Seeking Treatment

[r_pratt94]

Hi everyone,

I have just had the biggest panic/anxiety attack I've had and I've also been suffering with depression for years... I think it's finally time to do something about it.
I'm absolutely terrified of going to see someone about it. I have only spoken to my boyfriend about how I'm feeling but I feel he doesn't understand.  I don't know how to tell my family that I would be seeking treatment as I feel like they would flip out.

I don't know how to go about talking to a professional as anytime I even think about how I'm feeling I start crying, let alone trying to talk to someone about it.

Can someone please help me?
How did your first times go? What can I do to feel less nervous about it?

Thank you

[Mbuna]

Hey R.Pratt

This is a big step you are taking so it is only natural to be a little scared and apprehensive. It took me a long time to seek the help I needed. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner. Its not easy dealing with this stuff yourself. I can only encourage you to take the first step and get help.

There are a number of ways you can seek help. You can go and see your GP. Let them know your symptoms. The GP can refer you to a psychologist or counselor. You can look for local psychologists/ counselors in your area and book direct. You can also use this website to find help. Click the "Get Support" button on the top left.

You say your boyfriend does not really understand. Don't be too hard on him because its not easy to understand depression if you have not had it. As long he is supportive that's all you can really hope for from him at the moment. Once you have found someone that you are happy to talk with, they may recommend getting him to come to a session.

There is no real reason to tell your family at all if you think it would worry them. Try not to treat this as such a big deal. You are going to see someone because you don't like the feelings you are having. You don't have to come out and tell the world you have depression. If you had the flu or some other sort of illness you would go and see your GP. You would probably not even think about telling your parents. If you want to keep it private then that's OK.You can always tell your parents later on if you need to. The professional you speak too may even be able to help you explain this to your parents without them flipping out. .

I cant tell you how your first time is going to go because I don't know you that well. The best way to get over feeling nervous about it is to actually do it. Once you get there you will find that the person sitting over the other side of the room is a normal person just like you and I. You will probably find them warm welcoming and willing to listen to you without judgement. Once the first visit is over you are likely to wonder what all the stress and fuss was about. I know I was very nervous on my first visit. At the end of it, I felt like a large weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I found having someone to talk to about how I was feeling to be beneficial. I always went home feeling a lot better after my visits

I know you are scared at the moment. If you are suffering from anxiety then this is probably not helping you make the decision. Its ironic that the anxiety sometimes stops us making the decisions to get better because we worry too much about the future. I have spoken to a lot of people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Most of them were nervous about getting help but none of them have told me they regretted it. Hopefully this has helped you. If you have any questions, the people on this forum are always willing to help. Don't be a stranger and let us know how you go.

Kind Regards

Mbuna