[melonjello]

I've always know that something is not quite right but I don't know what that thing is. I have a list of symptoms ranging from procrastination to social anxiety and I'd like to get a doctor's help diagnosing my issues.

The problem is that I have a hard time opening up to anyone about how I truly feel and I'm not sure that I can open up to a doctor to get diagnosed. From the outside, I seem perfectly normal: married, a successful career with several promotions. Inside is a different story.

On another note, my insurance will let me go to a psychologist directly. Should I bypass my general physician? I don't know that I could talk to her about these issues.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, melonjello, and welcome to Psych Central! I don't think you need a referral from your regular physician to see a psychiatrist. However, you could call a psychiatrist's office to make sure.

[monkeybrains21]

Psychologist right? U don't need a GP for that. Go to a therapist, may take a bit to find one u like and r comfortable with. Speak with them. If u think u need meds ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Make the appts urself and keep them. Thy can learn from u about u when u speak and when u don't. All u can do is try it.

[gma45]

I would go as soon as you can. There is no reason to live in turmoil with yourself. Don't feel bad a lot of people go through this.

[shabur]

You are suffering. I know how you feel; I went through the same thing until I lost it. But even after I lost it I was able to fake it so no one knew I was struggling. Please seek help now - you are prolonging your suffering by holding it all inside.

Finding a tdoc that you are comfortable with can take some work, but do it, it is so worth it. Write down a list of questions you feel are important. Things like:
* What are their boundaries outside of sessions?
* Are they accessible by phone, email, text?
* What type of therapy does the tdoc practice (Gestault, Freud, ...) and what does that mean in terms of your treatment?
* Does his/her practice deal with what you need?
* Does the tdoc accept your insurance?

You want someone you feel a certain level of comfort with initially and you could build a trusting relationship with. When I was looking for a tdoc it was important to me that it was a female, that she seemed to care about me and she was accessible to me. From there I built a trusting relationship with her. I was fortunate I found my tdoc after just a few calls.

Since you have difficulty opening up write out what you want to tell the tdoc. Writing it all out will also ensure you include everything. Ask the tdoc to read it if you are unable to. I would suggest starting the note out with what you wrote - "I've always know(n) that something is not quite right but I don't know what that thing is. I have a list of symptoms ranging from procrastination to social anxiety and I'd like to get a doctor's help diagnosing my issues. The problem is that I have a hard time opening up to anyone about how I truly feel and I'm not sure that I can open up to a doctor to get diagnosed. From the outside, I seem perfectly normal: married, a successful career with several promotions. Inside is a different story." A good tdoc will know how to help you through this discomfort.

A good tdoc will suggest you see your GP for a thorough exam with blood work to rule out anything physical. Hormones and the thyroid can cause some of the symptoms you have.

Good luck

[Perna]

If you see/are more familiar with your GP I would go there for a physical checkup and say something like, "I have been experiencing some psychological issues I would like to discuss with someone, can you recommend a therapist to me?" and see what he has to say. Initially I would not bother with a psychiatrist as they usually do not do much more talking/spend more time with you than your GP, are more medical/drug-related and, if you thought you were depressed or something generally treated with/by medicine, that might be a place to start but since you are unsure and have a "list" I would go to an insurance-approved psychologist/social worker with your list and see what headway you could make in understanding options that might help you in a few sessions and then go from there with deciding what treatment to pursue.

[DarkAngelGal]

I'm the same way. It's hard for me to open up, and I don't trust most ppl anyway. Which is why I am on here.

I would prob just go to the psychologist directly if I was you.

[Fuzzybear]

[no more me]

I understand how you feel. I also had a hard time letting people know how I really felt about myself and others. I was afraid of people judging me and treating me different because I felt I was "broken" and I didnt want anyone to know it. Not even my doc. A suggestion for you is to write a list of all the things you feel are not "right" about you or how you feel. Don't leave anything out. No matter how painful or strange it may seem. Make an appointment with your doc and say something along the lines of "I'm not sure what to think about this" and give him or her the note when you get there. There is a HUGE feeling of relief and accomplishment afterwards. Not to mention the sense of courage and respect I gained for myself and the trust and respect I now have for my doc. I've battled with trust my entire life. Still do. But I now know there is at least one person who I can fully trust. Without that first step of asking for help from the right person, I wouldn't have the courage to post on here. I hope u find your courage and are able to ask for the help you truly deserve.

Speaking from my own experience, I suggest you bypass your GP and head to the p-doc.