What's it like speaking to a professional for the first time?

[PetaRina]

I really want to talk to someone, and I've been trying to for months, but every time i call or email to make an appointment i get too scared and cancel, or i ring and then say nothing and hang up. 

I think i have anxiety, but i kind of feel like i'm going crazy so i want to talk to someone sooner rather than later but i'm just too nervous.

I guess i'm lucky i have all these avenues available like headspace, or uni counsellors or a gp, but which one is best to go to? which one will be the least awkward? I couldn't think of anything worse than sooking to a stranger for an hour and i don't know how beneficial it'll be, if it's actually worth it.

Is it uncomfortable? I'm worried i'll be too scared to speak, or start crying, or not say everything or screw it up somehow. What is it like for others? Did it work for you (excluding those who were given prescriptions from whoever they saw) did it actually help you at all?

[geoff]

dear PetaRina, hello and nice to have the opportunity to talk with you.

I'm sure that what you have said does happen with the majority of people going to see a doctor or counsellor for the first time.

Headspace has a lot of information on the net which you could read about, and seeing the uni counsellor could also help in giving you advice, but I would suggest that you make a booking to see your doctor, and don't worry I was petrified when I first went to see her, and she was also a psychologist, and yes I cried, but they know and understand what depression does to anybody, and are always sympathetic, because it's their job to help you and not judge you.

Your doctor will be able to prescribe any medication for you, while the other two you mentioned won't be able to, plus he/she will then set up a mental health plan, which entitles you to 10 free visits to see a psychologist.

There is also the tendency to feel nervous even after years of counselling when you have an appointment, but that's only natural.

The main point is that we get consumed by this illness and seem to want to bury all our thoughts to ourselves, but this will never help you, because we all need help and definitely support, and if you trust and want someone to go with you then that's a great option, but please I hope that you do, and let us know how you get on. Geoff. x

[Cherpieus]

Hi PetaRina,

I agree with Geoff in that a GP is the best place to start. Try not to be concerned about them recommending medication - if this is your first stint of anxiety then they may just make a referral to a counsellor or psychologist. 

First appointments are always the hardest. It can be really hard to explain your situation and how you're feeling. What has helped me is to write out what you think is relevant to discuss and take that with you. Sometimes I get so upset I can hardly speak and I shut down. If it's written down then I can give that to the dr and that gives me a chance to settle down. It is embarrassing but you have to be honest and open to someone otherwise things could get worse.

Couple of other suggestions... once you've made an appointment, arrange for a friend to take you. They don't need to know what it's for if you don't want and they don't have to come in with you but at least if you've got someone arranged to take you then if you're tempted to cancel the appointment you'd also have to cancel your friends time as well. Also what helps me in actually going back to a second appointment is to make it as soon as the first is done. Don't leave it to call at another time.

Let us know how you go.

Cherpieus.