How likely is it that they will put me on meds?

[AnxietyStrikes]

Hi,
I have a doctor's appointment for anxiety next week. It's something that I have suffered with my whole life but I didn't really realise how much it was affecting me until I had dd 4 months ago.

It seems to be centred around travelling/leaving the house. I spend days planning the time i will leave what bus I'll get on ect, literally going over and over it in my head. Then I start to get symptoms like a funny tummy and headaches about 2 days before. Them the actually day comes and I'm a nervous wreck, really irritable and snappy at my dp.

It is controlling my whole life now. Having dd has made it 10 times worse because with a 4 month old you can plan and plan all you like but if they decide to do a poo or that they are hungry sometimes you just can't leave on time!

It's got so bad that I just don't leave the house at all. I'm getting depressed and I'm stuck in this house.

My dp persuaded me to get a Dr appointment as he noticed it.

I want to know what my go will most likely do? Put me on meds?

First, you are absolutely doing the right thing going to the GP. Secondly, if they do suggest medication you do not have to accept it right away if you are not ready for it or don't want to.

What they suggest on your first appointment will depend a lot on the gp and also what is easily available in your area in terms of MH support I'm afraid. They may suggest some medication or they may be able to refer you for talk therapies such as CBT. They may offer you both of these. You are perfectly allowed to see what they say and tell them you would like to think about it before committing to a course of treatment.

As PP said, seeing your GP is totally the right thing to do.

You may be offered medication, but you don't have to take it just because you are prescribed it, it is your choice. Even if you get a prescription, you don't have to fill it and even if you fill it you don't have to take it! My point is, your treatment is your choice.

NHS waiting times for talk therapy are always long (I waited 8 months last time) so if you don't have the means to go private you might want to think about medication in the mean time.

Before you see GP, write a list of questions to ask so you don't forget - things like what are my options, pros/cons, wait times etc.

Good luck and well done for getting yourself some help.