Should I see a psychologist / psychiatrist?

[Della55]

I don't feel like talking to anyone about my anxiety/ odd way of thinking, because I don't feel like it's real and I'm scared of being told I'm being dramatic or silly. Honestly don't feel safe talking about it to anyone, I'm terrified right now typing this.

Just know my head isn't on straight, I once stared at my front door for minutes arguing about all the reasons I knew it was locked after already checking it 5 times, I get head spins when I get anxious and sometimes just stare into space repeating stupid things over in my head. I feel like every body hates me, they only pretend to be nice and I always feel like I'm being watched, even when I'm completely alone.

Im almost 30 and honestly feel like I'm coping, I challenge my OCD thoughts and be positive when I'm anxious. The Every body hating me and the being watched feeling I can't shake though.

please if you've seen or are seeing a psychologist/ psychiatrist does it help??

[MsPurple]

HI Della and welcome to the BB forums.

For my answer as to whether you should see a psych I'll give you an anicdote and you could see if you get why I'm saying it 🙂 (sorry couldn't think of a better way to word this sentance)

If you had a sore through for a few days and it looked all red and inflamed would you go see the dr? It could be just a cold or it could be tonsilitus or strep through or a random infection. You have had it for a few days nearly a week now and it doesn't feel like it is getting better. Would you go or would you be worried you are wasting the dr time? Yes it could be just a cold and nothing to worry about or it could be an infection needing treatment such as antibiotics. The dr would be glad you came to check it out because they understand that you need to make sure you are getting the right treatment.

I believe we should look at mental illness/anxiety/depression in the same way. If we are unsure, and it isn't getting better, we should go talk to our dr. Have you talked to your dr about this? I suggest you do do because they are the ones to refer you to a psychologist/psychiatrist. If you haven't book in a long appointment or let the reception know when you are booking the appointment it is for a mental health care plan.

I also think maybe watching a video on anxiety may help you. It will help give you a better understanding of it and it will let you know that your thoughts maybe normal for someone with anxiety (well this happened to me, I can't speak on behalf of everyone). I would go onto youtube and look up beyond blue anxiety. They have some good ones there. I would look at the one by the Shed or beyond blue themselves.

I just want you to know you are not alone. I struggled to get help for my anxiety (which I now know as my treatment team told me it was GAD) because I was worried that my thoughts were irrational and they would think I was making it up or being silly. I then got reassured what was happening in my head was anxiety. It was kinda a relieve to now understand what was going on

Hope you look up the videos and they help.

MP

[geoff]

hello Della, firstly can I say to you that although you feel this way there is no reason why you should feel uncomfortable, I have to say this because I too have OCD and had it for 57 years and when I was young I also thought the same way you do, there is nothing wrong with you, it's an illness, OCD is something that a lot of people do have, but too afraid to admit to it.
It is caused by having anxiety and your doctor may prescribe medication which I take and it also helps me with my depression, but it doesn't stop me from doing my habits, whether or not they have decreased I don't actually know, but everyone is different, it may do you the world of good and definitely worth asking your doctor.
The feeling of being watched is exactly right, that's when I decided to not tell anyone, except for my psychologist and started to hide everything I needed to do so that no one could ever tell. There are a couple of links here for you to watch 'https://youtu.be/4SfoS5bZABM' and 'https://youtu.be/AR6k2h9PRzc' and these will then lead onto other videos.
The choice between a psychologist or psychiatrist obviously depends on how you feel, however as you feel uncomfortable about the thought of being watched then I would suggest a psychologist, and I only say this because of my own experience. Geoff.

[Della55]

Thank you, I will definitely check out those links.

[Della55]

Thank you, I will check out a few videos & hopefully get brave enough to talk to my dr.

[startingnew]

hi Della

i see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

i only see my psychiatrist every few weeks now becasue it seems my medications are going ok. these deal with the medications.

i also see a psychologist- these ones are the ones who listen to your sitution and help you figure out ways to cope. having a good rant to one even once a month might do you the world of good.

[Guest_523]

Hi Geoff, Just to chime in, I have that fear of being watched as well and have no idea why.

[Guest_523]

Hi, I have my GP, who had me get the psychologist. But I am most likely ending up with a Psychiatrist in the long run.