How do I talk to my doctor about my anxiety attacks?
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at
4:16 am
How do i talk to my doctor about these attacks and feelings im having. I really dont want her to think im "crazy" but think i should not try and procastanate these feeling if theres somethign that can help me! So any advice on how to talk to my doctor about this and when im booking the appointment( my doctors office asks what the appoitment is regarding) Im trying to keep my parents out of this so thats why im asking you guys
Thanks in advance!
Filed under: Anxiety Attacks
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First - you are not crazy. Know that. Many people experience anxiety…..it becomes a problem when it begins to overwhelm you and affect your life….your performance at school/work, interfere with your relationships, etc. And the first step to getting better is realizing that there is a problem. I ended up in the ER one night bc I thought I was having a heart attack…..the dr told me I had had a panic attack….and sent me home on meds….which weren’t the right ones for me and just made me feel worse (the dr had no way of knowing….). Anyway, I realized I needed to see my gp……and she was great. I started taking a medication that really helped me feel more in control - I also went and talked to a counsellor - which is a great idea. She helped me with some relaxation techniques. It was just good to talk to someone. Anyway, I got through it - and I’m now off the medication…….my advice for you? Recognize that your anxiety is disrupting your life. And ask for help. Call your doctor. Tell them that you are having anxiety. You don’t need to lie. Be straight with them - tell them exactly what your symptoms are - what you have done to try to cope - what works…what doesn’t work…..this way they will be able to find the right course of treatment for you. Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of/ Your doctor sees patients on a daily basis who suffer from this…..they won’t think you’re crazy. I promise . If you really don’t want your parents involved….that’s your choice, but they could be a great source of support for you. Good luck.
ps. i started doing yoga…..its a great way to relax
When you call, tell the person that is taking the appointment that you just want a general check up, then when the Dr comes in tell him that you have been having alot of anxiety and have tried things to help you relax and nothing has helped and what does he/she suggest.
Just say mental distress, or I’m haivng anxiety problems…
I know it’s hard to admit to anyone that we’re "flawed"… but I know many doctors and nurses that have mental health issues. The head of our mental health unit here where I am, is bipolar. No one’s immune to it. If she’s a good doc, she’ll understand, and help you through it.
Good luck, remember, you’re not the only one!!
Every other person on any street in America is suffering from anxiety in post 911 America…and the other ones are lying about it…..
It is not the receptionist’s business what you want to see the doctor about …tell her you have a sinus headache…or you stubbed your toe or you have a private matter to discuss with the doctor. It is your money and your time too you know…doctors are mechanics who go to school for a long time…I interview doctors before I start going to them. They provide a service that I pay them for and if they get it wrong or annoy me I’ll find another one; the phonebook is full of MDs.
I take wellbutrin and I am content with the job it does…no side effects or weight gain. My doctor said it was the "happy, healthy, and horny pill" Two out of three ain’t bad!
I’ve recommended calcium which includes magnesium tablets to many people who suffer from anxiety attacks like you do. These tablets produce a calming effect when taken regularly before bedtime. Thus far, all of them told me that their anxiety attacks have been significantly reduced and they are sleeping well. They are also more calm during the day. Just make sure you select a pharmaceutical grade product, take half the dosage for the first few days and then go on to the full dosage if your body responded well.
Don’t worry about sounding crazy; they deal with this sort of thing all the time. Anxiety/panic attacks are an illness, just like diabetes, and depression. They will understand, but in order to make it better, you need to tell them. Most family practices offer a counselor who can prescribe drugs. Good luck; email me if you need to talk.