GP Anxiety.

[youngmummy]

Hi there,

Brand new member here so sorry if I am doing this wrong.

I believe I have anxiety but I have never actually been to a doctor about it as I have a panic attack at just the thought of calling to make an appointment. My partner has offered numerous times to book one for me but I just end up in a panic so he never goes through with booking the appointment. I really would like to go to the GP though to get help finally. My anxiety and social anxiety is taking over my life and I want to get on top of it before it destroys my relationship and effects my children. I've already unintentionally isolated myself from all my friends, I don't want that with my family too.

Any tips with how I could deal with this? Or is it simply a matter of getting brave and pushing myself through it to get this appointment. I'm terrified of the doctor telling me that it isn't anxiety and that I am just being overdramatic.

Sorry about my rambling and thank you in advance for any help anyone can suggest!

[JessF]

Hello youngmummy, it's very good that your partner is offering to make that appointment for you. I would take him up on it. You'll see reading through the threads here that many people are like you, terrified to make that first step, but you are already ahead of the game because you have someone who is willing to hold your hand along the way.  Many people posting here are completely alone and haven't told anyone how bad they are feeling. Have him take you to the appointment as well if you need that extra support.

Have you done the depression and anxiety test on this website? It is the same test that doctors use to diagnose how severe your depression or anxiety is, I would recommend doing the test and printing out your results to take with you.  

It's incredibly unlikely that a doctor would not take you seriously based on what you've written above, all of which it is also important to tell to your GP.  With the level of anxiety you're talking about, it would be a good idea to think about seeing a psychologist also to talk this through and work out some coping strategies.

It sounds from what you've written as though you have an intense fear of not being taken seriously. Does that sound right?

[pipsy]

Hi youngmummy.  Lynda's my name.  You poor thing.  You're crying out, but can't make yourself heard.  As Jess said, I would let your hubby make the call, ask him if he would be prepared to go with you.  Jess is 100% right with all she says too.  Your Dr may arrange for you to take anxiety/depression test to see where exactly you are with your feelings.  He may also prescribe medication for you.  If he does, there are a couple of questions to ask that might help alleviate your anxiety levels elevating.  You need to ask about possible side effects (what to expect), how long they may last, how long roughly before you start to feel any benefit from the medication.  Also what to do if you do have side effects.  Don't be scared to ask questions, the Dr can only help you if you are prepared to help him.  Ask if hubby can actually accompany you into the Dr's (if hubby wants to), sometimes when we feel really anxious and nervous (first time visit), we don't always digest everything we're told.  If hubby or someone else you trust goes with you, they will be able to help you if you don't remember something the Dr tells you.  Take it one step at a time, and if you're not happy with the Dr, you can always go to another Dr for a second opinion.       

[White_Rose]

Dear Youngmummy

Hello and welcome. You have already taken a huge step by writing here on BB. Congratulations. Both Pipsy and Jess have urged you let your husband make an appointment for and now I make the third person to say this. Ask your husband to sit in on the consultation. As Pipsy said, you can easily forget something you really wanted to ask. I also suggest you write down your concerns. No need to make a long story, just make a list of notes about what you need to say about yourself, which is pretty much what you have written above, and any questions you want to ask.

No decent doctor will tell you that you are a drama queen. I can see you are nervous about going but also that you are determined to get to the bottom of this. That's fantastic.

Please keep in touch here if it helps and we would love to know how you go with the doctor if you want to tell us.

Mary

[Aspirant]

This post feels like it almost could have been written by me. I have struggled with anxiety for years and am trying to will myself to make that first GP appointment. Any minor social interaction gives me significant anxiety, so the thought of something as important as a GP visit is crippling me.