[_embrace]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't posted here in a looong time (or very many times, for that matter.) I do read the forums a lot, though...I just find it hard to post.

But I am in need of some advice, if those of you more experienced in these matters wouldn't mind.

I have social anxiety disorder (social phobia, if you're quoting the DSM), though I've never technically been diagnosed, I'm pretty sure it's the case. A couple of days ago, I finally broke down and made an appointment with a GP to get a referral to a specialist of some sort. My appointment is tomorrow, and I am sort of freaking out already. I think the biggest hurdle will be getting there, and the next will be not freezing up/trying to articulate exactly what I want to say.

I was wondering if you have any advice as to what I should say? How much is appropriate to divulge to a GP, especially at this sort of appointment? I should say, too, that he is not a doctor I have ever seen before...he is a random doctor assigned to me by my university health services.

I should also say that I have done one group therapy before, but found it unhelpful because my anxiety was too intense...I simply froze up and was unable to participate. I'm hoping that one-on-one therapy will be better, and give me a chance to get outside of myself a little more. Then maybe I'll do group again. But it was just too much, too soon, at that time.

Thank you for any advice...I really appreciate it.

[Perna]

One thing you could do is print out this post and hand it to him to read or write something shorter up and "read it" to him, kind of like a speech? That might help keep you a bit more comfortable?

[Doh2007]

Just wondering if things went ok? Did you get what you need?

[_embrace]

Hi,
Thank you for the comments! I did what you said Perna...I made a list, and I did find it helped. It went alright, though I was very nervous, and I'm pretty sure he could tell.

He wrote me a prescription for "Ciprolax" and has referred me for counselling. I suppose I got what I needed, though I am leery of medication. This is my first time, so I will try it and see how it goes.

Thank you VERY much for your comments! I really appreciate it, and it really helped!