First step

Tomorrow is my first appointment to talk to my doctor about the possibilities of my condition being ocd or something else. I was explaining in another thread some of my symptoms. I have these flashes of something really terrible happening to family, friends, and my dog (who is like a child to me since I'm unable to have one). I'm always afraid something is going to happen. I have a thing with numbers too. I check the doors at night at least 4 times to be sure they're locked. The volume on the tv or radio has to be an even number. I count each time I chew food. I take two drinks at a time. It's just really driving me crazy. The flashes aren't constantly.. but I do have them around 10 times a day. I don't have nightmares though. These flashes are like nightmares but I'm awake. It's been like this for several years but has worsened in the last month so I've finally decided to talk to my doctor about it.

My question for you all is this, what is the best way to approach the doctor with these symptoms? This man has been my doctor since I was 10 years old (I'm 27 now). He knows my history. And, he's not very subtle when he talks. He tells it how it is. That's what scares me. I'm afraid of how I'll handle it. I'm afraid he'll tell me it's just all in my head. Which it is all in my head but I'm just worried he'll think I'm making it up. How would you suggest me going about this? My husband is going with me but he's kinda worried that I'll snap.. yeah my fuse is short too btw.

Anyway, thanks for reading this and thanks in advance for any help you all can give.

MrsDodge, do you have to go to the doctor who has known you forever and who you're afraid might complicate things with his reaction?

If you're going to see this family doctor anyway, I'd start in "reverse" and tell him you wish to discuss mental health problems and are concerned about his possible reaction to you and ask if maybe he would like to refer you to a psychiatrist to talk with about it instead of himself. That should tell him how serious you are and if he replies, "No, I can help you" then you can continue but if he poo-poos you in any way, I wouldn't proceed, would point out that reaction is the sort you're afraid of and insist he recommend a specialist (psychiatrist) for you to go see and talk with.

Thanks Perna. I don't guess I have to see this doctor but I would need a referal for my insurance. I think I will take it slow with him. I should probably start out telling him what's going on and then ask if he would rather me see someone else. Knowing him, he probably will refer me else where. I guess I'm just a little scared of the outcome really, not what he'll say but just having to open up. It's easy to open up in writing but so hard in person. I'm sure everyone who reads this can agree.