How do you know when to seek GP help re anxiety?

[rhubarbandpear]

I feel like I am struggling day to day. My overriding thought each morning is to just get through the day. I am reliant upon alcohol and have been for years. I haven't formed any real friendships as an adult (or many as a child in fact). I just feel inferior to everyone else and feel anxiety in every situation unless I am with those who are very close to me. It has affected my life in every aspect- forming relationships etc and particularly my career. I come across as "incompetent" when I know in myself I am capable of doing the job but there is something inside me stopping me from being the person I want to be, not just in my career but my personal life too.

I don't know if my anxiety is "enough" to seek GP help- I don't know if there is anything they can do for me. I don't even know if there is definitely something they can address, or if I am just inclined to being dramatic! How do you know when to ask for help re anxiety? Any advice appreciated x

When it interferes with your life and living.

I think you should go to your gp. I use betablockers, marvellous things they are.

Why dont you speak with your GP about your problems with alcohol? This could be the root of your problems.

He may suggest counselling for you. Either way I do think you owe it to yourself to seek help and advice.

I used to suffer with crippling anxiety and am now taking Citalopram, doesn't work for everyone but it certainly takes the edge off.

I would definitely suggest speaking to him.

You could also try this online self help programme. It includes cognitive behaviour therapy x

You know when it's limiting your life.

You know.
Make an appointment and be as honest when you see your GP as you are being here.

If you need to ask the question, then it's time to book an appointment. If you weren't bothered by your levels,of anxiety and/or had strategies to cope with them, then you wouldn't be asking.

Go and see your go. He/she will be able to advise you, and and help,you.

Thanks all for your comments.

I will go speak to a GP, I just don't know where to start or what to say. :(

There is a great website called Docready. Please google it: the idea is that it helps young people to know where to start when visiting a doctor to talk about mental health issues, but it's just as relevant for adults. And you prepare a checklist so if you get into the surgery and are tongue-tied, you can hand it over to the doctor.. you deserve to have help, op.

Going to the doctor is difficult for an anxious person, I used to write some notes of what I wanted to get across.
Think of the following:
When do you feel the worst?
In the mornings/at night?
How long have you felt like this?
What triggers it? - eg going to supermarket
What symptoms do you get?
What have you done to help?
How long you have been drinking to help?
How many units?

Tell them how you feel - fed up with being anxious!
Tell them what you want help with

For many years I went to dr and just cried and got fobbed off whilst suffering dibilitating anxiety.

I now get the help and have built up my confidence over the years

Good luck x

I'm a first time poster but I had to respond... PLEASE go to your GP. I left it so long that I was seriously ill by the time I called. My GP was brilliant and got me the referral I needed. There's lots that can help, everyone is different. I take citalopram and I've had CBT and psychotherapy. Mindfulness can be helpful too. PLEASE do it first thing, they've seen it before, they will be able to help. Good luck! x