Struggling with my anxiety

[Guest_10343]

Hi everyone, long time reader but first time posting here.

I’ve been going through a bit of a rough patch with my anxiety lately mostly just wanting to hide away and not deal with the world. I know looking after my physical health is supposed to help my mental state, but I’ve been putting off seeing a GP for weeks.

To be honest, the idea of sitting in a crowded waiting room, making small talk with a receptionist, and just the general noise of it all felt like climbing Everest. It went straight into the "too hard basket."

I finally managed a small win yesterday. I realized I didn't actually have to go in and just used online platforms to sort out my script and referral from home. It sounds silly, but just bypassing that social interaction and doing it from my couch was such a relief. I actually felt a bit lighter just ticking it off the list without the panic attack.

I’m trying to accept that taking "shortcuts" is okay if it helps me stay well right now.
Does anyone else find medical appointments to be a major trigger? Or do you have other "life hacks" that help you get the boring admin stuff done when you're feeling low?

[Michy007]

Yes I can relate, I did a similar thing today myself. Managed to get a phone appt with GP instead of face to face on this occasion. 
I am new to this chat/online forum. I guess I'm interested to hear others stories, what they're going through ie. anxiety and depression. 
It sounds like you're making the right choices for you. Short cuts don't work for some of us, yet if they do, then that's a great thing

[Psychdiaries2]

Hi there, 

Thank you for your post and your bravery in reaching out! 

I can definitely relate to you as someone who struggles with anxiety in avoiding certain interactions. A few years ago leaving my house and going out made me feel extremely anxious. It was a struggle to go to school and also to go out with my family/friends in my free time. I really pushed myself to do it anyway despite how scared I was, and honestly I’m grateful I did. 

I understand your situation may be slightly different to mine but I will say that getting out of your comfort zone is really hard. I think you need to take small steps to help overcome this. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with making the appointments online so that you don’t have to go in person, however I would imagine that the more you bypass these situations, the more anxious you might feel in the future if you don’t have the easier option. I do understand that sometimes shortcuts feel better because you avoid the anxious feelings.

I would recommend speaking to a counsellor about this to help you manage the anxiety. You could call/chat to a counsellor on here for support whenever you need: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor

I hope this helps. Please take care of yourself today. You are stronger than you think! All the best 🙂