[_embrace]

I'm not sure if anyone remembers me, but I posted here about a month ago with a question about a first therapy session, and nervousness...etc. Well, my first session was today, and I was so very nervous, but it worked out well in the end.

The psychologist said that what I described was almost prototypical social anxiety disorder, and we talked about ways that I could lessen the symptoms. I don't think I learned anything that I didn't already know (I'm a second year psychology student, so I don't know everything, of course, but I do have some basic knowledge) but I did get a few different perspectives on irrational thoughts and how some of my thoughts are irrational. (I think I needed that, because I was in denial...and still sort of am...that the anxiety I experience is strong enough to be clinical, even though it causes me physical symptoms, which make me stay inside and avoid people pretty well all of the time.)

So, I'm not sure where it goes from here. I don't have another appointment, and even if I wanted one, there aren't any openings until February. It's my university counselling center that I went to, and I guess they're pretty busy. I'd like to work on this some more, but I'm not sure how. I mean, we discussed things that could help, like "avoiding avoidance" but it's the actual *doing* that seems impossible to me, and I'm not really sure how to get myself there. I mean, it's easy to say "Okay, I'm not going to let myself turn around and come home anymore on the way to meetings" but then when I'm actually in that situation...I still turn around. And I don't know how to change that, really.

So I was wondering what you all would suggest...should I persue this farther, or just let sleeping dogs lie and try to deal with it as best I can? I don't think the counselling services here at the university are going to be of much help to me, since I can't even get back there until February. What would you do in my situation?

Thanks for your time...I have been reading the posts for the past month, but I find it hard to reply to messages. Please excuse that...I do very much like being a member of this community, and I do wish I could be more openly supportive. I think it has to do with the anxiety. I will try posting more often though, when I can.

[dexter]

Given that this was so positive for you, I think you should pursue it. You are correct that "knowing" and "doing" are two different things and there is no reason that help shouldn't be available to you throughout the process.

Maybe see if you can find a private therapist in your community to see more regularly. The Uni counselling center may not be set up for this sort of treatment. Maybe you should talk to them again and see if they can recommend a referral. Barring that I say go for another appointment in Feb if that is all you are able to do.

Another option might be to find a peer support group in your area. This won't replace a T but can help by giving you understanding and suggestions that have worked for others. I'm usually all "gung ho" on support groups but with social anxiety disorder it may make it more difficult to attend one. But it also might become a very safe place, once you know and trust the others there, and a place to "test out" some new skills for getting through this.

Good luck Embrace, glad you are back and glad you found a good course to start on.

[_embrace]

Thanks for your response. The psychologist did mention groups, and as much as I agree that it is a good idea, it is also quite terrifying...so I'll have to think about it some more and maybe work myself up to it.

I think I will take your suggestion of looking into the possibility of a more regular therapist, though...maybe if I start with that, it will be easier to work up into a group setting. I'm not really sure how this works...I'm pretty new to the whole thing.

Does one have to be referred to a private psychologist, or is there a way to contact without a referral? I could probably get one from the counselling center, but I would probably have to wait a long while.

Once again, thank you very much for your ideas.

being referred depends on the persons insurance. I have state assistance which means that medical card won't cover anything with out referals being done first.

otherwise any one can open a phone book to psychiatrists and psychologists, therapists and go see them.

As for working on your anxiety there are many books out there you can do on your own One such book is called Mind over Mood. Its for both depression and anxiety. Theres lots of workbooks out there. and if I remember right I think I listed some in my thread in the dissociation forum called - resources. That has alot of books that cover PTSD, Depression and anxiety, relaxation... lots of topics there. Good luck. take care

[_embrace]

Thanks...books are a very good idea, I think. I will check out your thread in the other forum, and look at picking up some of those books.
I'm in Canada, so I'm not really sure how the insurance thing works...I know we have medicare, but I'm not sure how far that goes in covering mental health issues. I do have a medical plan, so I guess I'll have to check that out.
Thanks very much for your reply!

your welcome

[dexter]

Like Myself said, you don't need a referral... I only mentioned it because you already have a "relationship" with the Uni counselling center and thought it might be easier for you to start there.

I also don't know about insurance in Canada or how that works. Here I start by referring to my insurance, and they give me a list of doctors (they have a website but some only offer a book) that take my "brand" of insurance... I search the list for someone close by me and pick one. When I was looking for a private T I actually picked two, saw both for one session and picked the one that I thought was a better "fit" for my needs. Don't forget these are people, so if you just don't "gel" with one, don't like their therapy style or don't feel you are getting benefit, you can always choose another.

Also like Myself said, if it weren't for my insurance, I would just pick a name from the phone book, make an appointment, and try 'em out.

[eskielover]

I am not familiar with the Canadian psychology help that is available. If you can find a private practice Therapist or psychologist that you can set up a series of sessions with, I would suggest finding that kind of help rather that what is available through the university. Once you find that then you need to find one that you can relate to.....I found some I could relate to & others.....no way could I talk with them.

Until then, I guess I would pick one situation that I would be determined that I would go to & not let myself turn around & go home. Even one successful time is something to build on....then add another & another......just to get some positive experiences that you can feel good about yourself accomplishing. It is a hard thing to do & like you said, knowing & doing are 2 different things. What is good is that at least you know.....that is the first step.

Unfortunately, letting sleeping dogs lie in their anxiety will only let it get worse. Just the same as building on our successes to help put out anxieties under control, letting our anxieties control & win time after time.....builds the negative & lets is just happen.

Sure it is always more simple to take no action...but that will get you nowhere & being that you are already having physical symptoms....they will only get worse than better if you let those feelings control you.

There are self help books that can give you some directions until you can find professional help, but nothing is quite like having a psychologist that can help push us.

Hope you are able to put together the help you need so that you can be free of these problems later on in life when they can become even more debilitating.
Debbie

[_embrace]

Thanks very much for your replies...I agree that not doing anything could allow this to get much worse, and I'm going to look around for a private therapist, and also check out some of those self-help books. (I did some looking last night, even...which made me feel progressive.)

I am going to push myself to "avoid avoidance" too. It's going to be hard, but I agree with what you said, that every time the anxiety wins, it just gets harder to overcome it.

Thanks!

[dexter]

embrace it sounds like you are actively taking care of yourself... and realizing that that is not always easy but it is important.

I am glad you found this place as a resource for support and info as you work on getting better. PC can really make a difference.

[(JD)]

Hello. Good to hear back from you. I would certainly continue your efforts to have help with this. It doesn't correct itself, on it's own, and can become much worse... even causing you to become totally recluse and missing out on what could be a great time in life! Go ahead and try to get regular counseling... you can always change your mind later. tc