Avoidance Problem

[graciouslytaken]

I had an appointment to see a counselor for the in person today. Like many other appointments, I canceled and rescheduled. I have an “avoidance” problem. I voluntarily made the appointment, yet going terrified me and then anxiety intensifies. Instead, I had a counseling appointment over the phone for an hour. Easier, and I still sought help. However, my anxiety and depression is so severe she says I need psychotherapy. She kept referring to my case as “interesting.” Besides feeling like a lab rat, I do feel better after having counseling. For those of you that have avoidance too, how do you get through it?

[Sunnidayz1]

Thank you for posting. I dont avoid things but I will say theres nothing wrong with getting therapy via phone. Get the therapy on the phone until you feel more comfortable for face to face. Nothing wrong with that. It's a big step to get therapy. You are doing a great thing for yourself. Kudos to you.

[graciouslytaken in reply to Sunnidayz1]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[pink83737]

I avoid lots of things and it only makes things worse in the long run. You really have to just push yourself and it will feel so worth it and you can say “I did it!” Dont let anxiety stop you from anything, you cannot let it get the best of you! I can assure you that you will feel so much better if you just go and do it.

[terriltwin2]

I am sorry you are feeling this way. It takes courage to post about your situation and feelings. You have to take this slow and do what is comfortable to you. Have you thought about how much time and energy avoidance coping has sucked up? Have you thought about how this may affect your health? Have you thought about how this may be affecting your self-esteem or affecting how you feel about yourself? I think that you are a confident and competent person and this avoidance can not kick you down. Therapy over the phone is a good thing until you feel you are ready to meet someone in person. When you meet a therapist in person, they can give you coping skills for this and in the end it will help you not feel so anxious about things. I am proud of you for reaching out. I have some resources you can read or a phone number you can call to talk with a counselor and its free of charge, if you would like me to pass this along let me know and I will message you. Keep strong, you can do this.