How to start if you’re too scared

[Blossom88]

I’ve been dealing with severe anxiety and depression for most of my life… Only recently did it become severe.

I’ve been to doctors in the past, but apparently not the right ones. How do you get help if you’re too scared to get help?

I can barely leave my house to go to H-E-B and that’s less than a mile away. People have told me to get someone to go with me, but I don’t really have anyone to go with me.

And I hate talking on the phone with people. Everyone in healthcare seems to be aggressive or rude to me.

So… yeah, how do you help yourself if you’re too scared to get help?

[ReadingGuy]

I hear you asking what to do? I would keep doing what your doing, reaching out. More people will respond. Before you know it a support group will form. What should you do next? Ask more questions and get more of what you need support.

[Otaku12]

Reaching out can be really hard and terrifying, but you were courageous enough to take the first step and post about what you've been going through, so that's something you should be proud of!

As for finding the right therapist to work with, it does take some trial and error. I had several therapists I just didn't click with, but then I found the therapist I'm working with now and she is amazing. I would suggest doing research online. Most therapists have a description of what kind of areas they specialize in. For mine, I looked for a female therapist that mostly sees young women and had experience with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. It can take some time, but just do some Google searches and see what comes up.

For setting up an appointment, some places allow you to email them or chat online live with someone. This way you don't have to talk on the phone, however if you do have to talk on the phone my suggestion would be to call after work hours so hopefully you'll get a voicemail. Leave a detailed voicemail (if it helps write out what you want to say and read it), then they will call you back. I'm hoping this way might be easier because you don't have to cold call them. They will already have a little information on you and will just ask for a time and date.

I don't know how you feel about telehealth, but that might be easier to start off with than going in person. You'll have the computer as a barrier and you'll be at home. I've been doing telehealth and I really like it (I'm ok with in person, but it's just so much more convenient with telehealth).

I hope this helps some. I'm always here to chat if you need someone to talk to or have any other questions about reaching out for support. This community is here for you to help you to feel better.

[Blossom88 in reply to Otaku12]

Thank you so much. I will try these ideas.

[Otaku12 in reply to Blossom88]

I hope they work for you! Good luck!

[lovetodance2018]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I am sorry you are struggling with severe anxiety and that you have not found a doctor you have felt comfortable with. Counseling helps with anxiety and when you are afraid to leave the house. Have you been on medication for your anxiety? Anxiety is a chemical imbalance but it is also a mind set. Here is a technique that help me when I am struggling with anxiety. It is called the 557 breathing technique- It begins by taking 5 deep breaths in while thinking good thoughts about yourself like I am strong, I can go out in of my house and feel good and then hold the breaths for the count of 7 focusing on those words about yourself, then let out the breath slowly for 5 seconds letting go of any anxious, self-defeating, unhealthy thought. I do this one to three times a sitting. Taking our focus off of the anxiety and depression and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those. There is probably something in your past that is affecting your anxiety and dealing with it and healing from it will help you move forward and reduce the anxiety. Working with a counselor can help with that. Here is an article to you might find helpful (bit.ly/3kBkoWg). I will be praying for you. Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

[Blossom88 in reply to lovetodance2018]

Great article. Thank you for this.

[lovetodance2018]

How are you doing this week? I have been praying for you. Hugs

[Blossom88 in reply to lovetodance2018]

Thank you. I’m doing ok. Dealing with a lot of anxiety and anger these past few days. Trying to find outlets. I have reached out more and am participating in NAMI groups now. I do appreciate you checking on me. People in my life don’t do that. It really means a lot knowing that even a stranger can care.

[lovetodance2018 in reply to Blossom88]

Reach out anytime we are here for you. You can also pm if you'd like. Hugs