Looking for some help...

[Bella95]

Hi there, I am new to all of this. Anxiety is a new concept in my life. Since I was about 13 years old, from when I can remember, I have always felt different. I thought the things I was going through were normal until I had a chat to a friend of mine who suggested I seek help with anxiety. I feel ashamed to seek help and I feel like reaching out is a sign of weakness. I have trouble sleeping and when I do sleep it is very restless, I constantly having hundreds of thoughts going through my mind 24/7 and I always feel on edge about everything. Even when driving to work each morning (which is 5km from my house) I always feel nervous. There are so many things I can list that are going on with me. I get heart palpitations.

I went and saw my GP about a month ago and explained this to her but she told me the heart palpitations are probably a one off and that everyone experiences some form of anxiety. She told me I was fine. I feel as though this isn't the help I should be getting, but I feel embarrassed speaking about it to my family and my GP and I always break down crying.

I need some advice on what to do and who I should go and see about this? I feel lost and confused.

[pipsy]

Hi Bella. Welcome to the forums. Reaching out is where you get the strength to fight the depression which almost consumes us. Your Dr sounds less than helpful. Anxiety/stress can be frightening and can cause heart palpitations or rapid beating. Can I ask why you feel so anxious, is it something in particular or everything in general? If you feel generally anxious, I think seeing a different Dr for some guidance would benefit you. With driving to work, are you driving through heavy traffic, this can be scary and can cause blood pressure to elevate, causing the heart to palpitate. Try and make an appointment with another Dr, you need help and you should be able to see a Dr without being told 'it's nothing to worry about'. Not sure of your age, but if you feel you want to see a Dr alone this is allowed as once you reach a certain age, confidentiality between you and the Dr comes into being. You can always phone BB's helpline for reassurance and guidance. Please don't try to fight this alone, getting help makes you stronger. Our counselors will guide you with Dr's who are prepared to listen and help.

Lynda

[BballJ]

Hi Bella95,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Being someone who also suffers from anxiety and has for over 10 years, one thing I have learn't is finding the right help is hard and the first thing I want to clarify is reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but actually a sign of strength, someone who has enough strength to muster up the courage to ask for help is one of the strongest people you will meet, you just don't know it or feel it yet.

Like Lynda said above, your GP doesn't sound helpful at all and I would be trying to go and see another one, maybe a call to the Beyond Blue helpline on 1300 224636 who may be able to suggest one for you, or having a search on google for doctors in your area who specialise in mental health.

My best for you,

Jay

[Verita]

It does feel embarrassing when we need to ask for help and i have spent my whole life(im now in my mid 30's) struggling with anxiety OCD and felt very embarrased or ashamed to ask for help and tried to be strong, it wasnt until my panic attacks became really crippling and i had a small child to look after did i go to the doctor and they organised a counselor for me, ive had a couple of different counselors and the last one was the best fit for me. I think a lot of people get put on medication when really the first step is to have someone to speak to openly, sometimes the burden of carrying around these secret feelings can be greatly reduced by sharing with someone who cares and understands. Once you start being open with your feelings it slowly becomes easier. In saying that i dont share everything with my family, ive used my counsellor maybe one other person and these forums to discuss my issues. If you have someone who is understanding within your family then that is also very helpful.

[Touille]

Hi Bella95,

Welcome to the forum.

We are humans, not super beings, so reaching out for help is a wise thing to do.

3 months ago I couldn't sleep and had very bad anxiety, I visited a doctor and got on anti depressants and felt better gradually, but still couldn't sleep, I visited a better doctor who checked me thoroughly and gave me melatonin pills and I slept straight away, the first time in a good year properly. I feel so much happier now with my anxiety levels low and I'm now slowly going off my anti depressants.

Please see a different doctor until you find the right one, lots of them don't examine people properly

Take Care.

Touille