Anxiety, like many other mental health disorders, is difficult to talk about even though you must talk to your health care provider. The following guide will help you figure out how to go about this conversation and how to get over your fear of it.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk
The first thing you want to do is get over your fear of opening up. One way to get over these feelings is to recognize how normal anxiety is. This is a natural feeling that’s triggered by your brain. It’s a response to something scary or stressful. It’s the kind of thing that might have saved humanity through an evolution since it stops you from doing something dangerous or at least ensures you proceed with caution.
The problem is sometimes the brain can’t shut off the anxiety button, which is why you should not be scared to open up. When anxiety becomes chronic, you need to seek out professionals who can help you discover any imbalances you may be suffering from.
Bring Your Questions
Everyone’s got the internet, and the chances are high that you’ve already started looking up information about your condition and feelings. Doctors know this and are more than willing to answer your questions or concerns. Many people who use the internet might get overwhelmed with information, or they might come across information that doesn’t apply to them.
Of course, the lucky ones come across helpful information, like how some folks use homeopathic treatment for anxiety or reduce their anxiety by taking magnesium. It’s important to discuss what you’ve read because there’s a chance you will come across misinformation. This is a real problem because it could lead you astray, and that can be dangerous. This could even prevent you from seeking the professional help you need.
Keep a Journal
You may want to get a journal and start writing about what you’re experiencing. This should be helpful for your doctor, and it may be easier to talk about what you’re going through. The other reason you want to keep a journal is that it’ll allow you to be more detailed when you explain your anxiety symptoms.
It’s hard to remember details, but a journal helps deal with that for you. Try to write down the kind of things that might have triggered your anxiety every time you suffer an attack. You’ll likely have to share this information not only with your doctor but with the mental health specialist you’re referred to after the candid conversation you’re going to have.
Bring Emotional Support
A few folks won’t be able to talk about their anxiety without some support. If you feel like this would work best for you, then consider bringing along someone you trust to your appointment. This could be a friend or family member. You need someone with who you don’t mind sharing your condition.
Having someone there could give you the courage to open up about your experiences. Remember, emotional support doesn’t have to be a person. Some folks use animals as their emotional support, and that’s okay, too. Talk to your doctor beforehand so that he or she understands you’re bringing someone along to help you through this discussion.
Make a Direct Plan
Doctors want to help you. If you feel scared to open up, then call your doctor beforehand or email this professional. Tell him or her what you’re feeling and why. Sometimes, it’s easier to discuss these issues when you aren’t in person, which you’ll use in your favor.
Once your doctor is aware of your particular situation, the professional should create a plan so that you’re able to talk more freely. Maybe the plan will include a more intimate setting, like the doctor’s office, or maybe your doctor will try to ask you specific questions that’ll make it easier for you to open up. Trust your doctor. This person knows what steps to take and who might be of assistance to you.
You’ve got a few ways to properly open up to your doctor about your anxiety. Don’t wait too long to discuss this problem because it won’t get any easier for you.
Author: Mckenzie Jones
Image Source: Envato
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
