What do I say When I schedule an appointment

I thinking it might be best if I schedule an appointment with my doctor and tell them about my anxiety and what I have been going through for the past couple years. But I don't know how I would say what I am going through. Some days when I am around people I get really nervous, I feel overwhelmed a lot and I not sure what to do. I feel like I need someone to talk to I not sure if I should just find a theripist or talk to my doctor. what would I say, any advice?

[Hidden]

Hi .

Sorry to hear how you have struggled.

I think go to dr as he or she could then suggest what course of action is required. I’m not sure what country you are in and it makes a difference no doubt as to how it works in the country you are in. I am in uk.

Write down what you would like to say or hand what you have written to your dr. Usually what you would include is, an idea when the symptoms started, and how they affect you , you have done that in part in your post here. After that your dr will ask what he needs to know to help.

In the U.K. you can self refer for cognitive behaviour therapy, or CBT as it is often called. provided by the NHS ...you can complete the form online. If you enter CBT on the NHS and the area you live in, that should bring it up in a search. I went to my dr and also self referred for therapy online, your dr can also refer you ...there are waiting lists usually for all of the support, it’s worth referring and attending dr quickly, and getting yourself in the system to obtain the help and support you deserve as soon as you can.

Again apologies as you don’t mention which country you are in, my advice covers uk.

With every good wish to you.

🌺🌼🌺🌼

[old-soul in reply to Hidden]

Writing down a bullet list like you said is, in my opinion, one of the most important things I can do! I personally, am in the US, Olivia, but it sounds like it's pretty much the same. People are people, and doctors are doctors too, so as far as finding a good match, that is sometimes (but not always by any means) hit and miss.

A person can self-refer in many cases, especially where counseling is concerned, but there are also people who specialize in different areas, and sometimes it is insurance that determines if care will be covered for certain services. Not to worry though, they ALWAYS ask about how your going to pay and who your insurance provider is before they will even dream of seeing you! {eyeroll}

Some times going to your regular doctor can help in getting a referral to the most appropriate specialized care provider right off the bat, but sometimes not. No-body knows everything about anything, doctors and other medical professionals included. That is where talking about things and doing one's own research can be so helpful in getting the proper care.

@kquacken16 - Your first post is a really good starting point, actually. If you can add to or refine those thoughts at all, it should help the professionals that provide your care to really zero in on what is going to help you the most, and get you started in the right direction right off the bat. I know, for myself, having something maybe the size of and index card with the most important things I need to ask about or talk about ensures I don't walk out of an appointment and before I'm even out of the lobby say to myself, "Oh man! I forgot to tell him or her about . . . fill in the blank(s)." That is so frustrating when I do that, becasue I may have to wait another month or more to be seen again, and sometimes it is even stuff I forgot to mention the last time too, so it's been waiting for a long time already.

That simple little list is HUGE. When I have appointments coming up, I keep a little note-pad in my back pocket so I can always jot something down no matter where I am or what I'm doing the moment I think of it. That helps me to not have to try to keep a running list in my mind too, which can REALLY make me anxious. If it's written down and I keep a copy in my wallet, or locked in the glove compartment in my car or something like that, then I NEVER have to worry about remembering it, because any time I think of "this or that subject," I also know it's on my list, so no worries about remembering, and I also know I put a copy of it in the vehicle I will be driving to the appointment, or in the wallet I always carry whenever I leave my house for ANY reason. (Because it's got my identification, insurance cards, money etc in it)

I really hope you are able to find the type of care you need right off the bat and it goes really well, but even if you don't, you should feel GREAT about taking responsibility for your own care and taking steps to get what you need, including coming here and asking some questions! The ONLY one that can take credit for that is you, becasue you are the one taking the steps to find what you need to kill the "anxiety monster."

[Hidden]

Anxiety problems are very common, doctors hear about them all the time so don’t be afraid just say you are having anxiety that is interfering with your life. I just saw my doctor today about my anxiety:).

[hurtingheart1]

Just came across your post-I feel for you💞🌻 I'd also love to know others advice on this as well. So thanks for posting!! want to know What has most helped them towards healing as far as counseling, and or how find a great dr/therapist?? I know I've gone to gp/regular dr. and they said could refer me to therapy/counselor but I also thought I should get blood test to see how everything's going with levels like of hormones & thyroid, check if I'm on healthy track but I feel like it can be so hard to get motivation to even do this sometimes!!! And I've tried going to some therapy/counseling but just wasn't feeling like the right fit at all or wasn't helping so it's hard to also? Any suggestions /ideas or helpful tips would be great from those who've been having success & good results??

[jkl5500 in reply to hurtingheart1]

My GP referred me to a counselor, who in turn referred me to a psychiatrist. That method worked out well for me.

[hurtingheart1 in reply to jkl5500]

Thanks for sharing

[jkl5500]

I don't have much to add to the great advice on this thread, except this: Remember, the doctor's office is not a court, and the doctor is not a judge! The doctor is there to help you, not judge you. Write down everything you want to tell him or her. You don't have to be perfect about it - the doctor will see what your problem is, and take it from there. Just do yourself a big favor and make that appointment. I wish you the best.

[hopethishelps1984]

Tell them exactly what you just said. Discussing mental illness/anxiety with your doctor should not be scary or awkward. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Just let them know you have not been feeling yourself for quite a while and discuss with them your symptoms and feelings. DO NOT LIE, be as open and honest with your doctor as possible so that they are educated as much as possible so they can make the best medical suggestions for you. Good luck!