orchid
05-17-2013, 12:00 AM
I'm 18 years old and I've suffered from major depression since I was roughly 13. My biggest problem now, however, is social anxiety, and it's gotten to a point where weeks can pass me by and I'll realize I haven't left the house once. I can't open the door and I can't answer phone calls. I've ruined the potential for a lot of relationships because I panic during dates unless I'm a little bit drunk. Otherwise, I shake, I can't make eye contact for extended periods of time, my mind freezes up and I literally don't speak at all. It's really, really embarrassing. So, I've decided to try getting help - but I have no idea where to turn. Ideally, I'd like to see a few doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists to get several opinions before I start up on medication.. but, alas, the thought of humiliating myself several times over is obviously a little daunting to me.
Not only that, but I live in a smaller city where psychiatrists aren't readily available. I don't have a family doctor, so I called a random clinic and made an appointment for next week. I haven't been to a doctor in a long time, so I don't even remember how appointments go. I know there's a limited amount of time and they only like to focus on one thing at a time, so what should I say? What kind of medication should I ask for? Or better yet, what should I not ask for? Should I take the doctors advice/prescription right away or should I hear several opinions before I medicate myself?
To summarize: I want something that I can take to ease the panic prior to going out, but I'd also like something that I can maybe take consistently that would give me more motivation for productivity in daily life. Assuming the doctor isn't very familiar with anxiety disorders, what should I try bringing up?
Not only that, but I live in a smaller city where psychiatrists aren't readily available. I don't have a family doctor, so I called a random clinic and made an appointment for next week. I haven't been to a doctor in a long time, so I don't even remember how appointments go. I know there's a limited amount of time and they only like to focus on one thing at a time, so what should I say? What kind of medication should I ask for? Or better yet, what should I not ask for? Should I take the doctors advice/prescription right away or should I hear several opinions before I medicate myself?
To summarize: I want something that I can take to ease the panic prior to going out, but I'd also like something that I can maybe take consistently that would give me more motivation for productivity in daily life. Assuming the doctor isn't very familiar with anxiety disorders, what should I try bringing up?