[Skywalking]

I am horribly afraid of my psychiatrist. I get really anxious about my appointments with him. I'm so glad I only have to see him every three months, but just calling to make an appointment is stressful and I'm often tense and anxious for days before going to see him.

There's nothing I can identify that I'm specifically afraid he'll do or say, I'm just...scared of him. I have a problem with doctors. One of the ways I feel safer is reminding myself I'm free to walk out the door and never come back, and there's nothing he can do about it.

I used to blame him for being scary, but I think it's just me, and changing doctors wouldn't help - although he is not the most gentle guy in the world, either, and I'm very sensitive.

I see so many people here who get attached to their care professionals and feel deeply safe with them. I feel more threatened and unsafe in his office - in any medical office - than I do anywhere else.

Is there anyone else who deals with this type of fear? What helps you when you're sitting in his office, terrified?

[jacky8807]

I have a cousin like this and for her it is an underlining fear of what he may tell her
Seeing a pdoc isnt always an easy thing to face
Like u said....just rmind yourself that you can always walk out that door if you want. You are not obligated
And maybe it is him...maybe there is just something you dont like about him or hes not a good fit
I hope someone else here can give you more assistance

[Victoria'smom]

Take someone you trust with you.

[Skywalking]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Take someone you trust with you.

This is good advice! Unfortunately, there is no one I trust. I don't have friends and my family is not supportive.

Even if I did, I have a really negative view of letting anybody in my business like that. I don't want people close to me like that. To me that would be worse than going alone. I think I've said elsewhere I'm an emotional porcupine, LOL, and that holds true here, unfortunately.

[Skywalking]

Originally Posted by jacky8807

I have a cousin like this and for her it is an underlining fear of what he may tell her
Seeing a pdoc isnt always an easy thing to face
Like u said....just rmind yourself that you can always walk out that door if you want. You are not obligated
And maybe it is him...maybe there is just something you dont like about him or hes not a good fit
I hope someone else here can give you more assistance

I don't think it's a fear of what he might tell me. Getting diagnosed was about the worst thing that could have happened, and it happened, so I'm on the other side of that now. But I was once forcibly restrained while a painful medical procedure was done to me, while I was very young. I don't remember it, but I can't help but wonder if it's related.

I've gone back and forth about trying to find a new psych. I even attempted to get in at a new clinic, but they were terrible at returning my calls. And mentally I know he's a good psychiatrist, he spends plenty of time talking, asking me questions, and he was very understanding when I was having some doubts.

But I wish I had some older mom or pop type who's just softer.

Again, though, I don't think it's him as much as it's me.

Lots of good advice and I really appreciate your support.

[wiretwister]

mine is very forceful, he's a martial arts expert...and he has scared me before,..but I believe he is a very good pdoc and truly has my best interest at heart...I always ask him not to yell at me at the beginning of every visit,,he only has a few times because I was cutting my meds... as I have gotten better (more stable and calm) our relationship has got better,,, the last visit was like two old friends talking.....I hope you find that kind of relationship ...maybe you can express your feelings to him....

[boogiesmash]

Hi sky. I hope you are well. I was always fearful of going to any doctor had anxiety about it soon after the appointment and about half the time I didn't go. I did realize something, if their is something wrong with me, it is their job to help me fix it. I keep on reminding myself about that and i'm usually good to go.

I'm also seeing a psychologist for talk therapy, in addition to bipolar I also have GAD and Social anxiety. Do you see a psychologist? Maybe they can help you deal with the anxiety.

[Skywalking]

Originally Posted by wiretwister

mine is very forceful, he's a martial arts expert...and he has scared me before,..but I believe he is a very good pdoc and truly has my best interest at heart...I always ask him not to yell at me at the beginning of every visit,,he only has a few times because I was cutting my meds... as I have gotten better (more stable and calm) our relationship has got better,,, the last visit was like two old friends talking.....I hope you find that kind of relationship ...maybe you can express your feelings to him....

Yikes, I seriously wouldn't be able to handle a doctor actually yelling at me! We would be done at that point, heh.

I guess I just don't believe anybody has my best interest at heart. I'm thankful for you sharing your experience. It's heartening. Honestly I don't want any relationship with him, write my prescription and leave me alone is more my style... I kind of wish I could trade doctors with someone who has a lazy psych. :P

[Skywalking]

Originally Posted by boogiesmash

Hi sky. I hope you are well. I was always fearful of going to any doctor had anxiety about it soon after the appointment and about half the time I didn't go. I did realize something, if their is something wrong with me, it is their job to help me fix it. I keep on reminding myself about that and i'm usually good to go.

I'm also seeing a psychologist for talk therapy, in addition to bipolar I also have GAD and Social anxiety. Do you see a psychologist? Maybe they can help you deal with the anxiety.

I think I don't really believe they're going to fix anything. I have no faith in their ability to do anything for me, and I am deeply suspicious of them, though I admit I'm glad for the medication because it took care of the problem I was having.

I tried therapy for four months, had the same fear reaction even though she was very nice. I told the therapist and she never addressed it. I did make an honest effort, but she never got within a mile of me emotionally and I later realized I wanted it that way. Plus she spent the whole time talking about herself, heh.

I know I will never get anywhere in therapy with an attitude like this. I don't want to waste their time or mine when I would only go in there defensive, hating it, and spend the entire time being cheerful and skimming the surface so I can get out as quickly as possible.

I'm sorry, I'm shooting down suggestions and I know that's annoying. I'm really grateful just to know others experience this. It makes me feel better just to say how much I hate and fear medical professionals. Thank you guys.

I was wondering, does anybody have any tips for dealing with that kind of fear in a waiting room? I've tried knitting, reading, music, deep breathing. It keeps me from bolting but it never really makes me feel "better."

[labelle 8]

I am afraid to see my psychiatrist. I am afraid of the power he has. I agree getting the diagnosis was awful. He is very smart however and I guess that is why I continue to see him. I just tell myself not to be afraid and I concentrate on telling him what prescriptions I need etc.
There is one question I would like to ask him though and I wanted to know if any of you have had this experience. The entrance and exiting door is always locked. You have to be buzzed in and buzzed out to exit the office. This sort of adds to the fear. I do not know what to think.

[Skywalking]

Originally Posted by labelle 8

I am afraid to see my psychiatrist. I am afraid of the power he has. I agree getting the diagnosis was awful. He is very smart however and I guess that is why I continue to see him. I just tell myself not to be afraid and I concentrate on telling him what prescriptions I need etc.
There is one question I would like to ask him though and I wanted to know if any of you have had this experience. The entrance and exiting door is always locked. You have to be buzzed in and buzzed out to exit the office. This sort of adds to the fear. I do not know what to think.

Mine isn't like that, I'm guessing either it was a feature of the office when they moved in or they feel like they need some extra security? That would not be tolerable for me, you're really brave to go.