you had to rate yourself between 0 to 5 (sort of) in a number of areas. Anyway, my score was enough to be referred to a psychologist for a 2nd opinion, and for me that was where the penny dropped and things were worse in terms of how felt. I should point out that I also have depression and suicidal thoughts.

Since I started seeing the psychologist, I would get homework, and be given strategies for coping and distraction etc. I have a support network (family and friends) of people that I can (somewhat) rely upon who check in with me. And then there are some professionals who also know because when they ask me how I feel, I felt I could give an honest answer to. In most/all cases, people who found out were supportive as well. For me, being able to let it out and not hold it in is beneficial.

As MsPurple said, it does get better.

Tim

PS. The other thing is that I guess I was lucky in my GP was very understanding when I saw her. I wish you every luck in your journey.

[OllieB]

Thank you for sharing your story most of my anxiety comes from unfamiliar situations so knowing this information definitely will help

thanks again

-ollie B