How do you get the courage to see a professional?

[feelingblue12]

Hi everyone

For most of this year, I've been feeling like life is pointless. I overthink everything that happens and every word that I or someone else says. Anything mildly negative and I assume the person doesn't like me or is annoyed by me. I feel like life is against me and it's making it hard to find enjoyment in anything anymore. I think I have anxiety and depression and I really want to get help so I can go back to a normal life, but at the same time, I feel selfish for feeling like I do when there are so many other people that have things worse than me.

How do you get the courage to speak to a doctor? We only moved to the area a couple of years ago and I don't have a doctor I feel like I trust yet. It took me months to work up the courage to tell my boyfriend of 5 years so telling a doctor that I don't know seems impossible.

Appreciate any help you can give.

Lilly

[Doolhof]

Hi Lilly,

Welcome to the community here. Everyone has their own issues, it does not mean that one person has more of a right to help than others, it just means to me the requirements might be different.

I would like to suggest that you Google a Depression and an Anxiety check list and if possible print them out. Not everything that you feel is relevant to you and add your own ideas and beliefs. Take this list to the Dr with you and give it to them to read.

When you call to make an appointment with the Dr ask for a double appointment so you have more time to chat with the Dr. The receptionist does not need to know why. On the other hand, I have asked the receptionist if they can recommend a Dr. in the centre who has an interest in mental health. Some centres have this information on a website as well, so check that out.

If possible, ask your boyfriend to join you in waiting for the appointment. He doesn't have to go in with you, just be there for support.

If that is not possible, I like to go for a walk after the appointment to help clear my head a little.

The sooner you have a chat to the Dr. the sooner you will have an idea what you are dealing with and will know how to help yourself.

There is a lot of information on the beyondblue site about mental health issues. I also borrow books from the library. The more I learn about myself the better I am able to cope and change things.

Please feel free to ask any questions you like. We are not professionals here, but a group of people with various experiences who may be able to offer you some suggestions.

Cheers to you from Dools

[Summer Rose]

Hi feelingblue12

Welcome to the bb forum and thank you for sharing your story. Dools has given you excellent practical advice. I can't add much, except to say ...

When you feel the doubts rising and your courage fading about reaching out to your GP, ask yourself: What's the alternative?

I suspect the answer is to continue suffering and feeling the way you do. It doesn't have to be that way.

There is help available and with the right treatment most people experiencing anxiety and/or depression recover. Remember your GP is experienced. You will not shock him/her. Everything will be kept confidential.

If you want to, you can use this forum to get through the process of getting into the doctor's office and beyond. There are many people here to support you.

Kind thoughts to you.

[blondguy]

Hello Lilly

Thankyou for being a part of the forum family.....and for having the courage to post too!

Dools (the poster above) has provided sound advice for you...You are very proactive by placing your health first Lilly. Whether or not you 'need' to see a GP isnt really the point.You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by making a double appointment and letting a GP know how you feel!

Sometimes when we are feeling this way its always a huge bonus to have the support of our doc....it doesnt really matter what GP you choose as they are there to listen and not to judge and your privacy is paramount too

Here is the copy & paste link for the K10 Anxiety and Depression Checklist

www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

you are not alone Lilly....I hope you can post back when its convenient for you 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Chloe_M]

Hi there Lilly

Welcome to the forum family! We are here to help you 🙂

So a bit of background... I'm 14, have a bunch of anxiety disorders, depression and a weird mania disorder that I don't want to talk about.

Getting up the courage to ask for professional help is a big thing. In fact, my thread is actually called 'advice for seeking professional help' with a bunch of trigger warnings afterwards. I started it earlier this year when I was faced with the same problem as you- gaining the confidence to speak with someone you don't know about a very personal subject. I couldn't even talk to my parents. So I happened to come across a very attractive alternative- online chats. As the forums aren't actually professionals, this function, available on beyondblue's website and eHeadspace, as well as some others (kids helpline? I'll have to check that out I'm not sure) was really a big stepping stone in my approach to recovery. The thing about these chats is that it's not face to face, it's online, the only thing they know about you is your age and your name. They can't watch you, it's not as uncomfortable, and as the people on there are actual mental health clinicians, they are less judgmental than a regular GP (in my opinion).

woah, I sound like I'm trying to sell mental health webchats to you. Nice one Chloe 🙄🙄

after talking to a couple of people at eHeadspace and beyondblue, I found I had gained the courage to speak to the school counsellor. Then next came my year advisor. Then all of a sudden my parents were taking me to the GP about my (then) unknown issues. Then the local headspace centre. Then the psychologist I'm seeing now, whom I can openly talk to about anything. Talking comes easy to me, so I guess that once I started I couldn't stop. And I guess that's why I am recovering now.

I think you should at least give it a go. You can also email eHeadspace and beyondblue if real-time chatting is a bit too hard ☺️

Well I hope you have a peaceful nights sleep 🙂

take care

Chloe 😇

[feelingblue12]

Thank you all for your kind messages. I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to get back here.

I finally went to see a doctor a couple of days ago. I was so worried going in and there were a lot of tears but I've been diagnosed and I'm going back tomorrow to work out a treatment plan. I know it's not going to be smooth sailing but at least I know that things are going to get better.

Thanks again

Lilly

[Ggrand]

Hello feelingblue,

I just read your thread here and your last post is such wonderful news, Well done on going to the gp, I know it was so hard to do for you...

The treatment plan is put in place to help you the best way possible., I want to wish you all the good luck that I have and hope that you will start on your journey to wellness soon and that it all goes very well for you..

Please keep us updated on your progress...( only if you want to)..looking forward to hearing back from you....🕊.

Caring thoughts..

Grandy...