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I have anxiety, but my general physician won't listen

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clei98
clei98

A while back I decided that I'd like to seek help for possible anxiety. I found out that in order to be able to see a psychiatrist I'd need a referral from my general physician. So I had an appointment scheduled and went to see him - which was hard, since asking for help with my anxiety has always been difficult.

However, not only did he repeatedly talk over me and not listen, he proceeded to tell me what I was experiencing was just normal "teen angst" and that everyone felt this way (keep in mind that I'm around 18 or 19 at this point). This didn't sound right to me, but it made me question whether I truly had anxiety. And made it even more difficult for me to ask for help.

Now, close to 2 years later, I decided I'd go to my university's counseling center since the anxious feelings had started to get progressively worse again. After meeting with a counselor (one with a PhD) she told me that I definitely had anxiety, in particular Social Anxiety Disorder.

Now that I know for sure I have anxiety I want to look into seeing a psychiatrist, but am afraid of going to my general physician about it. I have no idea how to go about getting a new one, but I think my anxiety will only continue to get worse if I don't get help.

I was wondering if anybody had similar experiences and/or advice on how to deal with this issue moving forward.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • jan34534
    jan34534 clei98

    Posted

    you can get a new doctor as long as they take your insurance . call around.most doctors will give a referral . be persistent and say that you really would like to see a psychiatrist. or go back to your doctor and be more assertive .

    Can u work with the university counselor for a while longer?

    • clei98
      clei98 jan34534

      Posted

      I can, and do plan on it. But she thought that I'd benefit from some type anti-anxiety med.

  • caz19600
    caz19600 clei98

    Posted

    I would ask your university counsellor to write a letter confirming her opinion that you are suffering social anxiety disorder and would benefit from long term therapy. Then take this to your GP and tell them you want a referral. Take someone with you to your appointment if you need additional support.

    If the GP still refuses, ask why they won't refer you and keep a note of what they say. You can use this to write

    • caz19600
      caz19600

      Posted

      ...a letter of complaint to the surgery for preventing you seeking further treatment.

  • lester90053
    lester90053 clei98

    Posted

    You may need to start with a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist. You can get a referral by going to a hospital emergency room with your problem.

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