I have had anxiety for years and scared to see a doctor, advice?
Posted , 8 users are following.
I have been an anxious person all my life but started to show even more symptoms around four years ago, just before I started university.
I seem to have many of the symptoms- irritable, agitated, tiredness, self-conscious, sense of detachment, indigestion problems, poor memory, trouble sleeping, worry, expecting the worst, frequent anxiety attacks, pain in my chest and my heart beating ten to the dozen. But I am still not sure if this is anxiety?
My parents have not been the most sympethtic about it and seem to brush it off or get angry if I mention feeling certain ways, this has made it harder for me to admit I have a problem. I don't think they mean any harm by it but they don't seem to understand.
Where I live, is majority old people and I am scared the doctors (like my parents) won't understand and will just fob me off and just see it as me making something out of nothing.
I don't really know what to say to the doctor, if I pluck up the courage to make an appointment and would appriciate advice!
1 like, 15 replies
Nab183 chlobo101
Posted
Hi, I have been feeling exactly the same for over a month to the point of I couldn't go to work because I would have major panic attacks and be too scared I would look stupid!! Finally, I was talked in to going to the doctors however I was very scared and anxious (of course) . I went and they literally checked my blood pressure, asked my symtoms and and potential triggers and have prescribed me with Beta Blockers, 3 a day and I will go back to see the doctor soon.. I literally felt better immediately, 1. Because I had actually been and got it off my chest which was making me more anxious 2. Beta blockers have stopped most physical symtoms, I can now concentrate, feel relaxed in myself, sleep at night.. My only regret is not going to the doctor sooner as I cannot believe the change in me in just a few days .. Don't put it off for too long, there's more people than you think visiting the GP with anxiety daily. Hope this helps X
chlobo101 Nab183
Posted
Thanks for your reply! I'm glad your feeling better, reassuring to see there is an outcome to feeling like this. Sounds like a weight of the shoulders.
I really do think it's the initial thought of going into the doctors as I really don't know what to say to them.
Did you just go in and literally say 'I think I have anxiety?'
Nab183 chlobo101
Posted
Yes I literally went in and said I think I have anxiety, at this point I was very anxious anyway because I had built myself up so I think he could partially see, he was so Blaise about it as he must see it so often, I think we forget that doctors will not judge you or I.
What are your symtoms? Has something triggered your anxiety?
chlobo101 Nab183
Posted
I'm hoping to get an appointment tomorrow if they can fit me in.
Yeah that's true, like you said I know it's for the best to go in and do it just for peace of mind. It is just scary as it's something I have kept to myself for so many years.
I get really self-conscious, agitated, really bad indigestion problems when it flares up, trouble sleeping from worrying, always expecting the worst from people and situations, frequent anxiety attacks (what I think are) which include pain in my chest and my heart beating ten to the dozen, shaking. It has caused me to cancel so many things and having to make excuses. I normally put on a front to all my friends so they don't know.
I really don't know, I have always been an anxious child but for some reason I pin point it from my last year of sixth form when I suddenly had a panic attack and it's gone from there.
How has taking medication helped your anxiety?
Nab183 chlobo101
Posted
Sounds exactly like mine, I haven't been eating properly, been going to the toilet too often, dry mouth, shaking, chest pains, pins and needles on my fingers and toes, blurred vision.. The list goes on! Then I had all the thoughts in my head, thinking the worst that I'm going to die, being extra conscious of my swalling and breathing.. Horrible!
And the medication slows my heart rate , relaxes me and releases all of the physical symtoms.. Im still having anxious thoughts but not very much - my doctor has referred me to a 'positive thinking' counselling charity which I'm waiting on an appointment for.
Let me know how you get on at the doctors.
jennifer08127 chlobo101
Posted
Anxiety is a very common mental health problem these days and i would encourage you to go see a doc. You're a grown up now and should be able to take your own decisions. Parents tend to ignore their kid's mental health due to it being a taboo subject in certain communities or countries and since they can't "see" the problem. After all, it's you that's having to go through all the pain and discomfort in your everyday life and i believe you're still young and have a long life ahead. So have the courage and do it! It will certainly help. Admitting the problem is the first step to recovery. Good luck!
Jennifer.
chlobo101 jennifer08127
Posted
Thanks for responding. The parents thing is more to do with the fact it is putting me off talking to anyone else about it as when I finally plucked up the courage to tell them, their response wasn't great. But like you said the 'tabooness' of it may be the reason why.
I hope I have the courage to do so too, thank you.
EmeraldLion chlobo101
Posted
Wow, it's almost as if I wrote this myself! My parents are the same way, and I feel stupid telling anybody about it. I think I'm having a bout of derealization right now, so I'll leave it there. Gotta fly!
b36593 chlobo101
Posted
I have been in and out of therapy and on and off meds. I will have a long period of being fine and even great but then will have a trigger that spirals into anxiety and depression. And everytime that happens I am resistent and scared to go again. I know it isnt logical or rational, but I still have that resistance. I have found that most of the time when you final go and seek help it is far after you should have sought help. SO I encourage you to go. One of two things will happen. Either you get help for what is troubling you (there will be work and commitment involved-never a quick fix- but worth it) or you will be told that you are fine and sent on your way. Neither one is a bad option. Even for people not suffering from any issues could most of the time bennfeit from speaking to a therapist or doctor. There is no shame in it. IF you are concerned about the doctors in your area maybe try the university clinic if you are still close or can make the commute. They will have therapist as well as supervised people in training maybe closer to your age and situation and you may feel more comfortable.
I encourage you to go and when you get there- straight tell the doctor all you have been feeling, all of your symptoms just like you have stated in your post, they will ask questions and assist beyond that.
Take care and best wishes!
chlobo101 b36593
Posted
Thanks for your reassuring words. I think that is the exact problem, I have never had someone tell me 'yes you have anxiety' and I don't know if that will make me feel better or worse about the situation if I'm told yes.
I am prepared to work at whatever advice they give me and hope they do. It's like the latter you said, when they say I'm fine as I know within myself I am not anymore.
b36593 chlobo101
Posted
Just remember no matter what. You are what defines you as a whole. Not components. Not illnesses. You are a whole. If you have an anxiety disorder being diagnosed is a great thing, but only a small piece. That means help and support and with work feeling better after time. I won't lie. You will have set backs. But you will feel better if for no other reason that you acknowledge that you believe you are worth getting help.
borderriever chlobo101
Posted
Some parents can look upon young family members as weak when they are approached by a young person with a mental health problem so your GP will know this and understand their problem with this and will need to talk to you if you need help. He will understand your fears
BOB
Guest chlobo101
Posted
Hello there!
I am very sorry that your condition is not being understood by your family. It seems like anxiety can be stigmatized which is not right. They tell you to "suck it up" or that you're overreacting. I've heard it all. That's the last thing you need when you're already so nervous. Just know that all of us here would never brush you off. We understand. I too have totally been there with certain people who don't understand anxiety, so I just don't talk about it with them! Tell your doctor thay you're very anxious and go ahead and describe your feelings. Make that appointment! Your doctor can pinpoint you in the right direction, which may include recommending some dietary changes (food has a huge impact on the way we feel and function) maybe counseling, or even medication, but medication is your personal choice. Best wishes!
lisalisa67 chlobo101
Posted
phil76209 chlobo101
Posted
Uni is a very stressful time for most and like you I became real anxious after starting uni.
You ARE experiencing anxiety there's no doubt.
Could you see another doctor or join a different practice if your doc is fibbing u off?
Sounds like you hadn't gone yet. You must go either way and present them with your list of symptoms. I'm 99% sure they will diagnose anxiety and suggest treatment and or counselling.
Make that appointment.
It's unfortunate that ur parents are brushing this aside. Do u hav the support of siblings or a good trusted friend. Don't tell everyone.
Anxiety to those who suffer from it is a life changer and not something to be ignored by your family. It alters the way we think and feel and unless treated it will remain.
I really hope you make that appointment and persevere.
Let me know if you come across any obstacles cos you need to sort this out.
Hope this helps.
Phil