Im petrified !!!

[bexx87]

Im due to go for an assessment in a mere few hours to see what help I can recieve to help my cope with my anxitety and deal with the chaos of my life, Ive been told by staff at Headway and the receptionist of the doctor that im going to see that it will be fine but im still petrified. (I just needed to get that off my chest)

[bikerlifestyle]

You will be fine once you meet the person they will make you feel comfortable

The one tip I advise is be 100% open and honest about your feelings and issues, don't hold anything back as the more they know the more they can help

[cat3]

Yes bexx, I agree with biker, it's fear of the unknown, but once you're there I'm sure you'll find the doctor is quite approachable and sympathetic and not someone to be feared.

I know, when you're anxious, certain things can seem like massive ordeals but, if this is part of a process to help you cope more easily, then I hope you will come away with a feeling of achievement and relief.

I'm sorry you're so stressed but I think you'll be fine.....really.

Please let us know how it goes. Regards cat x

[bexx87 in reply to cat3]

Thanks, the outcome is: since I have a majority of the issues I experience from my tbi covered (short term memory problem=pen and paper, when I feel low=use distracting therapy (aka listen to music) use the college facilities to help me with my course work, use my work flexi time to not feel ashamed that due to fatigue from the following day ive turned up late for late) the only issue he feels is outstanding is my anxiety (which is correct, its only been happening the past 3 out of 13 years since my tbi, have tried several things and my doctor say the anti depressions I was taken should help but they never (due to a side effect im not on any anti depression) so the nero physiotherapist has suggested a tablet (forgotten the name) that he will refer to my doctor when I see her at the start of October, when we (me and my friend) were due to leave he like many other people I come across that know despite ive had a tbi (frontal and temporal lobe damage) because I have a wealth of ICT qualifications, a car and a full time job with juggling college on the side (im doing a level 4 apprenticeship) made the comment (I hate yet love) I have a "normal life" and theres not alot they can do for me ..

[Billybb]

Hi Bexx,

What anti-depressants have you been on? I was depressed a few of months ago, feeling really bad (almost to the extent of doing something silly). This lasted for a couple of months defore I eventually agreed to take Citalopram. It made it worse at first, but now I feel better than I have at any time since my TBI a year ago.

I have also seen a Neuro psychologist recently who is willing to continue with helping me adjust to my new lifestyle and capabilities.

Let us know how you're getting on. Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

You've had a TBI, the resultant op and you're petrified. What's worse than what you've already gone through then?

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

That's how depression often affects people. They may cope well in an emergency situation but become extremely distressed in 'everyday' ones. It isn't a straightforward illness but it can be utterly debilitating. Regards........

[Hidden in reply to cat3]

Had a gut full of depression. Got fed up with taking 8 tablets four times daily, plus additional stuff twice daily. In the end I just stopped taking the medication. The side effects were not particularly useful and I decided all these mindbenders were in part contributing to my problems.

Three months later I see my GP about something else and he asks why I haven't had repeat prescriptions. When I tell him he says 'you can't just stop them like that ....'

Can't see why not - it's been 43'ish years [TBI 46 years ago] and I'm mostly ok feeling down occasionally.

Bexx is driving - I don't thanks to epilepsy; I took my qualifications whilst in recovery - very hard work - Bexx has got the lot from their own admission as well as being aware what is causing the depression and anxiety. Short term memory problems? Not so much now but I still carry a noebook and ensure my day to day things rest in same place. Keys, handkerchief, magnifying glass and penknife RH pocket, wallet and travel card LH pocket and so on. All works for me; one who had a TBI when there was no real back up; you suffered and made do.

[cat3]

Glad you've got that over-with bexx. I hope the medication your therapist recommends works for you. It took twelve months for me to find an antidepressant which suited me and I've now taken it for over twenty years. When you find the right chemical balance it can vastly improve your quality of life.

The other good practice, of course, is talking.......keep talking..... whether to a trusted individual or to us here.

Best wishes xx

[pollyanne]

Look at it this way -things can only improve! You survived , you're young, got skills, got friends , you're addressing your issues-the world is waiting for you! xx

[bexx87]

Thank you guys, I was on fluoxetine, managers and colleagues obviously wanted a update on how it went and they said the outcome was good and to take it positively not negatively

[iforget]

Bexx I am late to this but delighted to see you got there and got through the appointment and got out again....Acknowledging the fear (your first post) is something I have found useful (for all sorts of emotions) and every triumph over anxiety (you got through this one and survived) is a building block to moving forward positively. Sometimes it takes baby steps...and lots of them..

[bikerlifestyle]

people may trivialise the impact that just visiting a new doctor/therapist/consultant has, its a big thing, especially when you have to start from scratch and re live the whole experience yet again for another 'specialist' which in itself can cause be a trauma in itself, and yes some people are lucky enough to not have to experience that sense of dread and not knowing, but to other it can be debilitating just waiting to see that specialist and get it out the way.

so Bexx i am glad you got through it ok and you are getting some help

[bexx87]

Thanks I think yesterday has caught up with me as I'm severely tired