Going to gp to talk about anxiety. No idea where to start.

[Runawaytrain]

I am a long time poster but nc for this post.
I have suffered with different types and levels of anxiety for most of my life and have hid it well but I'm struggling to cope with it at the moment.
I have a gp appointment in an hour but I don't know where to start.
I'm not even sure what I want out of the appointment. I'm not sure about Meds and don't know if I'm ready for counselling.
Just feeling a bit lost and could do with some hand holding.

[acasualobserver]

When the doctor asks why you're there, say exactly what you wrote in your OP. Take it from there.

[Runawaytrain]

Thanks. It sounds so logical written down but I'm not sure it will come out of my mouth. I'm afraid I'll panic and end up a blubbering mess.

[Dragongirl10]

please don't worry about breaking down, the Doctor will be sympathetic he/she will have seen hundreds of people suffering from this and know how to help you.

hand holding...x

[IcedVanillaLatte]

I hope it goes well.

If you just say you've been having trouble with anxiety, they'll pick it up from there and know what questions to ask. They might ask how often you get anxious, what it feels like when you do, and how long it's been going on. There are lots of things they can offer for you to try.

[Buddahbelly]

I did just this 2 weeks ago, I suffer mostly from social anxiety and now aged 36 and suffering from it since I was at least 14 I decided no time like the present to get over it and get my life back.

I just told him how i felt, even cried a bit and he was lovely about it, gave me a tissue and explained a few bits to me, mine will be different from yours as I get mostly anxious when I have to go out to a new place, or especially in a group of people, it doesn't happen all the time, but for the rare occasions he prescribed me beta blockers. Ive still not been brave enough to get the prescription yet.

He also gave me a number for some counselling. I have called them and they are sending out an appointment for me in the next week or so.

I honestly think anyone suffering this and reaching out for help is amazing and already a few steps in. This has messed up 20 + years of my life. I refuse to let it take anymore. good luck at the doctors.

[Lottapianos]

Exactly what acasualobserver said. I saw a GP a few years ago for similar reasons and was petrified. He was lovely though, listened, asked me some questions and got me to complete a short questionnaire about how anxious I had been feeling in the past month. He offered me anti depressants and I accepted, but don't be forced into going down that road if you don't want to. What I would say about meds, they gave me a bit of breathing space when I felt I just could not cope any longer. They were not a long term answer for me, but I had 6 months of feeling stable and experiencing emotions with a 'normal' range rather than feeling like I was going crazy.

What are your concerns about counselling? Ultimately, psychotherapy was the answer for me, along with general self care and learning how to go easy on myself

[acasualobserver]

How about reading it out then? Explain first that you're worried you won't make sense otherwise. Essentially, I think, you've only got to say enough to begin the conversation.

[IcedVanillaLatte]

I've broken down in tears in front of doctors more times than I'd have liked to. It's fine. Happens aaaaall the time :) Health can be a very emotionally difficult thing so GPs have lots of experience with people feeling upset.

[Amethyst81]

The GP will be so used to this, there are so many people with anxiety out there its just not spoken widely about. You could ask him about suitable medication and whether there are any local support groups or counselling session available. Good luck I'm sure it will be fine

[HeyNannyNanny]

Write yourself a little list of things that concern you. It doesn't have to be long.
I did this last time I visited the GP about my anxiety and it helped massively as even though I got flustered and forgot what I wanted, I had the list.
You can always just hand it over too.

[IcedVanillaLatte]

In fact, one time I cried for over an hour with two of the practice's GPs in the room with me (had just got a diagnosis I didn't want) and they were lovely about it. Can't vouch for the waiting-room full of people whose appointments I'd run into though.

[Runawaytrain]

Thank you so much I feel better going after reading your posts.
Thank you buddah, I'm glad you are getting help. I suppose the first steps are always the hardest.
I'm concerned about dragging up things I really don't want to drag up in counselling really. I know my mental health is down to a lot of my past and I'm not lsuren if I'm strong enough to take all of it on at the minute but I feel like I can't carry on like this any longer either.

[Runawaytrain]

Not sure *

[Lottapianos]

'I'm concerned about dragging up things I really don't want to drag up in counselling really'

That's understandable. Counselling does involved opening up the big box of shit and sorting through it, and it can be very exhausting and scary, and can make you feel much worse before you feel better. However, you do have the support of a trained professional while you do it, so you're not facing it alone. Like you, my mental health issues are due to past experiences, rather than having an organic cause like a chemical imbalance. Seeing the GP is a step forward. Maybe if they offer you contact details for a counselling service, take it and then you can contact them when you're ready. I held onto my ADs prescription for about 2 months before I actually went out and picked up the pills from the pharmacy. Move forward at your own pace

[BabyHaribo]

This is me next week.

I thought I might make a bullet point list of how I'm feeling - although that seem hard!

Come bank and let us know how it went.

Well done for being brave, half of me wants to cancel my appointment

[Assamassa]

Snap. I've had counselling offered by the gp but it was CBT & just didn't work. I was meant to be starting anothervround this morning but had a terrible panic attack & couldnt get on the bus. I think psychotherapy would be useful but its not available on the NHS. I took ad's for a while but I piled on weight and felt awful. Im thinking of going back and asking for Prozac which is a different kind of ad i believe. hope it goes well for yoi

[Runawaytrain]

Thank you I am just getting ready to leave. Hopefully I can bring myself to go in. I will come back and let you all know how it goes.
Thanks for sharing everyone, it's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling like this.

[MermaidTears]

I really do wish you luck. But hope you have a better experience. I have been on two separate occasions for what I'd describe as life affecting anxiety and have been given a leaflet. Both times.

[Runawaytrain]

Just back from doctors and feeling really positive.
She asked me a lot of questions and I ended up breaking down and having a little cry. We spoke about CBT and medication and I agreed I was happy to try both.
She has referred me for CBT and put me on some Meds in the meantime.
Having blood works done also to rule out any underlying issues to the fluttering feeling in my heart as a precaution.
The Dr was fabulous and told me that she had suffered with anxiety and made me feel really comfortable and at ease. Really just so glad I went.

[acasualobserver]

That's great. Well done for getting started and good luck with it all.

[Runawaytrain]

Thank you.

[Rainatnight]

Well done you. Hope it all gets better from here.

[Lottapianos]

Good for you OP. Be proud of yourself

[harderandharder2breathe]

I'm really glad it went well

You should be very proud of yourself, it's very hard to ask for help but you did it

[Runawaytrain]

Thanks everyone. She said the wait for CBT is pretty long as expected but I feel better for getting the ball rolling.