I've never been formally diagnosed, but I pretty much have all of the symptoms of Social Anxiety disorder. It's always been a burden on me, I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of things and this is just holding me back from, I don't know, experiencing life. I've been apprehensive about starting medication, but I'm seriously exhausted and I'm kind of at my limit here.
So, tomorrow I have an annual medical exam and I want to bring this up to my doctor. The issue is that I don't know what to say. And I'm SO anxious and nervous about it. I'm sick to my stomach.
If you have dealt with this, what did you say to your dr? How did you get it out in the open? Also, what types of medication have helped for you?
Thanks for taking the time to read. Even putting this here is kind of stressing me out. Ugh.
Agree with the pp; write everything down. Then, if you're too nervous to read it, you can always just hand it to your doc. You won't be the first person who has done that, believe me.
I pulled up a list of anxiety symptoms online, and compiled a list of the ones that applied to me (which was most of them). I took that list with me to the doctor, so I wouldn't chicken out or go blank when I was in the office. Especially since going to the doctor was one of my anxiety triggers.
I can't begin to say how much medication has helped me. My husband & I are both on Lexapro for anxiety, and it's been a lifesaver. I went from always having that pit in my stomach, feeling like something was going to go wrong, to not worrying about almost anything. That anxious feeling is almost always gone. It's amazing. I don't dread social situations as much as I used to. And even when I do dread them, I don't feel anxious & panicky; I just dread them because I'm an introvert
Also, remind yourself that your doctor isn't going to judge you or think you're stupid for bringing it up. They see far crazier people everyday. I burst into tears before I even got the first few words out, because I felt like such a hypochondriac for going to him about my anxiety. That's where having my list helped.
I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder but some social anxiety on occasion. Medication has helped me tremendously, as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I broke down when I first told my doctor how I was feeling. Be strong. You can do it.
Ah I know, I'm expecting tears as well. This is a doctor I've only seen one other time so I don't really have a relationship with him. I'm so dreading this, but I'm glad I posted this, it's helping to hear your experiences.