How did you bring it up?

[Mehitabel]

I'm going to the doctor on Monday. Technically it's to see what my bloodtest said (nothing bad, just to check iron and sugar), but I'm going to mention social anxiety disorder. The thing is, I have no idea how to bring it up. How did you bring it up with your doctor, your psychologist/psychiatrist, or your family/friends? Did you just say "Oh, by the way, life as I know it is collapsing around me"?... I guess because of the SA I'm really frightened about how to bring this up without looking like a dink. So how did you do it?

[o-ren]

Hi meh,

I know it can be frustrating and uncomfortable telling a complete stranger on how you feel but you must learn first if you are comfortable trusting that doctor.  Once you pass that stage just start telling your whole experience with anxiety.  Everything should fall in place.  Tell him why you need help.  You can also start by telling your life story and slowly moving on to how it got to this point and what led you to his office.    In my opinion this is very difficult thing to do if you do not trust the person.  Take me for instance, did you know that I "LIED" about everything my psych asked me?  .

Good luck sweety.

[pinky5]

Mehitabel,

You could start with something general like "I'm having some problems with anxiety" and see what his response is. That will probably tell you if you're comfortable telling him more, or if you should just a see a psychologist or therapist. As far as what to say to a psychologist, they can usually read you like a cheap novel, in about 2 minutes, and you'll be surprised at how little you have to say to them before they know what's going on with you. It's quite a relief. These people are professionals and have been taught to deal with problems like these. Just remember it's a big deal to you, but it's really not to them. It's just their job. Good luck. I'll be rooting for you. Keep us posted.

Rachel

[GMan86]

Good point Pinky. A psychologist will be able to push you thru what you are hesitant to say. They have ways of bringing things out of you so all you have to do is show up and try your best!

[Mehitabel]

Thank you GMan, Pinky, and o-ren. I'm still nervous but I feel more confident about what I need to say to him. I'll let you know how it went   

[o-ren]

good luck

[GMan86]

Okay, keep us posted! 

[NightOwl]

I just got to the point where I didn't care what any of them thought about me and just told people.