How do I overcome anxiety and fears?

[Bruce_wayne]

Where to begin, I am a 27 year old doctor, unemployed, applying for exams to allow me to work in the UK, I am on medications for depression and ADHD for about a year now, I can't talk to my doctor because he's a psychiatrist not a psychologist here in my country you'd have to pay good money for a psychologist which I don't have, I'm only covered by my insurance for a psychiatrist so just medications that's why I came to this website. My main issue is this anxiety that's eating me alive, worrying about everry single little detail, fear of failure, procrastination and many other things, these past couple of weeks were hell for me, I postponed my exam and had panic attacks because I did and because of fear of what my father thinks since he pays for everything, after I postponed I felt some relief but most of the time I'm just afraid I don't know why, my heart keeps pounding so fast and I can't focus on anything, to help with this anxiety I go play video games or listen to music and the worst thing is I get lost in my imagination for hours just imagining a good life, it gives me some relief for a moment but then this feeling like something is squeezing my heart comes back and I can't breathe, I'm a doctor so I know it's psychological not physical, I'm also afraid of actually succeeding and going to the UK, how will I live there alone" Where do I go" Where do I eat" How do I take the bus" How do I make friends" I know it's silly things but I don't know why they scare me so much. My life is just like this, trying to help others while I'm left alone with no help, I can't live like this any longer, I want to improve to get over my fears to learn how to deal with this anxiety but I don't know how or where to start, I feel so lost and alone all the time, whenever I was in doubt or had these feelings before I'd talk to my brother we were really close and he'd always help me he didn't always have a solution but just him listening was enough, he passed away two years ago due to cancer, I miss him so much. Also I have this feeling of incompetence like I feel I'm not a good doctor I haven't really worked in my field yet but I feel like I wouldn't know what to do with a patient if he came to me, it feels so overwhelming, I don't have the words to express more than this, hope this information is enough for you to give me some advice or anything just anything please

[Hidden]

just sit your exams and you have great chance to sit again. But other lines of work in the medical field might be interesting. Or join volunteer ambulance or something. You might like to try something completely different horticulture or cooking Just depends on your interest or level of coping with public. You can change your mind at any time. But more important is your mental health. It shouldn’t be pressure and taking career break may be helpful

[Bruce_wayne in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I tried looking for something to do to improve my knowledge and gain some experience but unfortunately here in my country finding jobs like this even unpaid internships is very difficult

[kangleipak1988]

I am sorry to hear you are having a bad time. I am also suffering from bad anxiety. The only way to get away from it is to accept it. Try self affirmation and meditation. It helped me a lot.

[Hidden]

Hi and I'm sorry to read of your situation especially the loss of your brother.I wonder if this might be contributing to your current state. Have you had any counselling or support from your family? Just a thought as I lost my brother far too early and found it devastating.

All the best to you

[Bruce_wayne in reply to Hidden]

Every time I mention my brother to my family we start talking about the fun times we had with him and how we all miss him except for my father who says he's dead now and nothing can bring him back, he's a very tough man and have an old mindset I just think he's grieving in his own way maybe or just he doesn't care

[hypercat54]

Why don't you work as a doctor in your country first and get some confidence in your field? Then maybe think about moving to a whole new country.

That would make more sense to me.

[Bruce_wayne in reply to hypercat54]

I tried looking for something to do to improve my knowledge and gain some experience but unfortunately here in my country finding jobs like this even unpaid internships is very difficult

[hypercat54 in reply to Bruce_wayne]

I am surprised as I thought doctors were always in great demand? I live in the UK and you need to be fully trained and have experience to be accepted to work here. We have high standards here.

[Bruce_wayne in reply to hypercat54]

That is one of the reasons I chose the UK over other countries, I am doing some research in my free time hopefully they will be helpful in helping me get a job but first I have to pass my second exam which is very difficult.

[hypercat54 in reply to Bruce_wayne]

You would probably be better off going to a country without such high standards as at least you would gain valuable experience. It sounds like you are setting your sights very high so perhaps you need to learn to walk before you run?

[Oreopepper]

Hi, I think you are putting far to much pressure on yourself, you are thinking about everything at once and it is overpowering you, as hypercat said maybe you should get the exams done first then have a breather , you can then deal with where you want to work . I'm sure there will be information available if you come to UK about everything you would need to start work etc. I agree too with hypercat that perhaps getting some work in your country first would enable you to be more confident about a move to another country. It seems a bit too much all at once. I really wish you well and good luck with exams.

[Bruce_wayne in reply to Oreopepper]

Thank you for your words

[punkster]

I remember reading an article in an email sent to me by MedPage today about how physicians often feel like they really don't qualify to practice medicine when they first start. The phenomena is called "imposter syndrome" and it is described as "self-doubt of intellect, skills or accomplishment among high-achieving individuals", as well as fear of being exposed as inadequate. Maybe you have already heard of it. It has it's roots in perfectionism, excessive anxiety and self-doubt, which therapy can help. I agree with the others who say that moving to another country should be put off until you get some experience practicing in your own country.

[Bruce_wayne in reply to punkster]

I do know what imposter syndrome is and sometimes I think I have it, maybe I'll discuss it with my therapist next time

[designguy]

My suggestion is that you spend some time on youtube learning about what anxiety really is and how best to deal with it. There is a ton of good information for free on there. Medication can help reduce anxiety but it won't fully heal it and knowing and understanding it can greatly reduce the fear around it. I suggest the DARE Anxiety youtubes and even the book, the youtube and website of Paige Pradko, the youtube of Emma at Therapy in a Nutshell and the youtube/books of Dr. Claire Weekes.

[TangledUpIn]

I think you will be fine starting a new life in the UK by yourself. I've moved to numerous new places and survived, even thrived. You'll meet new people and they will tell you the places to go to eat, etc. I am excited for you. 😚

Edit: but then again, hypercat does make a good point about staying in your own country...

[hypercat54 in reply to TangledUpIn]

I am not saying stay in his own country for good - but just until he gets some experience.

I live in the UK and know how difficult it can be for foreign doctors to meet our high standards.

Also medical personnel have difficulty coping with working for the NHS due to the stress, long hours, and bureacracy let alone those suffering from anxiety/depression already. It's sure not an easy option.

[Jennblank7734]

Hello. I'm Jennifer. Nice to meet you. Wow, your brain must really be spinning. I havent found a good way to deal with anxiety. Xanax worked really well. So did Ativan. I was able to travel cross country. I'm not sure if those are an option. I'm always around if you need to talk.

[Beevee]

Hi Bruce Wayne!Sorry to learn that you are suffering at the moment but things will get better.

I've posted alot of information on this forum about overcoming anxiety and depression through acceptance which you might find helpful.

In my opinion, most sufferers are struggling to cope with the symptoms of anxiety and depression and forgotten the reason(s) why they fell into that state.

Acceptance of the symptoms instead of doing all sorts of things to try and get better is the way to recover.

Best wishes

Beevee

p.s. I was tempted to call myself Alfred...🤣

[winternight]

Hey, Firstly I am sorry you're going through so much anxiety, and I know why is all this feeling like how it is. About the psychologist, can you look it up online, as in have counseling sessions online. In my country also, it's expensive, but it can be affordable for you, I suppose. There are some good sites and apps. Let me know if you need any help. I am a Psychology graduate so I know the resources. And don't worry, it will be okay, just between all those concerns, try to focus on one, and see the numerous good ways it can be dealt with. And I know how scary moving to another place so far away it can be, I will be doing it soon too, have the same concerns, but I am also hopeful. Because the right quote is....let's just be afraid, and do it anyway. I'll be there, if you want to share.