[BeaFlower]

I finally told to my mum that I need a psychologist, and I selected some that could be ok for me. I just have to choose one and make an appointment. But I'm so scared I know, I shouldn't...but I'm embarrassed to talk about my problems, expecially OCD (that is the main reason I go for). I've never talked about it in real life. I've fear to go there and not to be able to say what I want. I'd like to can tell it in the first appointment, because if I don't like that psychologist I could change without wasting too much time. But I've fear not to be able Maybe I'll make an appointment and then I'll regret it and I'll have anxiety all the time waiting for it, though I know that it's better for me.
Have you any suggestions? Do you remember making your first appointment? Was it scary also for you?

[avlady]

it was scarry for me but i went through with it because i knew i needed the help and wasn't going to get it from anywhere else. people in the real outside world didn't seem to understand me as much as a doc and t. please go you won't regret trying.

Originally Posted by BeaFlower

I finally told to my mum that I need a psychologist, and I selected some that could be ok for me. I just have to choose one and make an appointment. But I'm so scared I know, I shouldn't...but I'm embarrassed to talk about my problems, expecially OCD (that is the main reason I go for). I've never talked about it in real life. I've fear to go there and not to be able to say what I want. I'd like to can tell it in the first appointment, because if I don't like that psychologist I could change without wasting too much time. But I've fear not to be able Maybe I'll make an appointment and then I'll regret it and I'll have anxiety all the time waiting for it, though I know that it's better for me.
Have you any suggestions? Do you remember making your first appointment? Was it scary also for you?

Yes, very. It's just hard to open up to anyone and share your deepest fears and secrets, even if they've heard it all before and it's their job. You can do it. You have nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed for.

[gayleggg]

It was really hard for me the first time, because I had to admit I had problem I couldn't handle. Depression and anxiety being the two main reasons at the time. It was really hard but I found someone on the first try that I could relate to.

I can see why you would be anxious, but give it a try. I'm sure you will be glad you did.

[Werewoman]

I was utterly terrified and it took a few attempts before I finally made it into her office. It literally saved my life and was the smartest thing I ever did. I have a good life and a wonderful family because I found the courage to deal with my MI.

I always remember the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. He wished for courage only to find he had it all along. Be like the Cowardly Lion and I promise you won't regret it!

Please let us know how your first session goes, okay?

WW

[BeaFlower]

Thanks everybody for the understanding and the encouragement I'll surely let you know how it goes. Hope to be able to do it without waiting too much.
Thanks again

[letting-go]

The scariest part for me was admitting it to myself. I had a friend tell me over a year prior to me admitting I was depressed that she thought I was. I ended up crying when she told me, then I cut off all outside contact with people and started isolating myself. Then I kept putting off making an appointment with a counselor. When I finally did it felt so good. Good luck you are brave taking that step, be proud of yourself

I'm not sure if my last message posted or not. lol I just wanted to tell you that making the appointment is brave of you. It takes courage to reach out to others for help. Be proud of yourself to do that. It took me over a year to do so.

[zegami]

I really don't recommend it. the psychiatric system didn't become an 88 billion industry by helping people. find the root cause of your depression, most likely its other people, and work on clearing your head fo thoughts and finding peace all by yourself - you make that appointment and you will start a journey of medication hell and expenses and when the placebo effect wears off you will be more miserable than you can possibly imagine.

been there done that. you can listen to my advice, but if you don't just remember my post 5 years from now when you are screaming and crying on the floor.

Bea, I don't know if this if an option for you where you live, but most of the psychotherapists near me will talk to you on the phone for 15 minutes or so (or longer) so you can get an idea if you think they might be a good choice for you.

If you can do that, it might make you feel less anxious.

Good luck! Therapy can be very, very helpful. Going to therapy is a separate decision from deciding to take psych medication, so you can go to therapy first and worry later about whether you might need medication.

[BeaFlower]

Thanks also to you all for the answers. Letting-go, you have been brave too. If took me much more than a year to decide to go, after understanding that I had a problem.
Zegami, I'm sorry that your experience hasn't been good. But I'm going to see a psychologist, not a psychiatrist for medication. I'll try not to take meds if it isn't really really necessary, and I don't think that it is in my case. But I think that a psychologist could be useful in my situation.
Jo_thorne, yes, I think that I can talk them to the phone before. I don't know yet if I prefer sending a message or email, because it would be less embarrassing.. but maybe calling would have some advantages. I'll see.
Thanks

[letting-go]

I do mine in combination. I do not want to remain on medication, I want to deal with my issues so I do not have to rely on the medication. Some need medication in order to help them go through the problems. I think that if you need the medication then there is no shame in it, but I feel that it should be done in partnership with counseling or therapy. Best of luck to you. You sound like a strong person that knows what they are doing.

[BeaFlower]

Thanks I agree about taking meds only in combination with therapy. Actually I don't feel so strong, I'm scared and I keep asking myself if it's worth all this anxiety But probably it is...hope so.
Thanks again for all these answers, I'm really grateful

Originally Posted by BeaFlower

I finally told to my mum that I need a psychologist, and I selected some that could be ok for me. I just have to choose one and make an appointment. But I'm so scared I know, I shouldn't...but I'm embarrassed to talk about my problems, expecially OCD (that is the main reason I go for). I've never talked about it in real life. I've fear to go there and not to be able to say what I want. I'd like to can tell it in the first appointment, because if I don't like that psychologist I could change without wasting too much time. But I've fear not to be able Maybe I'll make an appointment and then I'll regret it and I'll have anxiety all the time waiting for it, though I know that it's better for me.
Have you any suggestions? Do you remember making your first appointment? Was it scary also for you?

It can be very scary. If you are afraid, do what I do and write it down. Write everything down and bring it with you. I can write while I have less anxiety and remember more of what I want to say. Also my therapist was able to come with me when I saw my Psychiatrist for OCD.

[eeyorestail]

It can definitely be scary, but I think you'll find it's worth it. I agree with emwell that writing things down can be a big help. Good luck!

[flockpride]

Yes, it can be scary. You are brave for considering making the appointment. Brave is when you do something even though you are scared. And that's pretty great.

[(JD)]

Here's a link to help you, from the American Psychological Association about selecting a (psychologist) but it works for therapists...

Ask questions...you might ask when you call the secretary/receptionist if the doctor could do a quick consult over the phone---you might not even like his/her voice! They often do that, before you make the first appointment. In that list of what to ask..be sure to ask if they have had many OCD patients they've been able to help?

Go for it. You can always change your mind--or the therapist!

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/choose-therapist.aspx

[BeaFlower]

Thank you so much for the link (JD)!
Actually I'm undecided about two psychologists: about one I'm that she works also with OCD and anxiety (it's written in her website), about the other it's not so clear, it mentions only on general anxiety problems. But this one would be easier for me to reach, and also this is important. Probably she can work also with OCD. I'm thinking that I could try with her, and discover in the first appointment if she can help me, if not I could change. Do you think that it's a good idea? Would it be better to ask her it in advance, by phone or message? But I don't know if it's ok to tell so much by phone...maybe usually these things are discussed face to face. I don't know...
I can't discuss it very much with my parents, since I don't want to tell that the problem is OCD...maybe it would be better to tell it, but I really can't

[BeaFlower]

Ok, maybe I decided which therapist. It's the one who is a bit more far to reach, but has probably more experience about OCD. Maybe this is the best thing.
I'm thinking to send her a message or email tomorrow, to make an appointment. Hope to do it. I'm still nervous, but I talked also to my dad yesterday (with the help of my mum) and now I feel a bit more calm...don't know if it's for this. However, please keep me in your thoughts.

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by BeaFlower

Ok, maybe I decided which therapist. It's the one who is a bit more far to reach, but has probably more experience about OCD. Maybe this is the best thing.
I'm thinking to send her a message or email tomorrow, to make an appointment. Hope to do it. I'm still nervous, but I talked also to my dad yesterday (with the help of my mum) and now I feel a bit more calm...don't know if it's for this. However, please keep me in your thoughts.

Good luck Bea!

[BeaFlower]

Thanks. Ok, this morning I messaged that t and she answered. She gave me an appointment; it will be very soon.
I'm so so so scared!! It has been really difficult to push the botton and send the message. And now that I have the appointment I'm not sure anymore to have done the right thing. Maybe yes...but now I just feel to have add anxiety to my life. While I messaged with her I felt almost in panic and I was practically crying. And I don't know if it's ok that we didn't talk, only messaged...probably she didn't call back because she thought that I prefered to write...and I did...but I don't know, maybe it would have been better to hear her voice.
I'm really confused. Hope to have done the right thing. I really hate all this anxiety...I'd like to go back and don't make the appointment...but I also know that it's better to have it. I'm just really scared.
I've fear to can only talk about anxiety and not about OCD when I'll be there. But I have to do it, if I want to understand if she is the right person to help me.