Anxiety & talking to my doctor {Right one}?

Question

So about 2 months ago i was put on Ativan for panic attacks, I find though they are only come upon me when im in setting where im in a social setting (ie_ school , talking one one one with somebody, eye contact) Im pretty sure that i have Social Anxiety's but how can i go upon dicussing this with my doctor?? What questions should i ask her ?? Should i try and get my medication switched because of the side effects??? What should i expect from her ?? Please put my consent worrying to rest about going to the doctors on thursday

Answer 1

social anxiety can make life really hard...but dont worry...the doc can help..but it sounds like your having panic attacks also...during your anxiety do you sweat...feel dizzy...shortness of breath....think your having a heart attack....weak legs....if you do then your having panic attacks...simple medication like kolonipin taken at the onset of these attacks can stop them in a matter of minutes....DO NOT start taking xanix because if you run out you will have a panic attack times 3...i took Zoloft for social anxiety for 3 weeks and it cured it so look into Zoloft...and usually they have sample pack that last a month so it will be free..expect your doctor to help you that whats shes there for...there is nothing to worry about...worry about how good your going to feel after all of this is over...!!!

Answer 2

When I first sought treatment for my mental state, I was diagnosed as having Social Anxiety disorder, Agoraphobia, Chronic Anxiety, Chronic Depression, Bipolar 1 & 2, and latest Schizoaffective disorder. Make an appointment with your doctor, say its an emergency. Tell your doctor your problems, and either from you or the doctor get a referral to a Psychiatrist. Who is an expert on treating mental illnesses. You will get much better care, have appointments more regularly, and more options. Don't be a first year med student and think you can diagnose yourself. Basically get to a Psychiatrist! Don't worry about being labeled anything, you are a real person, you define yourself, not your illness. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Kim, if I may comment, this problem is so easily amended that you have the answer in the palm of your hand. Try this approach (not to denigrate other answers as the ones I saw were great), Firstly, You are you, you matter, and only your opinion of you matters. Secondly,You must learn to live in your own head, as you seem to have your emotions enmeshed with others, when that is plainly causing you to feel upset, and allowing your perceptions of others opinion of you override your own, and ultimately more the valuable. Lastly, Your only fear, is fear itself, and once you make up your mind to face up to a situation, face your fears head-on, and don't "awfulize" the situation, just think, "Well here goes, and I will be through it soon, and BREATHE DEEPLY, slowly and completely, as that way you better equip your physical being, which is where your anxiety manifests itself. Deep Breathing, like say take 7 deep and slow breaths every hour (count slowly to 8 or so, and exhale for the same period of time) and you will be amazed at how simple it is to bring a feeling of calm upon yourself that isn't artificial, like say an Ativan. I am not disdaining you for using Ativan, as I too have suffered this way on several times throughout my life ( I lost my wife 14 years ago), but I have found that above simple technique to be the most effective and invigoration exercises ever. ( I got that from Dr. Wiehl, the big bearded bear of a self help Guru ). Good Luck, and take one step at a time, and live in the Now, not it the "what ifs" or "if onlys", and you will see how easy it gets.

Answer 4

It isn't really a big deal ...... talking with your Dr. They understand more than you know. Alot of people deal with anziety issues. I do. I have always had panic attacks. Not major ones. The only ones who knew it was me and perhaps my family. It also almost always happen to me in crowds, some sort of social setting, ect. I absolutely couldnt stand it. You feel it coming up from your toes and going straight to your head. And it never seems that you can do anything about it. (except leave) which only helped alittle. Wal-marts is real bad for me.

I would get a sence of impending doom.........

I spoke with my Dr. I told him exactly how I was feeling and what I was going through. He made me feel comfortable about talking to him. If he is a good Dr. then you should have no problems.

I have been on Zoloft + zanacs - (which I only take when I feel totally stressed) It has definately helped me. My family notices the difference in my moods and my stress factor. : )

Your Dr. should also check and see if you have some sort of hormonal issues. They do this with a simple blood test. Mine came back normal ............. I told the nurse, " Well thanks alot.....I guess I am just naturally screwed up"........... I thought it was funny............. anyhow........... : )

Don't worry. Talk with your Dr. Get on a regimin that will help!!!

Good Luck to you!!

Answer 5

You told your doctor enough to get you the Ativan, but when you go on Thursday, I would tell her that you are experiencing symptoms frequently enough that you are taking more Ativan than you are comfortable with. Most docs don't want you taking a lot of Ativan, so leave it up to her. Just make sure that you tell her all of the symptoms you have and the events which precipitate them, and I'm sure she'll help you. It might help to write these things down so you'll remember to tell her everything.

You might also mention that you would prefer to avoid the discomfort associated with your attacks, and you would like something that could prevent you from having them, instead of treating them once they occur.

It could be that you'll want to see a psychiatrist and a therapist to get a more comprehensive look at the reasons you're having them.

Best wishes.

Answer 6

Write down all your concerns - side effects - anxiety attacks happening when - switching medicine why? - I also worry when I have to go to the doctor - makes my blood pressure shoot up - hang in there - good luck!@~

Answer 7

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 8

The Dr. is working for you. You pay her for her skills. She doesn't pay you. Therefore, you should be able to discuss anything with her. If you don't feel comfortable you should go to a different Dr.