Can someone please talk me through seeing the GP about anxiety?

[lifestooshorttt]

I have had really bad anxiety for several years. I think I have generalised anxiety as I am anxious all the time. It is hard to even describe as it feels like it is the very essence of me and affects every single thought I have and every aspect of my day. I am constantly worrying about things, for example, everytime my phone rings my heart skips a beat as I think it is bad news. I also have had panic attacks.

How do I bring this up to my GP? My GP practice uses Ask My GP so it will be as a written message so do I just write "I'm really anxious all the time" on there or go into more depth? I don't know how I will manage to speak to them on the phone or in person about this without crying and that's why I have put it off so long. I'm a very private person and I don't want to talk to my GP about it but I need help so I have no choice.

I would rather go on medication initially rather than therapy, is that something I can ask for? Is there any certain medication I can/should ask for or will my GP know what is best?

I have been diagnosed with GAD (general anxiety disorder)
Fortunately it was before all this covid shit.
I would give examples of when you feel anxious, give examples of when your panic attacks happen.
Obviously not an essay.
Its sad that you haven't sought help before.
Anti depressants tend to be most doctors first go to. In my area they offer a wellbeing service which is all about cbt (cognitive behavioural therapy), which gives you ways to get around anxiety.

Your GP will be so used to it, please don’t worry about crying.

I think you can be fairly brief on Ask My GP. I’d just say you’re suffering from anxiety, it’s affecting your daily functioning and you’d like to discuss treatment options.

There are a number of different drugs you can take, though it’s a good idea to consider therapy too. I personally find exercise and not drinking too much helps but that’s all easier said than done.

Please do get in touch with the GP, you deserve help for this.

Thank you both.

I think I will write on Ask My GP what @Rainallnight said as I think receptionists read it first and then forward it to the GP but I'm not sure. Then I expect I will have a phone call as they are avoiding face-to-face where possible and I will make a bullet point list in advance of some examples.

I think the reason I feel finally ready to seek help is I have had a few stressful life events and it helps me to know there is something I can blame it on if that makes sense even though I know it has been a long-standing issue.

I also have GAD, I have only recently been diagnosed though as I have only just asked for help. In my experience I was put on a short term anti anxiety to break the cycle as when I had eventually called the doctor I was at a really bad point, crying every day and feeling ill etc. The second time (during covid) I was put on another anti anxiety to help me sleep/to take when needed and the doctor recommended I self refer to talking therapies. He never actually reffered me himself so it may be similar for you.

I just wanted to say, please don't worry if you cry. I have both times (and years ago when I was 16 and asked for help) and the doctors never mind.

Thank you for sharing, it helps to know others have been through similar situations.

I do feel a little embarrassed at how bad I have let my anxiety get and how restricted my life is because of it. It's difficult because little everyday things like "I'm not going to drive today as I'm too nervous" turn into not driving at all because of anxiety and before you know it your entire life has been restricted and affected by it.

I completely get what you are saying. In fact, I was too nervous to continue with my driving lessons and used being pregnant with DD as an excuse.. she's 5 now and I never went back. Anxiety becomes such a part of your daily life that there are things I do/don't do that I didn't even realise weren't "normal" they were just me. It's a weird feeling to suddenly realise that other people don't let things rule their life like this. Hope all goes well at the doctors

I would just put 'I am worried that my anxiety is increasing to the point it is impacting a lot on my daily life and I need some help with it'.

First step to getting the help and getting back on track. Good luck.

Some trusts let you self refer online with iapts (assuming you are in england) my gp suggested I self refer, but I could have gone straight to the website.
I hope you get the support you need.