Social Anxiety Forums

scaredy_kay · Terrified Newbie Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

Hi,
I'm wanting to go to see a doctor because I'm sure I've got Social Anxiety. The only problem is that I always put off going to the doctor in case there's nothing wrong with me and I end up looking stupid. Can anyone give me advice? Or tell me how they went about seeking advice from doctors, etc? Thanks.

Josh · Posted: Tue February 27, 2007 Post subject:

Is the doctor you are going to one who you are familiar with already?

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Hobo · Posted: Wed February 28, 2007 Post subject:

My mom made me go to the doctor when social anxiety was interfering with basically everything in my life. The doctor told me to answer this social anxiety quiz sheet, and if you got like 50 points or higher you most likely had social anxiety. I filled it out and got about 180 points or something. Then he asked me a bunch of questions, and then ended up putting me on some medications, Paxil at first, then Effexxor. Then he set me up with some type of therapist. They talk with you about your day to day living, and try to help you by giving you goals and objectives to complete.

The medication didn't help me and I don't take it anymore. I don't like any prescription drugs. I didn't like going to the therapists, and I just lied to say I improved so I wouldn't have to go anymore.

Medication and therapists can help some people though. So, if social anxiety is creating lots of problems in your life, then it might be a good idea to see your doctor about it.

iPlume · Posted: Fri March 30, 2007 Post subject:

i know how you feel, i'm just the same. also i feel at the moment that my doctor just isnt listening to me so i feel like i'm gonna change surguries.

PHD86 · Anxious Poster Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

The first few medical people I saw were quick to write the SA off as they didn't want to 'bracket it.'

Bastards - it's real and there's millions of people across the world now to prove it.

At least the people I'm seeing now, recognise it and understand for what it is and provide me with lots of information that I didn't know about.

GPs don't seem to really have any knowledge of the problem but more specific medical people who deal with people's anxieties on a regular business do. But again, only some of them.

MyGoal · Anxious Poster Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 28

I know it's a hard one Scaredy Kay but the best thing to do is just go and explain the many things and many limitations that happen to you due to the social anxiety. Put forward your case in the clearest way. If that doctor dismisses you, then just go to another. I have felt exactly the same way and even though I've been to the doctor about it, I still feel the risk of being misunderstood so you are not crazy being so worried. It's a part of our self protection. But doctors are there to help you, they're mostly not there to judge. Another thing is some SA people look so confident and impressive that it seems impossible they have anything wrong. It's best to go in with your guard completely down so they can see how affected you are by the anxiety.

arbus · Terrified Newbie Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

hey scaredy kay,

my mom recently went to a GP complaining of generalized anxiety symptoms - something he's experienced her whole life. there was virtually no eval and he prescribed her a dosage of adavan that is used to make combatant patients comatose (she's also a nurse). I'm not saying their all idiots, but I think you'd do better seeing a psychologist - who by the way will not think you're crazy.

You have a legitimate concern about something that seems to be effecting your life pretty significantly... that's what they're there for regardless of the label. If they're attitude is anything different, then keep shopping around til you find the right fit.