Ive got a doctors appointment in an hour what do I say??

[Dickorydockwhatthe]

I am already feeling out of breath and anxious thinking about it. I think I have anxiety and probably have done for years but always thought it was part of my personality. The thing is now its not only effecting my personal life but my work life too which is why Ive decided to go to the doctors. A part of me thinks is my worrying normal and I am just quite a nervous quiet person but the other part doesnt know. I know some really confident loud people and am always shocked to find out they have anxiety issues and yet I am very introverted.

What do I day to the doctor I am so embarrassed 😞

First of all, don’t worry about the appointment. The doctor will have heard it all before. This is not to minimise what you’re going through, just to try to reassure you that the doctor will help and guide you through the appointment.
I would just start by saying that you’ve been experiencing some anxiety and that it’s been steadily worsening to the extent that it is now affecting your ability to do your job. Describe some of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and some of the situations that find really trigger your anxiety.
Your doc may offer you some form of talking therapy or cbt (mine did). Do you need a leave of absence from work? Make sure you request this if you want it. There’s no shame in suffering this way and you’re taking a brave and good step forward in the right direction to getting help. Good luck!

Ok, take some deep breaths and calm down. Talking to the doctors for the first time is hard I know :(

Get a pad and a pen and make a bullet point list of everything you want to say to the doctor. Read it through a couple of times and take it with you. If you cry and don't feel able to speak just hand them the note and let them read itZ

A lovely person on mn recommended I do this when I was in a similar position and it really helped.

Good luck, try not to worry about getting upset in there, they see it every day and they will think no less of you for getting emotional. I've actually lost count of the number of people I've cried on this week.

Thank you this is so so hard and i jusy want to cancel the appointment 😔. I am always putting a front on in front of people trying to be strong and up until recently ive been really good at it. Ive not even told dh I am going. I dont want people to think im weak and being silly but lm tired of pushing through and putting on this front 😞. I will write it down so i dont chicken out.

Good luck OP! Just say what's on your mind and don't hold back. Don't feel embarrassed, your GP will be able to help.

Thank you im in the waiting room now so nervous

Good luck hun. Let us know how it goes x

Hope it goes well.
I've been there and the relief afterwards was unbelievable.

Im still waiting i hope i dont cry 😢

Have a handhold! Hope it went well.

Hope it went well OP

Thank you the doctor was lovely which made me cry and completely sympathised. Hes given me 2 weeks off which i dont want if im honest as will make it worse for me to go back 😞. Has offered counselling and a blood test, and serataline has this helped anyone??

Take the two weeks. You need it.

Take the 2 weeks. But don't sit at home alone for that time, get out and about and do things that make you feel good. I think the worst thing you can do is cocoon yourself in your bed and not leave the house.

Sertraline wasn't great for me and I'm now on a different type of AD but I have friends who have taken it and say it turned things around for them.

It's good they are doing blood tests. Doctors are too quick nowadays to just say "it's anxiety" and not look for physical causes!

Yes i have been taking sertraline for about 6 weeks. It made me pretty unreal and sluggish to start with so I’m sure having 2 weeks off will help you get over the first 2 weeks of side effects. I am beginning to feel calmer and seeing the fun side of things again. Still have my off days but everyone who is close to me tells me they can notice the difference

Glad it went well for you, I understand that feeling when they're so lovely sometimes it feels worse in a way! You must take the time off to relax and take care of yourself. By the time you go back the side effects of the drugs will be gone and you might feel better xx