Today I went to my GP..

[Rae1505]

I have struggled with anxiety since my early teens. (I am 32). It started small, never being able to do oral presentations at school. Never wanting to stand out. That horrible sick feeling when you walk past a certain group or person for no apparent reason.

I have always managed on my own. I knew what I had, but never felt the need to have it typed under my name in a file by a doctor. But I am struggling now more than ever before. It is effecting me in ways I can’t control and is becoming unmanageable for me.

So I went and saw my GP today.. burst into tears and fell apart like the mess Im accustomed to being. Somehow I managed to get out “I have anxiety issues”.. which is barely the tip of the iceberg. Nonetheless, she listened and she took me seriously. Which is really all I wanted. Someone to not just sweep it under the rug.

She sent me for a blood test to check my thyroid and some other things. I have an appointment next week for results and a mental health care plan. She’s referring me to a psychologist and we will be discussing meds at some point. Full on day.

i got home and spoke to my husband who seemed more annoyed at the potential cost of it all. He also said I should only tell immediate family and don’t make it a constant “topic of conversation”. I’ve never been one to do this. In fact I’ve kept it to myself for almost 2 decades.. so I’m not sure where his comments have come from. I feel a bit sad about that.

anyway.. hopefully a change is on its way. The first step is the hardest as they say..

[MsPurple]

Hi Rae and welcome

I know how hard it can be to open up and finally see a gp regarding getting help. I know it must be difficult when you feel like your husband is being completely supportive. I also know how difficult it can sometimes be financially paying for therapy, medication and gp visits. However your mental wellbeing is also very important and it can actually be financially expensive not to get it sorted because you may need to take some sick time you wouldn't have to take if you had gotten the help you needed.

There are somethings you can do to get help while being financially smart about it. You can ask you GP to refer you to a psychologist that bulk bills and you could also let your gp know that you are not in the best financial situation so if they want to go down the medication route to consider medication on the PBS (they are more subsidised by the government). I found being more open with my financial situation allowed for the gp to understand you your stresses and needs.

Hopefully this was helpful. I know how it can be a struggle to try and get the best support you can but being on a tight budget

[Munroscout]

Rae,

I am positive of three things. One, when you start your health plan and meds you’ll feel better in fact you’ll feel great all the time. Two, make sure you have a support network close friends/family to talk to as that will reassure you your doing the right thing. Three, your husband loves you. As a male I know first hand about the stigmas around mental health. The majority of men dont talk about it. So I’m sure it’s a foreign concept for him. When you go to the GP grab a brochure or down load one from this website and give it to him.

Best wishes,

MS

[Rae1505]

Thankyou for your response and your tips regarding making this process financially viable. I will definitely implement some of your suggestions where possible. I am being given a mental health care plan which will give me 6 free psychologist visits and possibly an additional 4, or so I’ve been told? I’m sure that will help initially, but in the long term not so sure. I didn’t know there were bulk billed psychologists around? That’s something else to keep in mind.

Thanks so much.

[Rae1505]

Thanks for your response.

After having the night to consider my husbands reaction, I’ve been able to give it some more thought and see it from his point of view. He grew up in a household where anxiety and depression was very apparent. His mum was suicidal at times and he was left in care a lot of the time so I’m sure this is all very scary for him. Also one of the reasons it’s taken me so long to address. He has always made it very clear that his feelings and opinions towards people with anxiety/depression are very negative. He just finds it to be a very self absorbed way to live. But I know that it’s not a choice. Nobody chooses to be this way. And it is going to take some big adjustments to make this work.

Thanks again.