I don't want to leave the house

[Medea78]

I've suffered from anxiety and depression for years but for the last year I've managed without medication. But I've now started a new job and for 3 weeks now I'm waking up to panic attacks and starting to sink into a hole again. I know I need to see a doctor and go back on my pills like before but I can't leave the house. All day I've been trying to get up and go but I just can't do it. I'm working all week so I if I don't do it today it will be 7 days before I can go and this is making my anxiety even worse which is making it even harder to do something.

[pipsy]

Hi Medea. It must be a dreadful feeling, not being able to leave the house. Having to go to work would be difficult too. Could you arrange for a home visit from your Dr. I understand in certain circumstances, Dr's will come to the house. I would contact the nurse, tell her you need a home visit. Explain how your anxiety is making leaving home mission impossible. Once you're on your med's hopefully your anxieties will start to recede. Does your Dr know you well? Sometimes when it's a new patient or Dr, there's reluctance on the part of the Dr. Is there anybody else who could help you in some way? You could possibly phone the ambulance service ask them for assistance. Tell them you have anxiety and that this is preventing you from leaving the house. Try asking your Dr to home visit first.

Lynda.

[Starwolf]

Hi Medea and welcome to the forums.

You say you can't leave the house so I assume you are either working from home or perhaps it is just a visit to the surgery that you find daunting.

Perhaps you could make a call and ask if a home visit is possible ? You would have to let them know you are suffering from anxiety and how difficult this is for you.

If the option is not available, could someone go along with you ?

It is not clear whether going out is the problem or actually talking with a doctor. GPs have a good understanding of mental/emotional issues. They are an illness, just like diabetes or a heart condition, not a flaw of character and are managed as such.

You know this visit is necessary and will help you reclaim the peace of mind that you deserve. I hope you can put this paralyzing fear aside and do what must be done. Anxiety often makes finding the right words -or getting them out- difficult. Putting it all in writing and handing it over to the doctor (or even the receptionist) has helped many people.

Well done for reaching out via these forums...a great start.

Here for you.

[Medea78]

It's the doctors visit that's causing me to freeze. I manage to get to work each day but with increasing difficulty. Sometimes sitting in the car for 10 minutes trying to calm myself before I can walk in. i just always feel like they believe Im over reacting and at my last visit the doctor spent the majority of my visit critising my weight, and health when I had actually made a lot of progress in both my physical and mental health it just set me back so far and I feel like something like that right now will break me does that make sense?

[Starwolf]

Thanks for clarifying.

A good doctor should be able to make his patients feel comfortable. Anxiety is no over-reaction. I would see another one. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to find a practitioner with whom you can establish a trusting relationship. You are in control of who you choose to deal with. Your well being and peace of mind are important. You must feel you're in good hands.

The same applies to any service provider, from greengrocer to therapist. Nothing wrong with walking out if you're not well looked after...and finding another alternative.

Yes, a negative experience is difficult to get over when reassurance and understanding is what you needed. To avoid a repetition, I would suggest doing a bit of research as to who/what is available in your area. Perhaps a social worker, your local Community Service (or someone you trust) could recommend someone who will be more sensitive to your needs.

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you may also find more options and further assistance (Get Support).

Wishing you all the best.