How do you know when to seek GP help re anxiety?

[rhubarbandpear]

I feel like I am struggling day to day. My overriding thought each morning is to just get through the day. I am reliant upon alcohol and have been for years. I haven't formed any real friendships as an adult (or many as a child in fact). I just feel inferior to everyone else and feel anxiety in every situation unless I am with those who are very close to me. It has affected my life in every aspect- forming relationships etc and particularly my career. I come across as "incompetent" when I know in myself I am capable of doing the job but there is something inside me stopping me from being the person I want to be, not just in my career but my personal life too.

I don't know if my anxiety is "enough" to seek GP help- I don't know if there is anything they can do for me. I don't even know if there is definitely something they can address, or if I am just inclined to being dramatic! How do you know when to ask for help re anxiety? Any advice appreciated x

[gamerchick]

When it interferes with your life and living.

I think you should go to your gp. I use betablockers, marvellous things they are.

[NotGonnaAnswerThePhone]

Why dont you speak with your GP about your problems with alcohol? This could be the root of your problems.

He may suggest counselling for you. Either way I do think you owe it to yourself to seek help and advice.

I used to suffer with crippling anxiety and am now taking Citalopram, doesn't work for everyone but it certainly takes the edge off.

I would definitely suggest speaking to him.

You could also try this online self help programme. It includes cognitive behaviour therapy x

[PacificDogwod]

You know when it's limiting your life.

You know.
Make an appointment and be as honest when you see your GP as you are being here.

[228agreenend]

If you need to ask the question, then it's time to book an appointment. If you weren't bothered by your levels,of anxiety and/or had strategies to cope with them, then you wouldn't be asking.

Go and see your go. He/she will be able to advise you, and and help,you.

[rhubarbandpear]

Thanks all for your comments.

I will go speak to a GP, I just don't know where to start or what to say. :(

[Theoscargoesto]

There is a great website called Docready. Please google it: the idea is that it helps young people to know where to start when visiting a doctor to talk about mental health issues, but it's just as relevant for adults. And you prepare a checklist so if you get into the surgery and are tongue-tied, you can hand it over to the doctor.. you deserve to have help, op.

[britmodgirl]

Going to the doctor is difficult for an anxious person, I used to write some notes of what I wanted to get across.
Think of the following:
When do you feel the worst?
In the mornings/at night?
How long have you felt like this?
What triggers it? - eg going to supermarket
What symptoms do you get?
What have you done to help?
How long you have been drinking to help?
How many units?

Tell them how you feel - fed up with being anxious!
Tell them what you want help with

For many years I went to dr and just cried and got fobbed off whilst suffering dibilitating anxiety.

I now get the help and have built up my confidence over the years

Good luck x

[Time4adrink]

I'm a first time poster but I had to respond... PLEASE go to your GP. I left it so long that I was seriously ill by the time I called. My GP was brilliant and got me the referral I needed. There's lots that can help, everyone is different. I take citalopram and I've had CBT and psychotherapy. Mindfulness can be helpful too. PLEASE do it first thing, they've seen it before, they will be able to help. Good luck! x