I have had quite severe anxiety for over three years. In that time I have not told anyone.
It comes in waves and phases and at its worst I was waking up in the middle of the night having panic attacks or having nights where I felt like I was on the brink of a panic attack and having to distract myself and stay awake all night. At its best it is just a constant underlying sense of fear and dread over everything. It affects every area of my life and I avoid so many things because of it.
I have tried to open up with family and friends but I am just brushed off as it just being my personality type to worry about everything. I am also a very private person so I struggle to speak about personal things and that is why I have avoided seeing my GP for this long.
However recently I had a health scare. It was a false alarm thankfully but it was a stressful few weeks of waiting. I already had health anxiety and this situation has just amplified it. Before that my anxiety was at the chronic low-level stage but since then I can feel it is ramping up again.
Sorry for rambling. What I mean to ask is to those who have gone to the GP about anxiety, how was your experience? How much detail did you have to go to when explaining your anxiety and what treatments or help was offered? Thank you.