Hi rl,
Congratulations for making your appointment, even if it is causing you some extra anxiety...it was the right thing to do. I really struggle with going to the doctor for my yearly exams, but again...the right thing to do, even though it is tough!
First off, your p-doc will not diagnose you with all sorts of disorders resulting in a hospitalization. I understand this fear, because I have a similar one...mine is just in the physical sense.
If I told you that I was afraid to go for my check-up because I feared that they would find a bunch of diseases, what would you tell me? You would likely say that my imagination was getting the best of me due to my anxiety about
the appointment, right? :)
Going in with a clear idea of how you want to manage your disorder will help. Your p-doc works for you, and can only make suggestions. He/she can't force you to take medication if you don't want to. If you want to approach this from a therapy angle, then let them know and discuss your options.
I would write down your goal, concerns and questions, so that you don't get flustered when you are at the appointment. I have found this to be helpful.:)
I will post a thread here that has some good advice on first time therapy appointments. Maybe you will find something else hepful in there.
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=2287406
Know that you are doing the right things for your recovery...and that you have our support!
Talk to you soon,
S.C.