Think I need a stern word/handholding

[polymath]

Been a while since I posted here, my last post was (I think) about counselling and I've returned for what the title says, really. I've tried making to appointments with the GP to arrange counselling, but every time I sit down I go into panic mode and talk about something else ie physical ailment. Part of it is perhaps the feeling like I've almost got a shopping list of stressful/traumatic events going back through to childhood and I've checked off the ones I have. I don't dwell on them, but sometimes something just triggers me inside and like a row of dominoes falling one thought leads to another and unwanted memories come back. So, again, I throw myself on the collective wisdom of the forum in the hope of some words of encouragement or just a virtual slap on the cheek.
Polymath

Would it help to write down something simple along the lines of 'I think I need counselling because.....' and then take that along to the GP and give it to them? Could you go with a friend or partner as moral support?

Maybe. I think the other thing that bothers me is that on the rare times I have spoken about individual things with friends, I find myself recounting events almost in the third person, certainly in a detached way. Distancing myself I guess, but I feel like I must come across as dispassionate

There are different ways of coping with traumatic events and recounting something almost as if it happened to another person must be quite common as a way of creating an emotional buffer. I'm sure a trained therapist would not be surprised, put it that way

I'd went to the doctor's with a written list because i was unable to say them out loud. I'vd not intended to shos him the note but use it as a prompt. When it came to the appoint i was shaking and couldn't speak. The doc saw my list and asked if he could read it. He was very understanding and patient and refered me to counselling, gave me very sound advice and had monthly check up's with me for a year. He also immediately signed me off sick and backdated it. That doctor absolutely saved me and restored my belief in human kindndess. And it aas the first time i had met him.

Go to your doctor with a written note - they'll know how to help.

Written lists are always a good idea - I'm a Psychiatrist and patients often bring lists, I find it really helpful when patients do it.

A list sounds like a good idea, so long as I use it. I tried it earlier today, but they feel trivial when I write them down, and knowing I'll be so deadpan about it (histrionics is not me) I worry about being taken seriously. SilverFishFly, I'm glad you had such a good experience with a GP; I know someone who saw a GP at the practice I'm registered with who reported a less-than reassuring response with regards to a mental health issue.