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Worried about talking to doctor about anxiety problem

Posted , 25 users are following.

mike78561
mike78561

I'm new to this board.

I've had issues with worry and anxiety my entire life, and as far as I know I was born this way.  There was never anything in particular that triggered it.  My parents, and everyone else, just considered me a worrier, but never really knew how bad it was.

About 7 years ago, I noticed my anxiety slowly getting worse and worse.  I've been trying to figure out why, but have come up empty.  At the time I really didn't know much about it until I Googled it.

I exhibit almost all of the mental symptoms - irritable, agitated, fatigue, self-conscious, sense of detachment, fear of going crazy, poor memory, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, worry, expecting the worst, frequent anxiety attacks.

I also have a lot of physical symptoms - light headed, headaches often, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain/tightness, upset stomach, restless, frequent urination, digestive/intestinal issues, twitch/shakes/tingling.

I've never seen a doctor about it, probably because I'm too damn anxious about it.  I worry he won't believe me, or that I am just after some meds or something.  I also find it pretty embarrassing.  I was getting to a breaking point and knew it.  Every day I could feel things getting worse and worse.  I was having almost daily anxiety attacks, but thankfully I was able to take some extended leave from work for unrelated reasons.  That leave is ending in a few weeks, and I am still a wreck, so I've got suck it up and go see my doctor.  Any advise?

 

5 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • mike78561
    mike78561

    Posted

    Made it out to my doctor.  He was receptive, but felt it wasn't as bad as I was thinking.  Regardless, he gave me 25mg Sertraline to start, and said if it wasn't making a difference in a month or so, he would up the dose.  Also wants me to contact one of their in clinic counselors, and suggested a book called 'Mind over Mood'.  Been taking the meds for almost two weeks.  Hope they start to kick in soon.
    • judith35831
      judith35831 mike78561

      Posted

      Well done...go back to Docs if no improvement.....don't let the anxiety take over your life.....you must fight it....accept it but don't give in to it...best wishes
  • sarahdoo
    sarahdoo mike78561

    Posted

    Hi Mike, I know these posts are quite old now but, tomorrow I'm going to see my dr tell him/her I have been suffering with anxiety and depression for ages..... I just wondered how you are now? Any advice? Thanks

  • rebecca85633
    rebecca85633 mike78561

    Posted

    Seriously you sound identical to me and i just cannot physically talk to my gp about it i really want to i just cant physically talk on the phone to even make an appointnent i also have kids so I'm never on my own when i go to the doctor which makes it worse just feel as if i am going to be judged. My mum has never known i used to have extreme personality changes where the door bell would ring and id refuse to answer it or the phone or when she said she had people coming over. she always used to call me bipolar which made it impossible to open up to her. If you manage to ever see a doctor please let me know what he said\did\suggested...

  • richard32798
    richard32798 mike78561

    Posted

    I have undertakenm many types of therapy including mindfulness and various cognitive therapy's.

    It's been a good six months since I've had an attack this bad. Hence me being unable to sleep, stomach cramps and fear of the most irrational things, like opening a letter.

    I have one Dr who understands but I can't make an appointment to see him for two weeks.

    I hope you are able to help.

    Regards R.Hammond

    Tel-07932878054

  • travis98170
    travis98170 mike78561

    Posted

    I was doing great going to college, I have 2 semesters left before graduation, but I can't because I have anxiety and it came upon me when someone close to me died and I was stressed and wasn't getting any sleep and worrying. Now I over think allot and I always think something is wrong with my health and I can't do the things I use to do because of what if, what if. So I am house bound and it is also my safe zone and I have had all the symptoms of anxiety happen.

  • xmaryx
    xmaryx mike78561

    Posted

    You would be surprised how many doctors have anxiety, too. Don't feel embarrassed calling one. My daughter finally got up the nerve, and now she's on Lexapro and doing much better. 

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