Going to doctor's tomorrow..

[Maddie-_-]

Tomorrow (or friday) I'm off to the doctors to see if they can get me on NHS therapy.
Im kinda nervous about this because I have heard stories of the NHS either helping or making it worse...
I am a little desperate of help..My mum made me go to this natural guy and he put a mustard bean on my wrist and said it would help. No more crazy guys please mum.

So yeah I was wondering about your experiences on the NHS ... I think they are only UK....

I want to get back into 'normal' school really bad and I just hope this helps... I went on the NHS councelling when I was younger when my parents split and they were totally useless so I hope this time now im older they can communicate with me a little better?

So yeah...Any ideas or experiences? I dont reaaally wanna get onto anxiety medication and my mums not to keen on that idea either..

Thanks!

[callmejessicag]

Hey maddie

so yeah this is something I can help with. I went to my docs about NHS therapy and got offered CBT one session a week for 12 weeks. Although the appointment took 6 weeks to come through just with wait lists etc. But I really really recommend it they did an assessment before hand to see what type of therapy I'd be most suited too and then went from there I was incredibly nervous to begin with and thought this isn't going to help me I'm not going to talk but realised you only get out what you put in and I was committed to changing my life for the better.

she talked me through my phobia why I might feel like that and bodily responses. She was great. And it was amazing to see my scores (you fill out a sheet each week prior to coming and it's like given a score) come down and my mind set slowly changing as I realised this phobia didn't need to have a hold on me. Some session were scary as you build exposure therapy but it was all very controlled. Sadly I had to stop them because work no longer allowed me the time off and I left at a very critical time. Hence why I've sipped again. But I'm eager to gofer backs o it. I really recommend it and now you're older they seem much better I like you dint want to go on medication as I knew I'd become to addicted and dependant on it.
The NHS is great for offering services like this. Let us know how you got on with it all xx x

[KaydeeJayde]

If anxiety medication is what makes you better, you shouldn't just write it off as not being an option. Even if you only need to take it for a little while while you go through therapy or something, think of it a bit like a bandaid. It's not a permanent solution but it helps while whatever's underneath it is healing.

[sarahh]

Ive had two different types of nhs therapy, the first was face to face, it took a while to get organised and the woman I had was pretty patronising so I don’t know if she helped that much but I did get better…mostly on my own accord.
The latest time I had phone therapy settings with an organising called italk, as im a pretty awkward human especially when talking about private things this was great for me…after my doctor referred me I had an appointment the next week and then one a week for however long you need them. I found it really good and so am no longer having session- don’t need them but am still on their books and they phone every few months to check in on how I am J
About the medication… I was really quite anti any meds so when my doctor suggested I was a bit shocked, I agreed to try them and honestly the best decision I have ever taken! I am currently on propranolol which is a beta blocker, it really helps me with the physical symptoms but doesn’t effect your thoughts if that’s what you’re wary of. They have meant I am now able to go to school everyday and not got shocking attendance anymore

[Maddie-_-]

If anxiety medication is what makes you better, you shouldn't just write it off as not being an option. Even if you only need to take it for a little while while you go through therapy or something, think of it a bit like a bandaid. It's not a permanent solution but it helps while whatever's underneath it is healing.

That is true, but I am terrified of getting addicted? Well..Doctors appointment got blooming cancelled so i have more time to think it through

[Soph1999]

Im in cbt therapy through the NHS and I didn't like one of the therapists that I saw a few months ago and thought she wasn't helping at all.. so they sorted someone else out and they are a lot better and more suited to my personality and what I panic and get anxious over.. So if you go through the NHS for therapy, if you don't get on with the therapist, then always remember you can try someone else, don't give up straight away on it!

[amyapple]

im so glad i found this thread! currently trying to find the courage to make a doctor's appt and try to get nhs therapy. was originally quite anti-meds but this -

If anxiety medication is what makes you better, you shouldn't just write it off as not being an option. Even if you only need to take it for a little while while you go through therapy or something, think of it a bit like a bandaid. It's not a permanent solution but it helps while whatever's underneath it is healing.

- makes so much sense xx

[KaydeeJayde]

That is true, but I am terrified of getting addicted? Well..Doctors appointment got blooming cancelled so i have more time to think it through

If you want to stop taking them, you have to do it with he supervision of a doctor. They'll help you and guide you as you taper off them. If they're going to help you, don't think about what MIGHT happen. I only took meds for maybe... 1.5 years while I was going through CBT and once I felt I was ready I spoke to my doctor about stopping, they agreed I was doing well enough and I stopped taking them gradually.

please please if your doctor suggests them, do t just write them off. Discuss it with the doctor, and if they really think that they might help, and they've explained to you everything, give it a go keeping in mind that they won't work right away, and also that they're not a forever thing.