Convince me not to back out

[IneedcoffeeinanIV]

I very recently posted about potential post natal PTSD. I'm going to the doctors tomorrow to book an appointment and I feel physically sick about it and I'm trying so so hard not to back out. I know I'll need to give the receptionist a brief reason for the appointment and I'm just like ? I have no idea what to say to them, I don't want to sound mental but I also don't want it to not sound urgent. I've had 7 panic attacks in the past few days so I really need to see someone but I'm so scared and I don't know why. Can someone please convince me I'm doing the right thing and to stop being a baby

You aren't being a baby, you are scared and nervous but you are taking the right steps for you and your family.

For the receptionist, i would simply say you have been suffering panic attacks and its really quite urgent that you speak to a doctor.

Good luck and well done on taking these steps to help you feel more like yourself again

You’re definitely not being a baby. Even admitting to yourself that you need help is a big and brave step, so you should be proud of yourself for that already.

Please don’t worry about the receptionist thinking you’re mental - they aren’t there to judge you, but I understand how you’re feeling. If you just say to them you want to speak to the doctor as you’re concerned about post natal PTSD, that should be enough. Or if it makes it less daunting, have it written down and pass it to the receptionist. Do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel most comfortable.

If it makes you feel any better, when I was suffering with stress/ anxiety, I went for an unrelated routine nurse appointment and was crying so much the receptionist came over to ask if I needed to speak to the doctor. I had my nurse appointment and as she asked me a standard question I cried with renewed vigour so asked if the offer to speak to the doctor was still available. They managed to fit me in that day and to be able to say how I was feeling out loud to someone who could signpost me to help made me feel a massive sense of relief.

You can do it!!

Sorry you're feeling like that and well done for getting help.
Agree with pp, just tell receptionist you're having frequent panic attacks and suffering with anxiety.

Write on a piece of paper so you do not have to say out loud 'I need to speak to a GP about urgent postnatal mental health concerns, the rest I will only discuss with the doctor'.

The receptionist has no right to any more detail.

Thank you all. I've made a list and I've said it all out loud a few times to sike myself up. I'm an overthinker at the best of times so it's not too helpful in this situation for me. I'm just hoping I'll go in, give the reception a brief reason, they'll be lovely and helpful and will book me in for an appointment the same day and the doctor will be nice and validate me and then I can just concentrate on getting better instead of concentrating on booking a bloody appointment

Well done for taking positive steps to get help.

I've been where you are and it isn't a good place to be, so I can feel for you.

Just say that you have been suffering from anxiety and need to speak to the Dr.

Good luck - you can do this. x

Thank you. Everyone on here has been so reassuring and it's greatly appreciated. My DP is supportive but it's sometimes easier having word vomit to impartial people. I just hope they can help. My intention is so extend my current sick note for a few more weeks to get myself back into a good state of mind (or as good as I can). My DDs 1st birthday is coming up which I think has triggered it all due to a traumatic birth (same happened with DD1 but had a hematoma with her but lost more blood with DD2)

What everyone else has said.

Also you can just tell the receptionist it's about your mental health, you don't need to be specific (unless you feel at risk to yourself or others in which case tell them)

you've got this

Do receptionists ask for/need a reason? I've never been asked. If needed, perhaps:

"I have severe post-natal mental health issues"

OP, hope you get to your appointment and can start your road to recovery. Best wishes xx

Congratulations on making the first step - asking for help.

If you can't say it then write it down and when asked the reason for the appointment give them the list.

Anyone with an ounce of sympathy will accept that.

I did it! It was a telephone appointment which threw me off but I wrote my list down on paper instead of my notes on my phone so I didn't forget anything. I was sweating absolutely tons but managed to say everything and I was so proud. They said it sounds like it could be PTSD and my trauma is my trauma so not to be so hard on myself. They've given me some beta blockers and increased some anxiety meds and they're going to extend my sick note for me. Still feeling horrid but much better now I've gotten it out of the way

Well done - you did brilliantly :)

Beta blockers do help with anxiety so fingers crossed for you.

Absolutely be proud of yourself!

@ComeTheFckOnBridget Thank you so much. It's such a weight off of my mind. Now I'm gonna spend the next few weeks making myself a priority when I can and making sure DDs 1st birthday is a lovely celebration and not a scary memory