Seeing the GP for Social anxiety

[VeryShyPerson]

I'm thinking about talking to a GP about it and I'm anxious because I've never spoken to a GP before what do you say to the gp about it? do I need to just say I have social anxiety to the GP?

NHS site says It's a good idea to see a GP if you think you have social anxiety, but it feels hard for me to do that in real life I'm worried they won't really be interested and make it worse

I'm terrible at communicating......

[Seagull]

As anxiety inducing as it may seem, just bear in mind that GPs are used to discussing the whole gamut of MH issues and it’s nothing to feel ashamed of. A year ago I saw my GP on a non related issue, mentioned SA while I was there and he was very knowledgeable, and not an advocate of medication for SA, essentially saying it isn’t that effective. Good luck VSP, you’ll be fine.

[gregarious_introvert]

I echo what Seagull has said and wish I had the same GP (mine, although this was more than a decade ago, refused any help unless I agreed to medication)! There is no need for shame, any more than you should feel ashamed of having 'flu or a pulled muscle (other illnesses and injuries are available).

The advice given many times on here in the past is to make a list of the ways in which your anxiety affects you (keep a journal if it helps) and write down what you need to say to the GP, just in case anxiety takes over and your mind goes blank. The more information you can give, the better your GP can understand your needs and treat/refer you effectively.

I hope it goes well.

Sent from my 23021RAA2Y using Tapatalk

[arrested_development]

Think about what you would like from the GP. They may ask you this and will give some options. Could be medication. Could be a social group where you can talk to people. You might want to be reoffered to CBT therapist. Or something else.

[sophie79]

Do you have anyone that could go with you to the GP to make it a little easier? When I went, I actually took my Mum with me. Even though I was an adult, it made the journey possible and the GP was really helpful.

[biscuits]

I wrote them a letter and they invited me in to talk about it. That was because I had selective mutism so would shut down if I tried to talk about it, so it seemed like a good idea at the time. It's embarrassing to think that I did that, but on the whole I'm glad I did.

You can make a list of things you struggle with and how you are feeling, or things you'd like to work on, how it impacts on your daily life etc. Then you can either hand it over or read it out.

You can also self refer for NHS counselling/therapies - without seeing a GP:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/me...rapies-service

[Lee S]

Originally Posted by biscuits

I wrote them a letter and they invited me in to talk about it.

Same here.

[Mr. Nobody]

Seeing a GP is a good way to get things started and kick-start some change, otherwise we can procrastinate for ages

I would focus on how SA really diminishes your quality of life,
Things other people take for granted can seem impossible to us.
It can can get progressively worse if nothing is done and end up leaving you with a very poor quality of life.

[VeryShyPerson]

Originally Posted by biscuits

I wrote them a letter and they invited me in to talk about it. That was because I had selective mutism so would shut down if I tried to talk about it, so it seemed like a good idea at the time. It's embarrassing to think that I did that, but on the whole I'm glad I did.

You can make a list of things you struggle with and how you are feeling, or things you'd like to work on, how it impacts on your daily life etc. Then you can either hand it over or read it out.

You can also self refer for NHS counselling/therapies - without seeing a GP:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/me...rapies-service

I know this might be a silly question but how do you write a letter to the GP? Would an email work too?
It sounds like a good idea because I really struggle to talk to people in real life.

[VeryShyPerson]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Good luck VSP, you’ll be fine.

Thank you

Originally Posted by gregarious_introvert

I hope it goes well.

Sent from my 23021RAA2Y using Tapatalk

Thanks!

[VeryShyPerson]

I'm worried I will break down crying in front of the GP I cry really easily I don't know why. I probably get too overwhelmed by all the having to socialise. It's very embarrassing

[VeryShyPerson]

Thanks for all the advice on this thread I do appreciate it

[VeryShyPerson]

Originally Posted by sophie79

Do you have anyone that could go with you to the GP to make it a little easier? When I went, I actually took my Mum with me. Even though I was an adult, it made the journey possible and the GP was really helpful.

I have to do it alone

[Jen.]

As apprehensive as I was about discussing anxiety and depression with my GP, the times I did it made him go into autopilot mode where it felt like he was talking me through a flowchart in his mind to figure out what to do.

The big struggle is jut saying it initially, but once you do they will (hopefully) take over and ask what's necessary for them to try to help you without the pressure being on you to think of everything. If you need to write a few words on a piece of paper so you remember what to say to trigger the conversation, or even to hand over to the GP, that will be absolutely fine, but after that first step they will guide you through it so try not to feel pressure to memorise a whole conversation before you go if that's causing you to worry.

[Dougella]

Originally Posted by VeryShyPerson

I'm worried I will break down crying in front of the GP I cry really easily I don't know why. I probably get too overwhelmed by all the having to socialise. It's very embarrassing

Don't worry if this happens, it actually shows the GP how much you are struggling

[Aelwyn]

^ Yes, don't add fear of crying to all your other anxieties! Take plenty of tissues! My GP was helpful and I was relieved to be able to talk to someone about the SA. All the best.

[biscuits]

Originally Posted by VeryShyPerson

I know this might be a silly question but how do you write a letter to the GP? Would an email work too?
It sounds like a good idea because I really struggle to talk to people in real life.

Hi

Email will work too, yes. I just addressed the letter to the specific GP that I wanted it to go to and then posted it in the post.

[biscuits]

To the doctors surgery - not to their address haha.

[VeryShyPerson]

It will be a few weeks until I can actually contact my GP because of issues
but It gives me time to write my letter.

Thank you everyone for your posts on this thread, reading your experiences has helped me feel a bit less nervous about seeing my GP and made me feel less alone.

[Boy]

The first time I went to see my GP about the social anxiety I literally just said: "I think I have social anxiety". The lady was great, I think she was a practice nurse, she lead the conversation and just was asking questions.

I've checked my NHS app and I have over 100 visits to GPs. That includes everything, not only mental health. I don't recall a single rude or unprofessional GP. Just saying that in case you are worried about this as well The most unengaged and indifferent people at the practice were actually receptionists, which is not that common as well. But you know, they are not the main people you will be dealing with

Also, it's probably depends on a practice, but mine has online bookings, you just describe the symptoms in writing and submit the form. However, they might call you back to confirm some details or they might arrange the appointment right away. Which can be phone appointment as well. Post covid is a bit crazy with phone appointments rather than in person, but it's getting better now.

Good luck! This can be a very good starting point to start dealing with your anxiety! It was for me

[VeryShyPerson]

I tried ask my GP online to get an appointment and it was really bad
They said they couldn't find me on the system and it left me feeling really confused
I'm going in person to ask the receptionist

[VeryShyPerson]

but its all very traumatic for me and I feel like I'm probably doing more harm than good to myself mentally

[Dougella]

^ How strange, are you not registered on their online system maybe? Hope going in person is better.

[VeryShyPerson]

Now that I think about it I probably haven't given them enough time because I recently had to switch my GP and apparently you have to wait up to 28 days so I might be fine maybe you'll usually get a message to tell you your registration has been successful. thats what they say. So I'll try again next month I guess.

[Dougella]

Maybe that's it then. Well done for trying, it's hard to make that first step