sno85
11-04-2013, 11:51 PM
Hi! I'm new to this forum and I'm not even sure that I'm posting this in the right place. I'm sorry if it's not!
I'm not on any medication and I am undiagnosed but I've been dealing with anxiety and panic for a few years now. I haven't seen a doctor about it, because I thought I could handle it on my own. By the time I knew that I needed help, the doctor's office seemed like a terrifying place as well.
For the last 3 years or so, my circle of "safe places" has been slowly getting smaller and smaller. This past winter, while laid off from my job, it got to the point where I couldn't even leave my apartment. When I got called back, I made some huge breakthroughs and tackled a couple of my obstacles, so I don't feel completely hopeless! :) I think that a lot of my anxiety and panic stems from how self-conscious I am about my teeth, which are in terrible, terrible shape. I was afraid of the dentist before I even started having trouble with anxiety/panic. I badly want to go see a dentist (if for anything, because I'm often in a lot of pain and I'm pretty sure it's going to kill me eventually.) I emailed some of the dentists in my area explaining how terrified I am and describing my situation. One of the offices that responded seemed so genuine and caring and made me feel just a teeny bit less scared. But how do I build up the courage to actually make the appointment? And how do I keep from talking myself out of it? I get nervous even being around people who I used to be super close to, so the thought of letting someone I don't even know look into my mouth....sheer terror. How do I tackle something so big?
Also, I'm already quite scared of how my teeth are affecting my health, and I do know that if I don't do something, it could kill me. This is why I could really use some advice. Has anyone out there beaten a huge fear and do you have any tips?
I'm not on any medication and I am undiagnosed but I've been dealing with anxiety and panic for a few years now. I haven't seen a doctor about it, because I thought I could handle it on my own. By the time I knew that I needed help, the doctor's office seemed like a terrifying place as well.
For the last 3 years or so, my circle of "safe places" has been slowly getting smaller and smaller. This past winter, while laid off from my job, it got to the point where I couldn't even leave my apartment. When I got called back, I made some huge breakthroughs and tackled a couple of my obstacles, so I don't feel completely hopeless! :) I think that a lot of my anxiety and panic stems from how self-conscious I am about my teeth, which are in terrible, terrible shape. I was afraid of the dentist before I even started having trouble with anxiety/panic. I badly want to go see a dentist (if for anything, because I'm often in a lot of pain and I'm pretty sure it's going to kill me eventually.) I emailed some of the dentists in my area explaining how terrified I am and describing my situation. One of the offices that responded seemed so genuine and caring and made me feel just a teeny bit less scared. But how do I build up the courage to actually make the appointment? And how do I keep from talking myself out of it? I get nervous even being around people who I used to be super close to, so the thought of letting someone I don't even know look into my mouth....sheer terror. How do I tackle something so big?
Also, I'm already quite scared of how my teeth are affecting my health, and I do know that if I don't do something, it could kill me. This is why I could really use some advice. Has anyone out there beaten a huge fear and do you have any tips?