how do you go to the doctors with anxiety/depression?

[notveryinventive]

Hi,

Ive been thinking for a while (a couple of years or so) that I may need to go to the doctors about depression or anxiety (more anxiety). Anyway today I have decided that I really need to go (as a lot of things have come to a head with it being Halloween and Im scared about things unreasonably), but what do I say?

Im worried that when Im there I wont be able to bring it all up right and not say how I really feel. I can describe it better when I write it down. So should I write it down and let him/her read it? Should I just do my best to describe how I feel?

How does it work? Im worried as Ive been feeling like this for a while now, but have a 6 week old DD so worried that he/she will just say its because I have a baby etc. I really dont think it is.

[notnowbernard]

Sorry to hear you're struggling

I think writing it down sounds like a good idea, and also have a go at saying how you're feeling as well. You could start by saying that you've been experiencing symtoms of anxiety (list them) and that it seems to be getting worse

I expect they will want to enquire in a bit of depth about post-natal stuff (and they won't be doing their job properly if they don't). But you can reiterate to them that your symptoms pre-date your pregnancy

Good luck, hope you get the support you need

[paso]

Its horrible feeling like that, i went to the doctors a while back because i knew i was behaving irrationally - excessive hand washing, avoiding certain things etc. - I had put off going because i thought i was going mad and didn't want to admit it. I had no idea i had OCD. Started crying as soon as dr asked me what was wrong, then i was able to tell him the odd things i did and he was brilliant. Just remember they have heard same or similar before and that they are there to help. I over came my OCD and i think once you take that first step and acknowledge you need some help, you feel a bit better because you are back in control, rather than it controlling you. Just make sure they know you've felt like this for a while. Best of luck!