Couple of questions

[Lawns]

Hey All,

first time poster here - go easy 🙂

Been struggling with an issue for a long time.. probably close to 20 years now representing 2/3rds of my life.

After watching a few friends go through their struggles over the years, some unsuccessfully - I've decided that I really to sort something out, or at least make sense of it. I recently came across a section over at psychforums regarding AvPD, and reading the posts, especially the 'you know you have avpd when you..' draws uncanny parallels with my own experiences..

I'm planning to speak to a GP to get things rolling, but have two questions

1. Am I able to see an alternate GP to initiate the process? My current one over the years is loosely attached by means of being a friend of a friend(mutual friend i guess), and I'd rather keep things private

2. Is it a bad idea to bring up what I think would be the diagnosis, or would it be best to let them figure it out without any bias?

[geoff]

hello, and welcome to the site.
20 years is far too long to be suffering from what you say could be 'Avoidance Personality Disorder' which I am just so sorry for you, because when you watch your friends go out and enjoy themselves or those that aren't so lucky, it still cause you grief and disappointment.
To answer your questions it would be a good idea to find a doctor who you don't know, so you find a professional from this site under 'Get Support' and start afresh.
The doctor is obviously going to ask what they can do to help you, so it's up to you to say what you feel comfortable with such as 'I've been watching a few friends go through their struggles over the years' then this will then lead them onto asking you some questions, or an alternative option is to write down what is worrying you and then hand it over to them, but you will have to decide whether you want a male doctor or a female, because same people prefer the opposite sex while the others prefer someone they feel they talk to about certain problems. Geoff. x

[aboardserenity]

Hello Lawns,

I am new to this forum too, so we can be new together 🙂

In regards to your questions,

1. I think which GP you see is completely up to you. If you feel uncomfortable discussing this with your current GP then by all means find another one that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Some GP's are better with mental health than others. I had to shop around, but found a very supportive one in the end. Some GP's are a little dismissive or blunt, which can be off-putting and awkward.

2. I think if I were in your situation, I would just explain my situation to them. I may float the idea that I think I may have 'AvPD' or whatever you think, but they will probably ask you about your 'symptoms'. You may also mention when you book a GP appointment that you want a Mental Health Care Plan or a psychologist referral. This way, they book you in for a longer session and they won't rush you out the door.

Hope that helps.

Wendy

[gld]

Hi aboardserenity,

You are starting your journey at a good starting point by seeking out a GP. I feel it is very important to find a health provider that you feel comfortable with as this will make it easier for you to work through the issues that you feel need attention. Sometimes it may take a few visits to different professionals to find one that you gel with to guide your recovery without too many barriers.

To make improvements or resolutions in different facets of our lives it could be made more beneficial by developing an open honest line of communication. In the past i have found this has helped me to work with my health professionals to create a better environment to gain better tools to work towards change.

Keep on moving forward on your path to find the support that suits you best.

Gen

[JessF]

Hello Lawns, I agree with the other posters about having a GP you can feel entirely comfortable with for all aspects of your health. As I understand it, personality disorders are quite complex and they are not the sort of thing that a GP can diagnose, hwoever. I think you would find that a GP would refer you on to a psychiatrist in this case.

[Lawns]

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice - I've booked an appoint with a GP that lists a special interest in mental health, and will speak with them.. Took a lot of effort to book the appointment 🙂

[Lawns]

Hi all again,

Had the appointment with the GP and started a plan. have an appointment with a Councillor. Thankyou for the answering the questions 🙂

[gld]

Hi Lawn,

Great to hear you have started a plan after visiting your GP and have an appointment with a councillor.

Keep up your great work accessing some supports you need and remember there is support out there.

Gen