Having anxiety about talking to my doctor about my anxiety issues? Please, someone, respond!

[WorriedOne84]

I had a brief moment of courage yesterday where I talked myself into going to the doctor tomorrow over anxiety issues that I've been having.  Now, as tomorrow is approaching, I'm starting to freak out.  For the last few months I've been totally obsessing over my health.  I had surgery, to removed my gallbladder, in December and I'm still not feeling well.  Right now I don't even know if it's possible for me to feel better as the anxiety is controlling my life.  I've lost interested in things I once enjoyed doing.  I come home and get on the internet and start researching my symptoms.  I'm having trouble concentrating at work, I'm very irritable, and having trouble sleeping through the night.  Every little ache and pain in my entire body freaks me out and makes me paranoid that I have some incurable illness.  Afraid my doctor will think I'm being totally ridiculous and I'm always way too concerned about what other people think about me.  What if he doesn't take me seriously.  This is really affecting my life.   In honesty, I've had serious issues with social anxiety for years now though I've never seen a doctor over it.  I know I need to talk to someone about this but I don't know how to approach the subject with my doctor.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Krystle23]

Dr's are very understanding. And also remember, Dr's like it when you make appointments because they get money for it. However, it's very important to talk to her because every Dr knows, anxiety can have physical effects as well. Trust me, your Dr probably has many patients with anxiety problems, you talking to her will be nothing new to her, and you'll feel MUCH better after talking about it. And also, dwelling on every little pain is so common with us people who deal with anxiety disorders, however it makes it worse. Every time I used to get a head ache, I always think I have brain cancer or an aneurysm. HOwever, after 5 years of dealing with it, Im finally realizing that it's just stress headaches. Really anxiety causes so many pains, it's crazy.

[WorriedOne84]

Thank you so much for your response.  Sometimes I just feel like things that come easily for other people are so much more difficult for me.  Even simple things like making a phone call stress me out.  When I have to call, for instance a doctors office, I'll dial part of the number 5 or 6 times before I finally make the call.  I'm worried about sounding like an idiot when the person answers.  Being in social situations stresses me out a lot of the time.  I can't keep my mind from racing trying to think of something intelligent to say which prevents me from having a good time even with family.  I'm 26 years old and I've never even been on a date, seriously!  I know I sound completely pathetic.  I have so many other anxiety issues that I've let contol my life for many years.  Now, with the health issues, the anxiety is at an all time high and I can't get it under contol.  I'm so frustrated that I've let things get to the point they are now.  Yesterday, at work, every person that came in the store I was paranoid that they had some contagious illness and that I was going to catch it.  I sound completely nuts and I'm afraid if I talk to a doctor about all this he'll put me in a mental hospital, haha.

[WorriedOne84]

Thank you so much for your response.  I know what I NEED to do but I'm scared and embarassed.  I always take the easy way out and avoid any situation that may be uncomfortable for me.  Now I really have to face my fears, going to doctors freak me out, or else I'm going to continue to be unhappy.  Honestly don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight I'm so anxious about going tomorrow.  I'm just tired of living my life this way.  Actually I feel like all I'm doing now is just existing and nothing more.  There are so many things I would like to do an accomplish in my life and that is not going to be possible for me unless I start making some changes.  No one around me knows or cares to understand what I'm going through.  Thank you for taking time to respond to my post.  I really appreciate your advice and it makes me feel better knowing that someone understands what I'm going through.  

[mammo]

Everything you describe is why you must keep that appointment tomorrow.  You don't have to worry about what to say, just tell him what you told us and he'll take the lead.  Nobody is going to think you are being rediculous, what you have is real and they see it often so no need to think he won't take you seriously.  This is your first big step towards getting your life back, you must keep going.  Many of us have been where you are, and just had to push past this fear and see someone. The fear of going is much worse than actually going.  You will feel so much better once you start talking to someone who understands.  You have to realize that your anxiety is like any other medical condition, and with proper treatment, you can and will feel much better. You can get your life back, don't allow this to paralyze you to the point that you don't get help.  You don't have to suffer like this, it is real and very common, so please relax because you won't be telling him anything he hasn't heard from others....okay?  Once you see your doctor you'll be wishing you'd done it sooner, I promise you this!  So many here can relate to what you're experiencing, so know you're not alone.  You can and must do this, you took the first step, now just one more and you're on your way to a better life.  Believe in yourself, as we believe in you.  You will do just fine.  Take care...

[anxietyfighter]

I found most doctors to be fairly understanding. No one has ever told me I'm being ridiculous, anxiety and depression are understood in the medical profession now, they are valid illnesses. If your doctor shrugs it off you need a new doctor. Its always scary when you have to tell someone new about your anxiety problems. You have realised that you cant do this on your own any more and need some help. That's a great first step.

The anxiety is going to get worse tomorrow, and your going to tell yourself a lot of excuses about why you shouldn't go, but that's just the panic talking and you need to make yourself get up and go. Once you get there and start talking to your doctor the panic will fade. The first time is definitely the hardest, when your doctor (hopefully) responds positively, the next time you go it will be so much easier.

When its time to go, just take some deep breaths, remind yourself why you are doing this, (to start enjoying things again and get back control of your life).