Social Anxiety and feeling incapable of seeing a GP

[Aspirant]

I'm 25 and I haven't been to a doctor for anything, physical or mental, for over a decade. Socializing with people I don't know well is difficult for me in relatively easy going situations. So seeing a doctor and talking about everything on my mind feels very intimidating. Even just the act of finding a doctor and calling to book an appointment is frightening. I worry about being taken seriously, I know doctors vary and I worry I won't pick a good one or one that truly understands mental health.

And then I worry about practicalities. My choice is limited to doctors that offer bulk billing. And even minutiae like writing. For a first time visit to a GP I've never been to before I don't know if I have to fill out a form or something. If I have to write infront of strangers my hands shake to the point where my writing is barely legible. When I feel symptoms of my anxiety becoming noticeable to people I become even more introverted and my already poor communication skills get even worse. Which is a problem because I need to communicate complex issues to the doctor.

The above is just a selection of some of the worries that go through my head when thinking about this. And then I think about how I know this is the necessary first step in trying to deal with my mental health problems. And if this step is so hard I have spent years procrastinating about getting it done, then how hard will all the subsequent steps be.

[Lost_Girl]

Hi Aspirant,

There was another lady here who had mobility and financial issues so she was unable to go to a drs office. The BB helpline assisted her in finding a bulk billed psychologist to attend her at home. Perhaps they can assist you in a similar fashion. The BB assistance number is 1300224636. You can be guaranteed that the assistance on this line will understand and be kind and caring while providing assistance.

You could also consider writing down, in advance in your own time, all the things that you want to say to the dr. This way when you do get the visit you can hand them the writing if you find it tough to talk.

Perhaps you could even do this before you call the BB helpline so that way you can read out what you want to ask.

Posting here was a great first step well done you! If you have some specific things you'd like to talk through on the forums you can share some more details and others may be able to help by sharing their knowledge based on their personal experiences.

I hope this helps,

Carol