How to tell my GP that im struggling

[jaylay]

I've been really struggling with anxiety for almost over 2 years now. And can't keep doing it on my own anymore, and I'm ready to take the step into getting some help but i don't know how to broach the topic with my gp.

It has only ever come up once before, but due to my anxiety, over the last few mnths everytime im aksed by my GP how I'm going(mentally) i always say I'm fine. This fear of letting people know that im not coping is stopping me from getting the help i need. Makes me feel like im being caught out on a lie, that my anxiety is just me overreacting.

Ever since i was young i have found it hard to cope with certain situation, now that I'm in my twenties panic attacks, physical pain due to anxiety such as stomach pain, vomitting and headaches have become the norm.

Any tips on how to get over this fear of being seen as "weak", i know my gp is very understanding and would not see it that way but my brain does! And i can't seem to escape that thinking

anyone else go through something similar and overcome it?

[Soberlicious96]

Hi Jaylay,

I know that a big help for me has been to write stuff down. Writing seems to act like a 'buffer' between me and the real world. And you've done exactly that by writing down your fears, and expressing it on here.

Maybe, instead of/as well as talking to your GP, you could seek some help, support and advice from a Counselor? After all, a counselor is more abut mental health, and a GP is more about physical/medical help.

It's also good to remember that most of the things we fear never really come to pass. Our brains sometimes can become a bit 'short-circuited' due to traumas or other difficult events, and the rewiring process is a bit like learning to read and write; it's practice, practice and more practice. Plus, just to use, and remind of the BB slogan "What you're thinking, is not what they're thinking" ...... in other words, your brain could be lying to you, due to the short-circuit thing ........ if that makes sense.

Anyway, hope that helps at least a little. Keep writing and posting on here. We're listening, and we're here to support you. Take care. xo

[Croix]

Dear Jaylay~

I'd like to join Soberlicious96 in welcoming you here and have to say that advice is spot-on. Due to fear of consequences, embarrassment, an inbuilt sort of reluctance and lack of confidence in talking intelligently and not forgetting things made me have the same problem.

The way out was of course is to take few days before the appointment (which should be booked as a long consultation), and hand over a copy of the paper. You can use point form, which actually is better for the GP, and then simply have to answer questions on what you wrote. No forgetting, no trying to explain face to face -and in my case no chickening out!

Actually for me chickening out was a problem, and this overcame it. You also have the additional advantage of having time to go over your list and get it exactly right beforehand.

Many people do this and doctors appreciate it.

Being weak, well I have a whole collection of physical problems arising out of anxiety. They are a response to an illness, weak simply does not come into it. Your doctor will be most likely expecting them.

Please let us know how you go.

Croix

[44Max44]

G'day Jaylay, welcome to this community.

I definitely second Groix's idea of writing up a paper in point form to give to your GP. I've found myself going to my GP 2 or 3 times in the past few weeks, all with the intention of talking to them about my anxiety and depression, only to get into the doctor's office and talk about something else because I'm too worried to talk about how I feel. I guess I feel embarrassed to talk about how I feel to them and feel like I'd forget half the stuff I wanted to tell them, so I don't bother talking about it at all.

I for one am definitely going to be taking Groix's advice and writing up the stuff I want to say and handing it to my GP because at least that takes the talking aspect out of it, and because I find it much easier to answer questions then I do explaining stuff.

One thing you need to remember is that it's a GP's job to help people and that they probably help people in the exact same position as you on a weekly or maybe even daily basis. I can promise you that they will not see you as being weak because they know better than anybody that it's anxiety making you feel the way you are.

For years now I've struggled with depression and anxiety but have never told my GP, but now with Groix's advice, I think I finally will. Just know I'm right there beside you.

Take care