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What if you are too anxious to see a therapist?

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Posted 9/13/2014 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading your posts for weeks now and I just want to say thank you to everyone here. This site has really helped me to try to accept my anxiety for what it is. I am not dying and this can be overcome!

That being said....I know my next step should be to find a therapist. Problem is, I am scared to death to do that! My GP has me on Buspar, so I've got the med thing covered, but I still deal with my anxiety monster daily. So many varying physical symptoms, social anxiety, etc. I even have my groceries delivered because I hate driving or being in public places!

So, for someone who can barely make it to work each day, where do I begin? How did all of you find your therapists (assuming you have one) and get yourselves to the appointment? How did you make it through an appointment with out being nervous and tongue tied? Or feeling like you just need to leave immediately or you will explode or pass out or some other horribly embarrassing thing?

Thank you, thank you for being here!!!! I love reading about all of you.


Jen
Posted 9/13/2014 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
hello , yes I'm there with you I don't have a therapist but currently looking for one and Im already anxious about going to the cessions , it's crazy this anxiety thing!! But I think we need to find the courage some how and go or else we will not get better at least that's how I feel about my self . Like you I'm anxious about going to stores can't go alone anxiety disables you , but I'm looking to start a daily medication as soon as I find a therapist + phyciatrist . I have buspar too but too scarce to take it 😰 all the things about how it makes u dizzy that would just make my anxiety through the ROOF I can imagine
Posted 9/13/2014 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
My doc has me on Buspar 20mg/day. It is the third one I've tried. It does well in keeping the large scale panic attacks away, but the daily physical symptoms and all my avoidance issues remain. I guess that's where the therapy should help.....if I can drag my rear in to see someone.

It makes me a bit dizzy about 20 minutes after I take it. I take it as soon as my alarm goes off in the morning. By the time I get done showering the dizziness is gone. I've been on it months now and barely notice it anymore. I freaked out about it in the beginning. You really do get used to it and it has the least side effects of the others I've tried (Zoloft and Celexa).

Post Edited (What happened to Jen?) : 9/12/2014 11:06:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/13/2014 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
I went through this just seeing my Psychiatrist, I remember that day so vividly, I finally got the appointment, my panic attacks were out of control, I had to walk to the bus stop(my daughter went with me because it is a 3 hour ride one way), half way to the bus stop I started shaking and told her I had to turn around I couldn't go, she got very upset with me, and said basically that I had to do it because how was I going to get help with my panicking if I never saw a doctor to help me?

So long story short, I just got on that bus and went. Maybe if you could have someone just drive with you, not go into therapy with you, just the drive there. It helped me to not be alone on that long journey.
Posted 9/13/2014 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
My GP referred me to an office that has about 10 therapist. When I called to get an appointment, the front office matched me with someone. Luckily it was a good match:) I've been with my therapist, on and off, for 6 years. Please don't be nervous about therapy. The first couple of sessions are a breeze, as you have to tell your story. You will know then of you click with him/her. If you don't feel comfortable, switch. Therapist see it all the time. You have to be with someone you feel at ease with or the process will not work. I wish you well on your therapy journey:)

Post Edited (Momtogigiandquinn) : 9/13/2014 7:20:52 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/13/2014 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
It is hard for me to take that first step. But once I do, the rest of it is easier.

Look at it this way. The anxiety and fear of the unknown will lessen after you take that step. Until you do, it is only going to be more intense, because you know you need to do this.

So, write a script, schedule a time for a phone call, post some notes with breathe and smile and you are doing great on them, and make it.
Posted 9/14/2014 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi WHTJ.,

Great question and topic that you bring up!! I think that we are all nervous with the first appointment!

Here is a great thread that could really help you.:)



https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=2287406

If you think that going into an office setting and meeting with a therapist is going to be too big a first step...there are SKYPE options for therapy now! If you would like some more info on that...let me know and I can look some up for you.

S.C.

Posted 9/14/2014 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
SKYPE!!! What a fabulous idea! I could hide in my bed! Love it!

Actually I think I will probably just try to suck it up and fight through the anxiety. I guess I just hear everyone talking about finding the "right" therapist. A whole bunch of first dates just seems horribly anxiety provoking.

I've been looking at profiles of therapists in my area and reading about their methods. I've heard CBT tossed around here a bit. What about some of the other things like EMDR? Should I look for someone who can do it all? Right now I've narrowed it down to about three who look very comforting and non-threatening. Is it acceptable to ask if they have couches or windows in their offices? I do better when I can see outside. I don't want to feel trapped in a boxy room and a stiff chair. If I could see my car in the parking lot (escape!) I might be even more comfortable. Do I sound crazy yet??

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions everyone! I am determined to be the me I used to be before anxiety began running the show. You guys are the best resource I've found yet.

Jen
Posted 9/14/2014 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
No...you are not crazy...at least not anymore than the rest of us! ;p

I think you are brave for pushing past your fears, and going ahead with your plan! Great job.

Read that thread...it really is full of good info and ideas for your 1st session.

Keep us posted...and so glad that you are happy here...we are happy to have you join!

S.C.
Posted 9/14/2014 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
...oh and as to your question...

CBT was great for me.

EMDR is helpful for some...especially for 'unlocking' hidden or supressed trauma.

Mindfulness is another tecnique that you may want to discuss, and see if your therapist has any material for.

After your intake session, your therapist may have some suggestions that he/she thinks will be helpful for you...

...but never be afraid to speak up and make your own needs/wants known as well. You are the boss! :)

S.C.
Posted 9/14/2014 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, definitely ask about couches and windows! You need to be comfortable there.

I'll second the mindfulness suggestion.

And advice from my mom - basically along the lines of "Don't worry about being around other people. They couldn't care less what you're doing because they're all thinking about themselves." (She and I both experience social anxiety.)

Good luck finding a therapist you like!
Posted 9/14/2014 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
See if you can speak with the therapist on the phone before you go to the appointment. You can tell a lot from their voice to see if you will get along. If you think it will work, then go to the appointment with the idea that you can leave at any time if you are not feeling o.k. They work for you. You are the boss. You are paying them to help you. Remember that.
Posted 9/16/2014 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
That's a good idea, about speaking to your therapist on the phone.

When I was perusing the list of new therapists to choose from, the one I'm seeing now (which for once is a great match),...well, I picked him because he was the only one who specifically said it's important to speak ahead of time, it gives both the therapist and the patient a "connection."

It's a launching point. And I'll admit it, there was something about being able to put a voice to the profile, so to speak. It was reassuring, it made him real, and it's working out very well!

It can happen! :)





M.
Posted 9/16/2014 9:08 AM (GMT 0)
And remember, you can always leave if you don't feel comfortable.
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