Afraid of medical community

[Whizzbang007]

Hi I am afraid of doctors and the medical community as a whole. I suffer from anxiety, depression,and ptsd, and have a condition that is physical and requires me to be at the go to see someone about once a month. Now I have a thing in my armpit that requires even more time with those that frighten me. I am beside myself with anxiety, flashbacks etc. my gap is good, understanding etc, my psychologist also, but seeing these people is one enormous struggle, every time. Now that I have added to my dr ‘workload’ I feel I am about to explode with the stress of it all. What do I do when getting help requires facing my fears every time and I still can’t get relief from the terror?

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Whizzbang,

Welcome to the forums and thanks so much for joining us. I'm really glad that you're here.

I encourage you to check out our section on trauma here which has lots of other personal stories and also threads on managing flashbacks and triggers - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/ptsd-trauma

There's a lot that comes to mind with suggestions but I'm not sure what would be helpful, because I'm not sure what it is that causes the fears and flashbacks when seeing your GP and Psychologist. It's completely understandable that you don't want to share - but I think managing the flashbacks related to say, an invasive treatment vs. reminding you of a person (all examples) is going to be very different.

Maybe you could let your psychologist know this and get their support for dealing with some of those fears involved? I hope that you can enjoy being apart of the forums here.

rt

[Guest_498]

Hello Whizzbang,

I have the same fear, after being traumatized by both health & mental health care workers. I haven't visited a medical clinic since. I too need counselling for trauma. I understand your trepidation.

[chelsc_lea]

Hi guys. I have official medical history with any mental health. However I am unsure weather this is because I havent built up the courage to go to a gp scince the last time I went which was a couple years ago. I also struggle because the last time I went I ended up having a panic attack in the doctors office and now im too afraid to go again. I feel down a lot and also anxious a lot and I have small panick attacks sometimes aswell. I have only just discoverd this online thing and decided to give it a go, its still scaring me a little to be honest but I feel that its better than coming face to face with somone. I dont know why I am like this but here we are.

ps. Sorry for any spelling mistakes.

[Guest_498]

Hi @chelsc lea, I'm new to this online forum as well. What happened the last time you went to a GP? Did the GP treat you unfairly? I ask because could it be that their treatment towards you lead to your panic attacks and fear? This is what happened to me. I got humiliated and disrespected whilst seeking help for my insomnia. I haven't been able to see any health professionals since.

[chelsc_lea]

Hi @Blueberry.

Im sorry you've been through that. I was not disrespected or treated unfairly as far as I know. The gp is actually my mums docter who has helped her over many years. Thankyou for your thoughts though.

[Guest_498]

Thanks, chelsc lea, so you don't know where your fear stems from? Mine wasn't just the one time, it was by the same clinic with 3 Indian doctors. Their behaviour was unwarranted. If I do ever go to another clinic, I'll be looking for Aussie doctors.

[chelsc_lea]

Na, Dont know where it comes from.

I dont want to be all preachy to you or anything but I think just about the only thing that makes me feel calm when I get worked up is a scripture from the Bible and I would like to share it if its ok with you. Maybe it could bring you comfort aswell.

Its in Isaiah 41:10,13. "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness." 13: "For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the one saying to you, 'Do not be afraid. I will help you.'" This is God saying directly to us that he will help us. The thought of having somone so powerful on my side and helping me, it just about the only thing that makes me feel copletely safe.

I hope this helps you the same way it has me.

[Guest_498]

I will endeavour to refer to these. Hopefully, I may find comfort in its sentiments. Thank you chelsc lea.