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Going to the doctor for the first time

3 replies

Teladi · 14/10/2015 17:11

I have been feeling anxious a lot for about a month. I have now experienced what I believe are panic attacks as well, so I think I probably need to go and see my GP before things get any worse.

I am feeling scared about this (I feel that way about a lot of things at the moment...!). I plan to write down what I would like to say to the doctor and bring it with me. However I was wondering what questions the doctor might ask me? I think it might help me to feel prepared.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/10/2015 17:22

Hello - its a brave step you are making, but the first step to feeling better.

The Dr may well ask you if you have had thoughts of self harm or suicide (they have to ask). They will probably ask what symptoms you are experiencing regarding the panic attacks. They may (but probably wont) ask what has brought this about.

In terms of treatment, there are lots of options. They may well offer counselling but be prepared for there to be a waiting list. They may also offer medication, depending on your symptoms but they could offer beta-blockers, which will combat the racing heart beat, palpitation type symptoms or they may offer anti-depressants which are also effective for anxiety symptoms too.

Don't be scared to take anti-depressants, they generally have minimal side effects althoguh you can feel a bit rubbish in the first week it does go off and when they start to work, it is amazing to feel human again.

Things you can do to help yourself: Avoid caffeine and sadly, alcohol - both of these trigger my anxiety big time. Keep a diary of things that make you feel anxious - Then maybe try and rationalise it - so you might feel anxious about event X, and worry about it alot, then X happens and it was fine. Focus on how you felt when it was ok. Then think about how anxious you would feel about that situation now (now it is past). What ifs are the biggest trigger for me. Also, try to eat and drink regularly, there is nothing like a low blood sugar to tip me over the edge. Exercise, if you have time! is also very useful and i find that i have turned into forrest gump lately as this really helps me.

Most importantly - don't be harsh on yourself, allow yourself some time when you feel anxiety it can really skew concentration, memory and performance. Just remember that its "only" the anxiety and you are taking steps to regain control.

Good luck x

Teladi · 14/10/2015 21:58

Thank you! That really helped me. I think in reality it will take me a few weeks to psych myself up to go so I will work on what you suggested.

Really, thanks for taking the time. x

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 15/10/2015 22:21

No worries - I hope you manage to get somthing sorted out x

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