GP appointment - anxiety

[namechange2468]

I have finally plucked up the courage to go to the GP about my anxiety. Having been on numerous occasions with physical symptoms, I really want to talk about my mental health - I think this is where most of my physical symptoms stem from.

I'm really nervous about going. I don't know what to say and think the GP will think I am a complete hypochondriac. And what can he do anyway? I can't see that I will ever get 'better'.

Most of my problems are health-anxiety related - I am convinced I have various fatal illnesses. But I am also prone to phobias and general anxiety.

I don't know what I'm asking really. I suppose, is it worth going? Can I be helped? I keep convincing myself that I am fine, but these negative thoughts are in my head all day. I just think I could feel so much happier.

Sorry for rambling.

[SnowyMouse]

It can help to write down what you want to say, you can always hand that over to the dr if it's too hard to talk.

[namechange2468]

That's a good idea snowy - I know I will cry.

[dizzydollie]

Hi Namechange, firstly sending you hugs!!

Ok well I was in the same position as you earlier this week. I have had anxiety on and off for years but bury it away and plough on. It bites you on the bum - honest.

Just be truthful, they won't say you're daft. Theres no magic wand but you know that.

They can offer you counselling or meds or even a combo of both - you will (or shpuld not be) turned away with nothing.

In the meantime why not check out some apps? I use a mindfulness one that's really relaxing. I'm around if you ever need a chat xxx

[namechange2468]

Thank you 'dizzy'. I will have a look at some mindfulness apps - I have heard of it, but never really knew what it was!

Did your appointment go well? Do you feel relieved to have gone?

[dizzydollie]

Hello! Oh I am a bag of nerves haha! I am relieved I said something - but my gp knew anyway. He said he thinks I will always have some form of anxiety/depression so we need to plan long term. Made me freak out a little but I need to face up to things.

As for your hypochondria - I felt like that but was actually diagnosed with fibromyalgia, guess what a symptom of that is - anxiety!!.

So my gp has suggested citalopram 10mgs a day and amytriplline at night for my pains. I confess I haven't taken them yet - google freaks me out!! I told my gp this and he told me off xxx

[dizzydollie]

Mindfulness is handy as you're supposed to think "in the moment" so you're not planning ahead (I dunno about you but I can have a whole doomed day planned out in my head before its happened!) xx

[namechange2468]

Thanks again dizzy, I really hope it works for you.

I think that's the scary thing; you can't just take a magic pill to fix it! They come with their own problems...

I will definitely have a look at the mindfulness app- I need to stop worrying about what's going to happen next week/month etc and enjoy the 'now'.

[dizzydollie]

Did you go to your gp? xx

[namechange2468]

Not yet - appointment is Monday.

Busy weekend and hopefully not too much time to think!

I'll let you know how I get on x

[dizzydollie]

I know how that goes! Well don't be a stranger, if you feel anxious please don't feel alone xx

[namechange2468]

Hi dizzy - I went today and the appointment went well, I have such a lovely GP.

He has referred me for CBT, but decided to hold off medication for the time being.

Not sure how long the wait will be, several months I suspect.

Take care of yourself x

[ObsessInPhases]

Hello x

I feel I have anxiety too and it leaves me in a daze, I don't know whether to go to the doctors either incase they fob me off or say I'm wasting their time :'( please read my thread "don't know whether to see a doctor", I feel lost :(

[wfrances]

go and see your gp
anxiety needs to be diagnosed as it could be a symptom of something else
meds, anaemia, thyroid ect..
in my case gp referred to mental health team who then decided i needed to see a psychiatrist.
in my mums case gp started her on anti depressants straight away .
so its different for everone.

[dizzydollie]

Hi Namechange!

Aww I'm glad you went and the gp was supportive. Let me know how you are xxx

Wfrances is totally right, my diagnosis of fibromyalgia only came after multiple bloid tests and physical examinations to rule out anything else - unfortunately anxiety/depression are symptoms of fibro.

Obess I'm looking for your thread xx