[Squirrel1983]

So I had a post earlier this month here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=188985

Instead of ressurecting the old thread, I decided to just link to it for people who want a reminder/want to read what others said.

Anyways....onto my new post.

So about the letter I sent my pdoc...still no word on my letter. I got my reminder call on Thursday for my Monday appointment. So, he didn't cancel on me or anything. I guess that is a good sign. Still a little nervous about my appointment and what he will say about my letter. I am assuming he will say something.

Emailed T about my nervousness and she said not to worry about it and that I seem to get nervous a lot and might want to mention that to him as well as it could have an effect on my treatment. She thinks my nervousness is anxiety, but I am not so sure. Are nervousness and anxiety similar?

Not sure how to bring up the nervousness/anxiety stuff with pdoc...I am horrible with spoken words. Emailed T asking for suggestions how. Still waiting for her response. Hopefully she will before Monday when my pdoc appointment is. I don't know if I want to bring it up though I guess I probably should as I sure T will ask me if I did at my session with her on Tuesday.

Argh...Why do I always get myself into sticky situations?

[dizgirl2011]

Hey squrriel,

I am glad you got to see your T and that she helped reassure you that what you did was not bad. My guess is that pdoc didn't reply to your email because there was nothing urgent in it and that he could answer any of your questions at the next appointment.

You ask if nervousness and anxiety are the same thing. I think nervousness can be totally appropriate and even healthy in some situations which we generally accept someone would be nervous about such as making a speech, seeing someone we havent seen in a long time and even a medical appointment. However were nervousness turns to anxiety is when the nevousness escalates to a point were we over worry too much about situations to a point were we effect our own wellbeing by being so anxious and preoccupied with it.

Your T sounds very supportive, perhaps she hasnt replied to your ask for suggestions as she is hoping you will find a way to do this on your own? there is nothing wrong with telling your pdoc that you feel nervous a lot.

I really hope monday goes well, im sure it will hun

[googley]

Hi Squirrel
I think it will be fine. I think your pdoc will be okay. He will understand. You should bring up your nervousness about it. That is a good way to get into discussing what you wrote.

[Squirrel1983]

Update:

So, I went to my appointment this morning, dreading it. My pdoc told me he got my letter and it was a good thing because it gave him more information about me.

He said he didn't know I came from so far (and asked how long ago I moved), but said he was okay with it. He suggested making a day of it and going to the zoo or mall or lake while I was up there today. So, I'm happy he didn't tell me to find a pdoc closer to home.

We talked about the picking issue. He called it self mutilation and compared it to the self mutilation of a tattoo or ear piercing. I never considered piercings and tattoos self mutilation...but I guess I can kind of see how they are. He said there is medication that can reduce such behaviors, but he didn't prescribe it to me today...maybe he forgot?. Maybe I'll bring it up next month if it is still an issue. I really don't want another med, but I want to stop the picking too. It's choosing the lesser of two evils.

[protector1973]

no, nervousness about energy, anxiety is about fear