Problems more serious than you realise?

[Jane321]

So my psychologist told me today, I have severe anxiety and depression with obsessive thinking (I've seen him for a while). But I've always thought my issues are extremely mild. However when he explained his reasoning with me and I thought about it. His diagnosis does make sense. I have a tendency to minimise (?) my problems. Like, I was scared of answering the phone because I was worried it'll be the police and they'd arrest me for ~ a year. And pee in my room because I was too scared to go outside etc (not anymore). I still thought my issues weren't serious.

My point is, no matter how serious the problems get I have a hard time believing(?)/accepting it. Even though rationally, I know something's wrong.

Anyone deal with this too, how did u overcome it. And what was your reaction when u were told u have xxx diagnosis?

[blondguy]

Hi Jane321

Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting too!

Firstly, well done on seeing your psychologist (for a while) and being pro-active enough to do so.

I was in denial when I was 23 and first diagnosed with the same as you. I wasted 13 years of my life 'minimizing' my acute anxiety as well as thinking I could self heal with minimal therapy....Whoops...I was so wrong....The severe anxiety I swept under a rug and 'pretended' it wasnt there. Just for me it became worse until my female GP really had a go at me.....

I could barely work....my sleep was broken and the anxiety attacks became more frequent....

Just to answer your question Jane.....'How did I overcome it'?

• Genuine & Calm acceptance of the anxiety/depression (refer below..)
• Being told that it will last a lifetime...(It doesnt...that was my GP taking the fear out of my acute anxiety)
• Fortnightly/Weekly therapy to help us help ourselves rebuild our foundations for peace of mind
• Medication....I was a jerk and refused this for many years....If the GP thinks its a good idea...go for it!
• Quality sleep....the best healer. Avoid using the mobile phone for at least an hour before sleep as it only increases brain activity when we dont need it.

Dr Claire Weekes was a psychiatrist/author that suffered from severe anxiety.......She wrote great books about 'acceptance' of anxiety/depressive symptoms. Her best seller was 'Self Help for Your Nerves' Still available on the internet.

It does take time and patience but it works 🙂

You are not alone here Jane.

my kind thoughts for you

Paulx