Need Help In Discussing Problems to Professional?

[Alznth]

Hi.

Since I can't ask for recommended practitioners due to the forum rules - I'd instead like to ask everyone what their advice would be as to what avenue I should go down.

I've seen counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists over the last...10 or so years. I'm open to medication (as that has worked the best) but not keen on CBT (because I've never found it useful). What I find extremely difficult is that most of the people I see often start out with questions like "what do you want to discuss?". Part of my problem is that I can't understand how my anxiety works and there is...nothing that I can think to discuss? I sort of want someone that knows the questions to ask to understand what is going on and then offer suggestions to manage it, if that makes any sense?

I get too anxious and uncomfortable to volunteer the information myself right off the bat and it's been a huge hurdle when seeking help. Is there are particular practitioner I should preference based on this? Is a psychologist, psychiatrist, gp or just a counselor better for that type of questioning/support?

There is so much information on what treatment and support is available but I don't know what I need so...that makes it kind of difficult. And it's hard on my wallet to constantly be 'trying out' new people. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[JessF]

Hello Alznth, I'm wondering whether (particuarly as you are on a budget) that it might be helpful for you to do some reading on anxiety and how it works. There are so many great books available that allow you to do 'self-directed' help, and could probably answer many of your questions. Once you've felt you've got a better understanding of how anxiety works, then you may find it easier to formulate questions for a professional... or you may not even need to see a professional.

The Happiness Trap is a good non-CBT book you might want to look at. There's also many many threads here on the forum that you might find useful too. We've all had years of experience in dealing with the twin beasts of anxiety and depression, so you might find that asking your questions here could yield some good answers.

[Quercus]

Hi Alznth,

Thank you, thank you a thousand times for your post! You've just managed to put into words exactly what I'm struggling with but wasn't sure how to communicate.

I'm supposed to talk to my psychiatrist at the next appointment about the kind of therapy I'd like to try. He said gone are the days where the doctor just tells you what to do. He wants me to be empowered to make my own choices and be invested in my own health. But to someone who isn't a medical practitioner and doesn't really know why I'm feeling this way I have no idea where to begin either.

Also, sometimes the more options and opinions that I read the more overwhelmed and anxious and indecisive I get.

Sorry that this isn't really helping you I just wanted you to know you're not alone.

I found sometimes it was easier to write my feelings and issues out in dot points and hand it over at the start of the session. At least then I wouldn't spend the session skirting around what the real problems were (and the psychiatrist had more of an insight into what was going on in my head and could ask questions that would actually get me talking). It might be worth a try.

Take care of yourself and I hope you can get some help and relief soon!