Too nervous to see a counselor?

Question

I've felt sad/hopeless/unmotivated for a couple of years and last year I started feeling really anxious all the time and I would like it to end. I can't seem to shake it, I've tried exercising, eating healthy and everything but I can't stop feeling this way no matter what. I want to see a counselor but I'm extremely nervous to see one. I get horribly anxious just thinking about going. I'm really afraid and I feel like I'll be wasting their time. How do I get over this to take the first step?

I'm 18 and in my first year of college.

Answer 1

I'm proud of you for admitting you need help. now you've even have asked us for help. so now its time to make an appointment and go to a counselor call one and if they sound nice on the phone and you like there voice make an appointment. you are then half way there. now say it's the day of the appointment, your stomach will probably be in nots, this means you are right on cue. most people get anxouse before an appointment. now walk in and talk to them you allready feel bad, i promise the session will make you feel better. please make an appointmen for next week. e-mail me and let me know if you make it or if you have any questions or concernes i would love to help you through this. i've been there, now i look forward to counseling, i use to get sick before hand. good luck, make your appointment tomorrow.

Answer 2

A couple of things come to mind. One is your age. Is it possible that your close to menopause age? Even 5 to 10 years preceding menopause you can be going through peri menopause. With that you can suffer from depression, anxiety attacks, hot flashes, aching body, lowered sexual desires. It doesn't have to be all of those. It's different for each person. If this is what it is then your doctor can help you. It's a really good thing to research as well. If your doctor doesn't take you seriously, then get a new doctor. Also, I'm struggling with hyporthyroidism at the moment. A lot of people that are depressed are put onto anti depressants and it's actually a thyroid issue. So there can be things a miss in your diet, with your thyroid or menopausal things. I'll give you some good links at the end of my response to you.

As for counseling. It's the most beautiful blessing to talk to someone and to feel and to know they are listening and they want to help. If you see a counselor, just make sure you choose someone that's supposed to be really good. You can ask your doctor, close friends, family for recommendations. Never be ashamed of reaching out for help. Your awesome for considering it. That's half the battle won. Your anxiety will be put to rest once you realize they care and want to help.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 3

First of all, let me say that people who become therapists do not do it for the money (people who do are very disappointed:) ) Most people become therapist because they love to help others. Just remember everyone experiences some kind of problem throughout their lifetime. Think of it as the first step to a new life. You are definitely not alone in the way you feel. Try searching your local newspaper for support groups that may be of interest. This way you can get an idea of what to expect from counseling and someone can recommend a therapist who specializes in this area. Also, if you have considered medication along with therapy I advise you to seek someone who specializes in the mental health field like a psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner. These individuals typically know more about psychotropic drugs than your regular doctor. Just remember, do not get caught up in what others think, just think about feeling better and what it is going to take to do so. Counselors are there to help you not judge or criticize you. You would be surprised how many people seek counseling and feel better by doing so.

Answer 4

Take baby steps.

First call the office. Then maybe visit the office but without seeing the counselor. Then make the appointment. Then go.

Also, you might want to try talking to a priest, a good friend, a social worker, or someone else you trust.

There are people who care about you, and would love to help you. Just ask them for help.

You most certainly won't be wasting your couselor's time ! You will be a great client, because you want to get better.

I have the feeling that you will do well with counseling, and that it will work.

Answer 5

I think its great that your going to talk to you counselor. Dont worry about wasting her time, this is her job. It will help you alot to talk to her and she wont mind listening. Dont be nervous about it, obviously you two are pretty close since shes helped you before, see her as a friend thats giving you advice and comfort. Not many people actually have it worse than you, I understand that dealing with anorexia and a parents divorce all at the same time is hard. Try and open up as much as you can, it helps alot with situations like yours. Best of luck :) xx

Answer 6

We all have those times when we aren't up to par in some way.
Why shouldn't you reach out for help if you feel bad, whether it is a headache or a cut or feeling down or whatever?

As far as the counselor goes, just remember that YOU are paying THEM to help you with the knowledge they have. You aren't wasting their time, but watch out that they aren't wasting yours. If they aren't helping you, try someone else.

Best wishes for the courage to take that first step toward coming back to happier times. You can do it.

Answer 7

Try not to worry to much if u can, counsellors would have seen all types of ppl b4 u & if u happen to go to peices while u r there then thats the best place to do it, she or he willl be able to guide u thru any anxiety u might have, i see 3 different counsellors, 1 for Trauma & the other 2 for my anxiety & panic attacks, & everytime i go its the same feeling of anxious, i go to pieces on a regular visit with my counsellors & they talk me thru it, if u make the appt b4 u go sit on the side of your bed with feet flat on the floor & breath in thru ya nose & out thru ya mouth slowly 6 times & no more than that, just tell urself i can do this, but if u really cant face the counsellor just yet go see your Dr for some meds to calm u down, then making that appt will be easy. good luck.

Answer 8

The nervous you feel is normal when going to see a counselor. But trust me, when you come out of the session you will feel proud of yourself. The definition of courage is the ability to act in the face of fear.

Fear and nervous are all caused by our thoughts. We worry too much 'what if this' 'what if that'. Do not let fear control you, you control it. Good luck.

Answer 9

why don't you try calling the counseling center and speaking with someone on the phone first-- you really need medication- anxiety causes a lot of side affects- I suffer from panic attacks and my doctor keeps me on medications to keep from having severe attacks. If you have a family doctor see him-if not, go to a clinic-a regular medical clinic and talk to a doctor there- he will give you medication and then you will be able to deal with the idea of therapy- it really helps, it's like going to confession (I don't know if your catholic but I relate it to it), you feel like the world has been lifted off your shoulders when you're done with your session---good luck to you---please call your doc

Answer 10

Look in the phone book, they usually have a number for people to call. They are usually counselors that answer the phone.