Anxiety - worth going to GP if I don't want drugs?

[MiaSparrow]

I've got a real fear of being fobbed off but I've been through a series of pretty high-drama things over the last few years, (miscarriage, violent mugging, DP on witness protection in a murder case when I was pregnant, traumatic birth of DD) none of which I got any help with at the time.

And on top of it all DD has been a crap sleeper and I feel like I have't had a proper night's sleep in three years. Although I see a link between some of these things it feels like I'm just anxious for no reason. I have such a lovely life now with no financial worries - amazing new job, I love DP and DD so much... I just can't relax. Ever. It's driving me mad.

If I go to GP, I'm really not into the idea of medication - anyone had any experience of NHS counselling or talking therapies for treating anxiety? Any success stories?

I used to be such a happy-going laid back person and this just isn't me.

Thanks! xx

The GP can refer you to a counsellor you don't have to have medication. They can also recommend exercise therapy (but its making time for this isn't it?) Are you getting better sleep now?

Thanks for speedy reply! No, the really stupid thing is that DD is sleeping much better but I'm the one up at 3, 4, 5am now like it's become a habit. It's beyond frustrating!

Hmm, I might go and see anyway and ask about waiting lists. No, I'm freelance so nothing like that through work.

I definitely suffered PTSD after having DD but it was just so crippling I couldn't talk to anyone about it, and my HV was crap.

I'm so shit at asking for help - I missed out on compensation for the mugging because I only went to the GP once and that was for the physical side of things.

I see an NHS counsellor at my gp, she's brilliant, there was a waiting list first of all but now I can have appts every 2 weeks if I book them in advance ie at that appt I'll be booking the one after next iyswim

My councillor is fab. It's taken ages to see her( referred in Feb) but she said that quite often anxiety and depression go hand in hand. There's homework involved with CBT like writing down what really makes you twitch or frought and other triggers. She also said its common for emotionally strong people to be more effected because they tend to have to cope with other people's anxiety. They force their fears onto you and use you as a proxy therapist. Because we are so busy propping others up we neglect our own emotional health and find it very difficult to discuss our own problems. My sister is a CBT and most of her clients are on low dose citilapram as am I. I didn't want medication but after only 3 months for the first time in 3 years I feel like 'me' again. Your body and mind is basically saying 'this far,no further' at least for a little bit.

I had NHS talking therapy when DH was in the Falklands last year and when he was really ill and almost died in 2009; truly did keep me out of the mire.

Thank you NHS.