I need help but am not sure where to get it

[Sezza_H]

I have been struggling quite a lot lately with my anxiety which is really starting to take a toll on my life. I just don’t understand it and I can’t seem to control it. My hands shake, I feel faint and nauseous and I often feel very warm. I constantly worry about these symptoms especially when I am out in public or when people come over. I can’t be “present” or in the moment, I find it difficult to socialise and have fun with the people around me when I’m experiencing these symptoms and I feel this way pretty much all the time apart from when I’m at home alone.

Is this social anxiety? Some kind of health anxiety as I am constantly thinking about being sick or fainting? Is it both? I’m so confused… I just don’t understand.
I spoke to my GP and ran blood tests, and everything come back normal, so I know it’s not related to my physical health. I have completed a mental health plan and was referred to a local Headspace centre (I have attended this same Headspace in the past). I called them up and found out that I won’t be able to see a psychologist there until February of next year. I really can’t wait that long and I just don’t know what to do.

[geoff]

Good Morning Sezza_H, thanks for posting your comment and welcome to the site.

I'm so very sorry for what's going on and what you have told us appears to be social anxiety, although I'm not qualified to say so, a doctor or psych will need to diagnose you.

Social anxiety occurs when a person experiences extreme anxiety in social situations.

I'm sorry you have to wait until February but what you can do is ask them to ring you if there are any cancellations, knowing that January and Feb are holiday periods and there could be someone who can't attend their appointment, that is if the psychologist is working those two months.

Another place to contact is Reachout, Sane or click on 'Get Support' and scroll down until you see 'Find a professional', where you might be able to find someoe who can see you before Feb, but you will still need to get a referral from your doctor.

Geoff.

[baet123]

Hey Sezza,

Thanks for sharing your situation with us and I can relate to much of what your going through having experienced and shared many of the same symptoms as you.

It does sound like you have common symptoms of social anxiety. Is there any reason why you feel that you get nervous in public or when around people? I felt the same way around people and only felt comfortable, to an extent, when I was on my own. I had underlying health/physical issues which I needed to address before my social anxiety improved.

Please consider seeing your GP and discussing the possible treatment options available which would typically include medication in combination with therapy. It is unfortunate that many health professionals will be off for around 3-4 or so due to the Christmas period and generally being super busy all year round. Medication in combination with therapy changed my life so this is something you can consider.

You may also wish to consider looking for a psychologist that does skype sessions (if your comfortable with that) as they are generally a bit more flexible with their schedule and the Mental Health Care Plan will cover these too as long as they are a registered fully licensed practitioner.

Things will get better and it is very encouraging that you are aware of your situation and that you are actively seeking treatment. Better days are ahead.

Hope this helps!

Nick.

Hope this helps.