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How To Bring Up Anxiety To Your Doctor

Maybe I Am Beyond Help

Changing the way you think about Stress | Dr Libby Weaver | TEDxCurrumbin

If they brush you off, dont listen, or in any way belittle you? You have the right to see another doctor. It can feel really overwhelming if we are already depressed and anxious and having to deal with this. Our first instinct can be to go home, cry, and assume we are beyond help or that we are hopeless.

You are not. Doctors are people and are not perfect. And while some are wonderful, some are not. Like all professions, you get varying levels of competence. If you dont have the courage to call up and ask to see someone else, see if a friend or partner can call for you. Ask if there is a doctor available who specialises in mental health in case that is an option.

Want to talk to a GP who knows about mental health? We now offer a specialist GP service. Or why not book private therapy directly? Our online booking platform provides therapists for every budget.

Still have a question about how to talk to your doctor about anxiety and depression? Post below.

Things To Keep In Mind When Talking To Your Doctor About Mental Health

Remind yourself of the following:

  • You are the client, they are the doctor. Its their job to listen to you.
  • They will have had many other people ask about mental health, too.
  • Everyone feels sad or worried now and then. Even doctors. Dont assume they havent had mental health challenges of their own.
  • Unlike friends and family, they are not invested in your decisions. So you dont have to feel guilty telling them about what you are going through.
  • They are bound by a code of ethics and confidentiality to protect your privacy.

Is Anxiety Medication Available Over The Counter

No. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription after consultation and evaluation with a doctor.Book an appointment with a PlushCare doctor for evaluation and diagnosis, and to discuss a treatment plan foryour anxiety. If our doctors think that you may benefit from a prescription after an online medical evaluation,they will electronically send one to the pharmacy of your choice. They can also assist with referrals forpsychotherapy.

Recommended Reading: Can Anxiety Cause Nausea And Dizziness

How Can Depression Symptoms Lead To A Depression Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with major depression, you must have at least five of the symptoms listed above with at least one of the first two nearly daily for at least 2 weeks.

Depression symptoms can last weeks, months, or sometimes years. They can affect personality and interfere with social relationships and work habits, potentially making it difficult for others to have empathy for you. Some symptoms are so disabling that they interfere significantly with your ability to function. In very severe cases, people with depression may be unable to eat, maintain their hygiene, or even get out of bed.

Episodes may happen only once in a lifetime or may be recurrent, chronic, or longstanding. In some cases, they seem to last forever. Symptoms may appear to be precipitated by life crises. At other times, they may seem to happen at random.

Clinical depression commonly goes along with other medical illnesses such as heart disease or cancer and worsens the prognosis for these illnesses.

Do You Only Prescribe Adderall For Adhd Or Are There Other Medication Options For Treatment Available

Preparing for a Doctor

Once you confirm a diagnosis of ADHD, you can use medicine or one of the psychosocial treatments, mostly cognitive behavioral therapy. Most commonly for adults, medication plays a role, but cognitive behavioral therapy is quite helpful, says Adler.

Adderall is only one of the many medications for ADHD, and it should not be the only one used for adults, he notes. Currently for adults, there is one approved nonstimulant, Strattera , and five approved sustained-release stimulants two of which are Ritalin-based and three that are amphetamine-based . Treatment plans are made in partnership with your doctor to find the right medications that are the best fit for you, explains Adler.

Healthy lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial. Adler says that people with ADHD can benefit from a balanced, healthy diet adequate hydration getting enough sleep and moderating caffeine if youre on medication. Some mindfulness therapies can be quite helpful in terms of relaxation techniques, he adds.

Read Also: Can You Pass Out From An Anxiety Attack

Talking To Your Doctor About Mental Health

6-minute read

Many health professionals provide mental health services. Your doctor is often a good place to start for most mental health conditions. Doctors can provide treatment or refer you to other services for mental health.

It is important to talk about your mental health, but it can be difficult. Here are some tips for how to start a conversation with a doctor about your mental health.

Search for a doctor in your location.

What Are Some Ways To Help Overcome A Fear Of Doctors

  • If you are often afraid of going to the doctor, begin by asking yourself: Are you worried about a particular procedure or a diagnosis? Are you intimidated by doctors offices or hospital rooms? Would you be more comfortable with a different doctor?
  • Find support. A therapist may be able to help you understand if your fear of doctors is rational. They can help you find the true source of your anxiety and educate you on how to best manage your fear.
  • Bring a friend who can support you through doctors appointments. Perhaps a close friend or family member to provide moral support can help you get through the fear of a doctor appointment.
  • Get a new doctor or try another type of primary care provider. You may get along better with a new doctor, even a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Consider finding a provider whose personality or outlook you prefer.
  • In advance of an appointment, ask the doctor or health professional how many tests or procedures there will be so you know what to expect.

Managing any fear begins with understanding its source. If youre not sure why you have a phobia of doctors, consider talking to a therapist for objective insight. The above tips on overcoming a fear of doctors may offer you some practical solutions.

Read Also: What Is The Feeling Of Anxiety

Seven Steps To Lessen Anxiety At Your Next Doctor Appointment

How many times have you walked out of the doctors office only to realize you forgot to ask something while you were there? It happens, but there are some easy things you can do before the appointment to help to make the next one more successful.

Patients can be anxious when they come to the office and can overlook certain things, said Cindy Nunan, DNP, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner at Shore Physicians Group. I completely understand it. That is why I try to take the time to understand their concerns and put them at ease, but I need a little help from them as well so that we can have the most successful outcome from the visit. If they could bring in a list of the current medications they are taking or bring in the medications themselves, either is a great start to the office visit. I need to know what they are currently taking before I can fully assess their health care needs. With the senior population, that information is vital.

Nunan said she tries to learn something about her patients background, like the foods they eat and what is important to them. This helps her understand the patient as an individual and not just their symptoms.

  • Is this a well visit, a preventive checkup, or a follow-up?
  • Are you looking for a diagnosis or a name to match your symptoms?
  • Do you need a new treatment plan or tweak of what you are currently doing?
  • Do you want to discuss your prognosis and what the future will bring?
  • Gather your medical information.
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    Tips To Curb Your Anxiety Before A Doctors Appointment

    Preparing YOU For Surgery With Relaxing Examinations to Calm Your Anxiety [Real Doctor ASMR]

    For some people, going to a doctor isnt a walk in the park. Their stomach starts to churn, and cold sweats begin to appear when they think about their doctors appointment. If thats you, we have 5 tips to overcome this anxiety so that you can better take care of your health.

    1.Schedule a Suitable Time

    Before setting a time, look at the ebbs and flows of your anxiety levels during the day or week. For instance, if you feel more anxious in the morning, taking a morning appointment will only make it worse. Consider taking an afternoon or an evening appointment instead.

    2.Go with a Family Member or a Friend

    Going to a doctors appointment with a friend or a family member can placate your anxiety in myriad ways. While theyll be a comforting presence in the clinic and distracting you with friendly conversation while you wait, they will also be attentive to catch important details about your treatment that you may miss in an anxiety-ridden state.

    3.Manage Your Breath

    While we arent conscious about it, our breathing becomes shallower and shorter when we are stressed out invoking a cycle of anxiety. To relax yourself, its best to perform different breathing exercises. The most common of them is the 4-7-8 technique. In this, you inhale as you count till four, hold your breath as you count till seven, and exhale as you count till eight. While you do this, try filling your belly and not your chest.

    4.Mentally Prepare Yourself

    5.Have Your Vitals Noted at the End

    Also Check: How To Overcome Negative Thoughts And Anxiety

    What If I Dont Know If I Have Anxiety Or Depression

    Its possible to have both. And anxiety can lead to depression. So dont get obsessed over which one it is if you really arent sure. Instead:

    • make a record of the thoughts you are having
    • and the physical symptoms you are noticing
    • then clearly explain the difference between what you were like before all this started, and now.

    Your doctor should be able to spot if its anxiety, depression, or both. And if they are confused too, what matters is that they can see your daily life is suffering, and can then give you a referral to a mental health professional.

    Talking To Your Doctor About Your Mental Health

    Talking about mental illness can be hard. There is a stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness. It can prevent people from getting the support and help they need. But mental illness is a common problem. In fact, about 1 in 5 people will experience some sort of mental illness in their lifetime. So, dont be afraid to reach out for help. Your family doctor is a good place to start.

    For some people, the thought of talking to their doctor about their mental health is scary. But getting treatment for mental illness is important. It rarely goes away on its own. Left untreated, it can get worse, lead to other health problems, or last for a long time. Deciding to talk to your doctor about your mental health is the first step on your journey to feeling better.

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    Discussing Your Anxiety Symptoms

    Everybody experiences anxiety differently. What symptoms do you experience and how frequently do you experience them? Common symptoms include:

    • Restlessness and agitation

    Think about when you typically experience symptoms, and when your symptoms first began. Share this information with your healthcare provider.

    Its also important to be open and honest about the way anxiety is affecting your life. Is it hard for you to go to work or school? Have you cut down on social outings? Given up driving or public transportation?

    Your doctor will carefully consider all of this information and ask you some questions about your health and family history. Youll probably fill out a standard anxiety questionnaire in which you rate your symptoms over the past 7 to 14 days or so. She may want to run a few tests, such as thyroid function blood tests some medical conditions cause symptoms that are similar to anxiety, so shell want to rule out any possible physical cause of your symptoms.

    If you experience any symptoms of depressionhopelessness, persistent sadness, worthlessness, lack of energyshare those with your healthcare provider as well. Anxiety and depression often occur together giving your doctor the whole picture will help her to select the most effective treatment plan.

    What Questions Will My Doctor Ask Me

    Causes, Symptoms And Tips To Help School

    Mental health assessments often take more than one visit. Your doctor will need to get to know you so they can give you the best support. They may ask questions about your:

    • lifestyle choices
    • family history of physical and mental illness
    • psychological or emotional experiences

    It is also good to tell your doctor if you have any preferences for your treatment.

    Your GP will be able to assess whether a mental health treatment plan is right for you. Your health care needs, goals, treatment and referrals would be recorded in your mental health care plan.

    Your doctor may also refer you to other health care professionals for further treatment or a clearer diagnosis.

    Read Also: What To Say To Child With Anxiety

    What To Expect When Going To The Doctor For Anxiety

    by Health Writer

    When you have anxiety, it is hard to take that first step – calling the doctor and setting up an appointment. You aren’t sure what to expect and it is scary to think about talking about how you are feeling with your doctor. Will he think you are crazy? Will he find something terribly wrong with you?

    How To Talk To Your Doctor About Anxiety Medication

    To learn more about whether anxiety medication is right for you, you can start by talking to your doctor or provider about your concerns. Share what symptoms you are experiencing, for how long, and how these symptoms affect your life. It is helpful to be specific.

    For example, you might explain how you have been dealing with fear of social situations for the past year, which has led you to avoid social gatherings. If there are any specific events that triggered your anxiety, or anything that makes your anxiety worse, then share these points as well. The more information that you give your provider, the better they will be able to help you. It also can be useful to know any details about the mental health and treatments that your biological relatives may have had.

    Your provider will decide whether anxiety medication is right for you based on your symptoms. Your symptoms will also help them decide what medication is best. Certain anxiety medications target acute anxiety and panic or panic disorders, while others are more effective for chronic anxiety. Different medications have different recommended daily doses.3 Your provider will also take into account factors like your biological sex and weight when determining the right dose for you.

    Read Also: Can Anxiety Make Your Chest Hurt

    Tip #: Set Goals For The Conversation

    Before the discussion, think about the outcome youre seeking. Remember that diagnosing and treating depression takes time and expertise, so if your goal is to make your symptoms disappear immediately, youre likely to be disappointed. Instead, set a few reasonable goals for the conversation, such as a) putting your concerns on the table and b) working with your doctor to determine a plan to address those concerns.

    Get Specific About Symptoms

    Anxiety Doctor Check Up [ASMR RP] Soft Spoken

    Your healthcare provider will want to know what symptoms youre experiencing. Tell him or her everything you can, including symptoms that you think might not be related to mental health. It may help to write down your thoughts before your appointment.

    When you tell your provider about a symptom, mention: How often the symptom occurs. How severe the symptom is. If youve had this symptom before. When it started.

    In addition, tell your healthcare provider about any big life events or personal changes. Its normal to feel sad after the death of a loved one, for example. But depression that lasts for weeks and affects your well-being may benefit from treatment.

    Even if your provider doesnt ask, bring up any information that you think might be relevant.

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    Why Your Doctor Might Also Recommend Therapy

    If therapy is a recommended option for your treatment, its likely the case that your mental healthcare provider will focus on one of two popular treatments that have shown the most benefits for anxiety disorder patients.

    Anxiety disorders are known to generally respond well to therapy and therapeutic practices, and research shows that one of the most effective therapeutic methods is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy .

    CBT is an effective treatment because it gives the patient a sense of control it helps people suffering from anxiety and other mental health disorders recognize the signs of their disordered thinking patterns.

    CBT can help you recognize them as well, which may give you the advantage you need to employ coping strategies to mitigate future attacks and episodes.

    Weve talked more about the benefits of CBT in our guide, What Is Psychotherapy & How Does It Work?. It has more resources and a deeper exploration of this effective practice.

    The benefit of talking to multiple professionals might also be that your treatment takes on a more holistic .

    A healthcare professional might ask you to explore the consequences of other factors in your mental health things like diet, exercise and substance abuse could very well be making things worse in your head, and addressing those issues could alleviate some of the symptoms youre struggling with.

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