going to my doctor soon. what to expect?

[Anonymous]

Hi, thanks to you who posted (esp. orlando) back to my other messages. today my mom whispered in my ear, i called the doctor, we're going soon. she told me. my normal doctor, the one who i've known since i was a kid and who always hugs me and is so nice. it's so embarrassing having to talk to him about this!!

what am i going to do there? will i have to explain a ton? i am so terrible about talking about myself. and to other people. i think no one cares and i stutter and blush. can you tell me whats going to happen? this guy, who always gives my check up is where i'm going. i'm so scared.

 

[Orlando]

Cassie,

It is very frightening to ask others for help. At sixteen, I did not take the full opportunity that you are taking now. I never spoke to my family and I suffered alone.

I was thinking. Instead of explaining your circumstance verbally to your doctor, you might consider printing the posts that you have already sent over internet. The doctor can read it and then ask questions. This might be better because it will take off some of the anxiety of explaining your whole story from beginning.

Also, remember that all these steps or actions (i.e., talking to your family or going to the doctor) is for yourself. These are things that you want to do for youself so you can get better.

 

[Regal70]

I agree with Orlando. Write it out, or take an online test diagnosing social phobia (like on the Paxil web site) and print it out, or print out some of your posts you already wrote. It's got to be very hard for you to sit there and explain all of this. It might even be impossible for you. Writing is always much easier. Do whatever you feel the most comfortable with! I know it will be hard enough for you just going, so you don't need the added pressure of explaining everything.

 

[Anonymous]

I just found a page on anxiety symptoms and printed it off and bassicaly shoved it in docs face and the same day he contacted a CBT group and put me on medication.

 

[symbiosis]

It is hard taking that big step and talking about yourself and your 'secret' fears. I reckon the previous suggestions are really good - take printed back-up with you!

This condition has been hugely under recognised. Even recently I mentioned it to my GP and she said "what is social anxiety anyway?" Doh!

I also reckon to be careful of trying medication as the first thing - unless your anxiety is so bad that you can't even try other approaches without medication...I've been really stubborn re this, but probably should have taken something when teenager/early twenties to get me over the worst of it....

Cheers, Symbiosis