New to the board

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2005
New to the board
8
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 9:26am

Hi guys,

I am new to the board and I just wanted to introduce myself. I have a first (ever) appointment scheduled for next friday with a therapist for my anxiety. My anxiety comes in waves, sometimes I am fine and feel normal and productive and then other times my anxiety is overwhelming and I can't think of anyway to relieve the tension. It can be triggered by anything, by the news, by my job, by my relationship, my friends. And usually I get so worked up about everything I find one thing to focus on and drive myself batty.
I am wondering how many of you are currently seeing a therapist?
I am a little nervous about my first visit so any info you can give me would be great.

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 11:07am

Hello! Nice to have you here. You are NOT alone. I have the anxious personality that when I get on a worrisome thought, it's with me for sometime. It is difficult but manageable. I hope you'll get acquainted with our supportive members through posts & joining us in chat. Everyone is generous with sharing their experiences & offering coping solutions.


It is scary to see a therapist for the first time. We feel a bit vulnerable sharing our innermost thoughts. But, it will become easier with time. Bear in mind that these folks are trained for this sort of work & they have heard stories much like yours many times over. Most therapists have you fill out a general info sheet. They may ask you about your family mental health history, as well as your own. Even your medical history may be needed. As for the interview, it's mostly information gathering. You may discuss your concerns & what you hope to accomplish. It's always good to get on the same page as your therapist. Your expectations should be the same. If you feel you might forget what you want the therapist to know, then write a list & hand it in. Or follow it as you answer questions. I tend to get nervous & forget, so the list is a must for me.


Please keep in touch & let us know how your appointment goes. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 12:08pm
Hi and welcome to our community. I understand your apprehention about going to therapy. I have went for 20+ yrs, but I only go every 3 months and that is because I am on xanax and by law the Dr. has to check me out. I have always gained alot from therapy and feel really pumped up after I go but that is just me. I hope your visit will go well. We are glad that you checked into this board. The people can be very helpful because we have all been there and done that. Keep us informed. Debbie

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 2:45pm

Welcome to the board. There's a really great bunch of ladies here that are insightful and helpful. They offer loads of support and eagerly answer any questions you may have be it about medications or just personal questions. I've only just started seeing a therapist last month and was very anxious about it. I was afraid my legs wouldn't even get me in the door but they held out and I found her to be a blessing in disguise. Take a few deep breaths and keep reminding yourself your therapist is there to help you not harm you. Good luck and keep us informed. We have chat tonight you might want to consider trying to attend we'll all be there to help support you and maybe even put your fears to rest.

Keitha

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 4:11pm

Hi,


I'm glad that you joined us.


The 1st time I went to see a therapist was a few days after I started having major panic attcks out of the blue, so by the time I got to see her I was off the wall in the office in panic....


She calmed me down and most of all she tells me that the things I am feeling and going through are normal for anxiety. SHe is very good at putting things into perspective.


Just an FYI.. I have heard that some people just don't connect with their tdoc.. if you feel that way please go and find another. It is very important to feel comfortable with your tdoc.


Bring a list of things that you want to discuss and that way you won't forget..


GL and let us know how it goes...

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Thu, 10-06-2005 - 5:18pm

Wow, you just typed my life story! Therapy is the answer. Today my therapist worked me in for an extra visit because I really needed him to help me focus. I tend to think about something and not let it go, also. I think you took a big step - and in the right direction. Just be sure he/she has experience with anxiety. The 1st one I went to, I didn't really like, the next one & I just clicked perfectly. Let us know how it goes. Anxiety seems "normal" these days. Everyone I talk to has it.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2004
Fri, 10-07-2005 - 1:03am
Hello There, and WELCOME to the board!
I think you will feel right at home here! :0)
I went to my 2nd pdoc about 6 weeks ago, and was nervous, in fact I go in for my 3rd appt next Tuesday, and am still nervous, but it is easier every visit. I really hope you like your dr as much as I like mine. I feel so relived after I see her, and she makes me feel like the things I feel are not unusual for someone with anxiety.
What helped me, was to kinda write up a 'bio' of me and my history with anxiety, and also I brought a list of questions to ask, as Heather mentioned.
I wish you luck on your appt, Please post soon, let us know how you are and how your appt goes. We Care!
hugs,
shasta
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2005
Fri, 10-07-2005 - 1:03pm
Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement. I feel better now about going although I’m still nervous. Unfortunately my mother had this stigma attached to going to therapy otherwise I would have gone a long time ago. I have been struggling with anxiety for way too long it would be wonderful if I could finally have some relief. I am going to see a psychologist, do you recommend that I see a Psychiatrist instead since they can give me prescriptions if necessary?
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 10-07-2005 - 5:44pm

A psychologist will know where you stand & if meds are necessary. He'll be able to refer you to a good pdoc for your prescriptions. It's up to you if you want to do it the other way round. It just seems that nowadays, pdocs only evaluate for meds & write the prescriptions. They rarely do talk therapy & leave that up to others. HTH (((hugs))) jan