Embarrassed of my appearance to the point no one has seen me undressed in 8 years.

[TheGruffalosNan]

As the title says!

Split with my exdh 8 years ago. Not had a relationship since. Now I'm in my 50s.

I never go swimming, wear shorts or skirts. Never show my legs.
I occasionally wear a vest top in the summer.

I haven't attended a medical appointment since having my dc 13 years ago.

I'm extremely embarrassed of my body always been shy but its got much worse as I've gotten older.

I need to deal with this as I'm risking my health but I can't cope with the idea of being undressed infront of anyone.

I'm waiting on CBT via the NHS.
Can anyone relate?
Did you find a way to deal with this?

I’d recommend counselling OP, this is clearly an important thing to sort out

Thats exactly why I need to find help with this.

A close friend was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago. Shes younger then me. Good lifestyle etc yet is extremely ill. Made me realise, if that was me I wouldn't have gone to the doctor, I wouldn't seek help.

Yet I'm too scared to see a doctor.

Currently on the waiting list for CBT.

Its absolutely worth speaking to your GP again. Our health board has services for people who have barriers to attending and if yours does too, it might be something that could help.

I'm a nurse. I hope its helpful to know that we really don't care what you look like, we just want to help you. If your perception of your yourself is stopping you accessing care, come and see someone - this is something we should support you with.

Just read your update about waiting for CBT.

I love CBT. For lots of people (including me) it works like magic but its not the only thing that might help here. From time to time I've worked with people who struggle to have things done. Its all about talking it through, working out solutions between us, trying things out, going back to the drawing board, listening to each other. It doesn't really matter if it takes one 15 minute appointment or millions of appointments, thats the care that you need.