Too anxious to seek professional help

[CatPxl]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone else here is too anxious to seek professional help from a doctor or other professional? I've been affecting by a fair few mental illnesses over the years and when I was a bit younger I had my parents to make me go, but now I can't seem to even think about it with out it causing a panic attack. I've booked so many appointments and never gotten to any of them. I was wondering if anyone has been in the same position and how they've fixed it? Or if there are some doctors you can speak to via email before an appointment or something similar? Everything just seems to be getting so much worse lately and I really need to talk to someone but I just can't physically or mentally get past booking an appointment.

[unicornia]

Hello

First up: who doesn't feel anxious about seeing a random stranger? I sure do. Over the past few months, every single appointment I make ends up being cancelled. Why not try kids helpline or headspace? the awesome thing about headspace is that after phoning or web chat, you can visit a center and talk to someone like the one you chatted to online. That's how I've managed anxiety and depression.

[TheSteve]

Hi Cat,

Thanks for reaching out.

Think of this as an opportunity to defy your anxiety, step outside of it, and take action to make YOU better - not to be a slave to IT!

Perhaps the anxiety is telling you it is time for a full "stock-take" on your personal self and situation:

- Am I seeing the right GP, and the right mental health expert? Am I seeing them regularly, or am I stopping once I see initial progress? --> You have provided the answer here, but please, ask yourself the question!
- What am I eating day to day? Am I pursuing a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet? Am I eliminating common allergens (ie: gluten, processed foods, sugars)? Am I eating enough healthy fats, Omega oils, amino acids?
- Am I exercising?
- Am I smiling and laughing? Am I socializing? If not, why not and can I force myself to do so until I feel the physical and mental effects of doing so?
- What medications am I taking? What vitamins am I taking? What vitamins should I be taking?
- Where are my key stressors coming from? What is bothering me? Am I discussing these issues with my mental health professional?

Depression itself, as well as recovery, are journeys of self discovery. You are NOT broken. The human body and mind has an amazing capacity to heal, but we must give it the fuel, the energy, and the attention to do so. It is a process of trial and error. Two terrific books I would recommend you purchase:

The Power of Now (by Eckhart Tolle)
The Ultramind Solution (Dr. Mark Hyman)

Do yourself a solid and invest in these. And get up, defy anxiety, and go and see a mental health expert. I hope the above is helpful, let us know how you are doing.

Steve

[PamelaR]

Welcome to Beyond Blue forums Cat.

You've already received some good support above. Not sure there is much else I can add to help.

Yes, it is difficult talking to strangers, however, if you make regular visits to the same gp, they won't be a stranger. You may need to think about going to them about basic health needs, e.g. flu injection, then perhaps a cold or virus. Build up your relationship with your doctor. Then if you feel okay with them, then start to talk about anxiety.

Before starting on this journey, have a look at the Beyond Blue home page and do a search for Find a professional. See what they have to say and if there's anything that may help you take the first step. Alternatively give Beyond Blue Support Service a call on 1300 224 636 to talk about getting the right gp.

Hope this helps. Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Maxy20]

Steve your message I thought was very helpful, thank you.

It certainly gave me some motivation to be a better be and their is light at the end of the tunnel.

[TheSteve]

Glad to be of help Maxy, thanks for the kind words. This is one of those endeavours, or journeys, which one can simply never give up on. By first understanding deeply that you are NOT broken, you realize you have a foundation from which to re-create and re-birth who you are, and fully optimize your life.

Honestly, it is only from the very painful experiences that we as humans endure, that we can attain the tremendous growth we are capable of.

Steve