Wondering about seeing a GP for overwhelming anxiety and a little depression
Sorry to put you through the hell of a block of text if you decide to read this. I suffer from social anxiety to a pretty large degree, unless I've had a drink I constantly feel self conscious and like everybody is judging me when I'm in public. The busier the place, the worse I get (tachycardia, palpitations, dizzyness - the whole deal) - And lately I can't focus on anything nor be motivated to work, i'm constantly bored and wondering what exactly the purpose of my life is at the moment as I go to work, come home and surf the net, interjected by getting drunk & to be honest It's depressing me somewhat. I've spent my weekend on the internet and watching television. I haven't been dressed since friday.
I'm thinking about going to my doctor to tell them basically everything I just said and was wondering could anyone tell me:
* What will the doctor likely say & do if I explain this all to them; Is it a problem or am I imagining it?
* I'm 20 years old; will they be allowed to mention this to my parents or employers or any subsequent treatment? I'm a paramedic student and I'm afraid they will kick me out of my course if they find out im seeking treatment for depression or mental health issues..
* Have you been through something similar, and what was the diagnosis/outcome?
They cannot tell anyone if you are 20 because this is breaking the confidentiality rules unless they think that you are in danger of hurting yourself. And I strongly doubt you will be chucked out of college because that would be descrimination.
Good on you for taking the first step towards going to the docs. I just want to say that if people are judging you its prob because they are jealous of you.
Im in the same position as you but iv not been to the docs, not got the courage, so Im not sure what the doc would say to you, but i do know that since your 20 they cant tell anyone, they would loose their job. They would not be able to kick you off your course either because that would be discrimination.
Thanks for the replies you guys. I will think it over I guess. It may sound stupid but I'm feeling too anxious to even see a doctor and have them cast their opinion on me .
It can be really hard to seek help, so I can understand the anxiety you have attached with that. However, speaking to your doctor is the first step of you getting help to overcome this anxiety and depression. The life you are living and describing is pretty hard, and nobody should have to deal with that day-in day-out. So think of it as a physical illness. There are chemicals in your brain or what-not that are causing you to feel depressed and anxious, and to help you live a more "fuller" life, for your benefit seeking help is a must do. I know it's scary, I know because tomorrow I'm making a doctors appointment and I hate making them. But I know in the long run, it will be the best thing.
As far as it goes for a Doctor casting their opinion on you, they're not going to be nasty with you. And even if they some something you don't like or don't want to hear, then you can dismiss it and leave it there. I know it's a bit of a scary situation but I really think it will be worth it for you in the long run, look at how you've described what you're going through. Does it sound like how you want to live, especially if you could change it?
What you are going through is not imagination, although they might be able to suggest many alternative treatments, but any doctor you approach with this should take it seriously how you are feeling and the symptoms you are describing. Even if you have to write it down or copy it from your original post to make sure you get the message accross clearly, I think your problems will be dealt with and treated seriously.
Likely outcomes of the appointment, from experience of going through a lot of what you're describing, are either therapy or counselling, or a combination of both. There are medication that can reduce anxiety and depression, some of which you may or may not find benefical. For anxiety though, the best treatment really is a bit of therapy (most people will recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but any sort really that helps you talk should help you with what you're facing).
I wish you the best of luck, and please keep us updated, or even if you just update me! I'd love to help you through this if you're having trouble motivating yourself to make that appointment. You'll feel so much better once you get it over and done with, and it will be the first baby step to the rest of your life. *grins*
Best Wishes,
Aimee xo
Last edited by Snow White. : 02-07-2007 at 11:59 AM.
Thanks again for replies a plenty. But one thing I don't understand, and never really have, is how a person (the therapists in this instance) can change the way you feel just by talking to you. I don't see how they could suddenly make me think "Oh wait, I don't care what other people think I can stop worrying"
Alot of the time just talking to people can really help, especially if you know they are not allowed to tell anone else. They help you try to remember what started all your problems and help you through it. It wont just suddenly change it will take a while.
I really hope you are able to go to the docs. Please keep in touch so you can let us know what you decide.xxx
I will keep you all informed of what I decide to do thanks :]
While were on the topic, on work placement today I had to watch somebody be sectioned against their will. Not inspired me with a lot of confidence haha.
I should go eat something now. Been too busy all day. My eating habits have gotten pretty erratic. Hope they don't ask me about that.
I understand your confusion about how a therapist can change how you feel about you. They can't change "you", but the things they say can change the way you interpret things. I'll continue with my example of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
A therapist can firstly define if CBT is a suitable technique for you, after a few sessions of talking about how you feel, your perceptions on things and other variables. They can then teach you about CBT. It's about "training" you to challenge your negative thoughts and things like that.
Anyway, the therapist can teach you all sort of coping techniques to deal with the way you feel about yourself and others. In a nutshell.
I hope you're feeling better. It's important for you to keep your physical and mental health up, with proper diet, sleeping, and water intake etc. That will also affect your mood and anxiety, making you tired and irritable.
What a crappy couple of days. The whole problem I went over is preventing me from concentrating on revision and as such I'm incredibly far behind on my reading and revision. I've done barely any reading over the last 8 months of my course and now have to attempt to catch up over the next THREE months tops.. since the realisation of how much I need to learn has hit me.
And I felt horrible today. 12 hour shift at work so I couldn't just go off to clear my head. I cried, which was odd for me and not really appropriate but it was only for a couple of minutes; hard to explain I had a huge downer over the thought I might not be able to catch up with my work and this job means so much to me I can't bear the thought of not passing and having to find another type of work, I love doing this.
So yeah about that doctor's appointment.. so glad I have next week off. And sorry I do seem to be using this thread as a damn blog don't I. It just feels nice to write. Plus i'm on a huge sugar rush; today's menu - two chocolate bars and a can of fanta. Oh and four pro plus
Hey. sorry 2 hear bout ur bad day! hope ur feelin betta now?
Just keep givin the course wrk and ur job a good shot. Im sure you will get there. does anyone at wrk know how ur feeling?
Dont worry bout using the thread, but remember that u can PM me if you want to, im happy to talk to you if you ever need it
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