For the last 2 months I struggled really bad with my anxiety and OCD (which I didn't know I had in the beginning) I barely ate and I lost all motivation to do things I normally did. I struggled really badly with instrusive thoughts and the anxiety that followed them. Alot of people saw a change in me as I'm usually very bubbly and cheerful and I noticed it alot in myself and was so ashamed because I felt no one understood. I went to my doctor and they diagnosed me with ocd and anxiety and recommended me to a place that offers CBT . It took me alot of courage but I called them and long story short, they were very unhelpful and said they were "very busy and I should look for online articles that may help". I was naturally really upset and dissapointed but I knew I needed guidance and so I found a private therapy clinic near me. It's relatively expensive and as I'm 18 I live off my University money and my part time job. Ever since I booked the appointment I've almost been feeling better? I don't struggle with my intrusive thoughts and my anxiety has went right down and I'm eating so much better! However, I almost feel that I'm tricking myself into feeling better if that makes any sense as I still have moments where I think about how I felt a week ago and I feel the anxiety come back mominteraly? I'm absolutely terrified to go to the initial consultation because now I feel as though I'm going for no reason. But I'm so worried that if I don't go, I'll go into a spiral again and it'll be just as bad as before. Despite my parents being in the medical field, they don't really want me going to therapy .. I think they're maybe in a sense of denial? Like they don't want to admit it's happening to their daughter. So I try to not bring it up around them too much. I'm really just stuck on what to do, should I go to therapy anyway? Or am I wasting their time?? I just can't stop thinking about it and don't want to do the wrong thing. Thank you so much for reading this and for any help.
You are so awesome & smart! I hope you navigate well, Please share.
Thank you so much that's so kind ❤️
You are absolutely not wasting their time.
These people went to school because they care about others and really want to help. Besides, it helps their business, To be honest.
I went to counseling for anxiety and it really helps to vent to someone else who really listens and can help. Counselors see patients with anxiety on a daily basis. Some patients are not in an acute anxiety mode but, like you, they would like some direction and help with this.
There is no degree of anxiety you have to be at to go get counseling. Anxiety has a way of rearing its ugly head whenever it wants to, and it’s helpful to talk to someone who has the tools to help you deal with this if it should happen again. It is never wrong to go to counseling. . But it is right to go especially when you’re unsure. Of how to deal with anxiety.
That other place was wrong in telling you to just look up some articles . That is very unprofessional.
If you were to find a good counselor, just venting is such a big relief. They will lead the conversation so you don’t have to worry about that. My suggestion is if you like the counselor, then keep going even if you feel OK. They can give you ideas you hadn’t thought of before.
in the meantime try to relax yourself especially remind us. There some great meditations on YouTube for anxiety, OCD, panic , Sleep etc. they totally relax my mind and body. Also make sure you get some exercise and eat healthy, both of which will boost your immune system to fight off anxiety.
So I really believe a combination of counseling, exercise, diet, relaxation of the mind, Socializing and doing things that make you feel good and calm, are a great step to managing anxiety. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
I agree with Jan. I don't have panic attacks or daily anxiety but I do have problems with worrying too much some times, to the point I feel sick to my stomach. Just talking with a therapist who understands and can offer guidance helps a lot! I don't go every week, just when I start worrying too much. Daily meditation helps me also.
Thank you so much for this!! I definitely needed someone to reassure me so thank you!! I'll have a look on YouTube for the videos! 😊 Thank you so much for your advice again x
Thank you alot Amber! I'm feeling alot more confident about going now so hopefully it will give me some relief to some degree. Xx
You are very welcome! It’s time to take care of you!
The audio meditations on YouTube are best when you use headphones or earbuds.
Besides the meditations for anxiety etc. there are so many others.
good luck at counseling and don’t be afraid to open up about anything that may be causing anxiety. 😁
Thank you so much again, you've helped alot!😊 X