Talking to psychologst via e-mail - nope!

[afraidofyou]

So I finally heard back from the psychologist I was supposed to see a few weeks ago. I wrote her an e-mail asking if we could communicate that way before meeting since I'm worried and anxious about it. Turns out that's not possible because of secrecy issues.

Instead I've gotten an assessment appointment with her - tomorrow. Really short notice. I'm not sure if I have it in me to go. Actually I'm pretty sure I'm gonna skip it because that's what I always do.

My life is such a mess and I just keep making it worse. ::

ETA: Right after posting I read this:

"If you get out more you can meet more new friends. If you go on more dates you chances of meeting someone special increases. Just showing up more can really make a big difference. Not showing up will not get you anywhere."

I will try to keep that in mind regarding this.

 

[saen]

Facing a psychologist at first is a daunting task, especially if you're a social-anxiety sufferer. A psychologist is at least someone you can share your issues with. Give it a go, if you don't like her, try another psychologist. I've developed what I'd call a friendship with mine, but I only got there by going through several psychologists at first. Just find someone on your same wave-length (which you will). Good luck to you.

 

[StonedBob]

To bad you cannot comunicate with her by e-mail for the first appointments ::.
But this must not stop you from seeing her. I remember that you weren't properly diagnosed with SA, but from your message it's seems you have SA and this psychologist can confirm your diagnosis. I know it's quite frightening at the begining to see a psychologist, to share with her your fears, frustrations, some aspects of your private life etc... But a psychologist isn't there to judge you or make fun of you (the doctor you saw previously was just an a**hole with no respect for the ethic), and once you realize this, you will feel more confident with her, and then it will be possible for her to help you.
But for this, you have to do the fist step and go see her, that's the only possible way.
It's up to you .

 

[afraidofyou]

Thanks, I'm sure you're both right.

I guess part of the problem is my own fear of change - even for the better. I'm not sure what kind of help to ask for and even if I do, I worry that I won't follow through with it(something that has happened repeatedly). I guess that's why I don't want to go, as well as the fear of making a fool out of myself.

 

[StonedBob]

[...]the fear of making a fool out of myself.

Don't worry about that, you have this fear because of your SA.

I'm not sure what kind of help to ask for

Well, you can say this to your psychologist, that you don't know what kind of help to ask for. Normally, she will give you advices, whet would be the best therapy for you, etc...

 

[Havocan]

It's always difficult having to rearrange one's life into something totally different for the sake of improving the life quality. But trying is better than not trying at all, though you might end up in embarrassing situations now and then it'll at least teach you what to do and what not. You've got to crack some eggs to make an omelet^^.

 

[saen]

Thanks, I'm sure you're both right.

I guess part of the problem is my own fear of change - even for the better. I'm not sure what kind of help to ask for and even if I do, I worry that I won't follow through with it(something that has happened repeatedly). I guess that's why I don't want to go, as well as the fear of making a fool out of myself.

Ha, that was my initial fear going to a psychologist: "Is he/she laughing at me? Does he/she think I'm weird?" After several months of being there, I actually asked my psychologist if I was weird. He simply said that, "compared to the people I've seen across the years, you're remarkably normal."

Just remember that a psychologist is dealing with human problems all the time, your own issues will not shock them or make them laugh at you. For me it was certainly less stressful than speaking to a stranger. They're simply there to help, not judge.