How To Talk To Your Doctor About Anxiety
Planning to talk to your doctor about anxiety can be difficult. It’s hard to think about describing your feelings to someone. There’s a fear of judgment, of the doctor’s findings and ongoing treatment, but taking the first step is much easier if you feel prepared.
Preparing For Your Doctor’s Appointment
Sitting in front of the doctor, even if it’s your family doctor that you’ve known for years, can be intimidating. You may forget your questions or not be able to accurately describe the situations that leave you feeling anxious. For that reason, it may be helpful to write down what you’d like to discuss before your appointment.
Jot down the questions you have and take note of the situations that ignite your anxiety. A few days before your appointment, write down:
- Symptoms: Describe what happens when you feel anxious. Do you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or does your heart begin beating rapidly?
- Situations: What types of situations or encounters leave you feeling most anxious? Does the anxiety return at a certain time of the day or in particular settings?
- Stressors: Think of the areas in your life that could potentially be causing your anxiety. Have you experienced any major life changes lately – baby, death, divorce, new job?
- Timing: When did the anxiety begin?
- Overall Health: Plan to share any other health conditions you have with your doctor.
- Medications: Make a list of all medications – even over-the-counter drugs – that you take on a regular basis.
In addition to your personal information, write down any questions you have about how you’re feeling or possible practices to remain calm.
What Happens During the Doctor’s Appointment?
When you meet with your doctor, although it may be difficult to reveal how you’re feeling, being direct and honest will only benefit you in the future. Explain how your anxiety makes you feel – physically and mentally – and what outside factors seem to contribute to a heightened sense of anxiousness. Use your notes if needed, but describe in detail how the anxiety is affecting your life.
Answer your doctor’s questions in a straight forward way. The doctor may ask about your job, family life or past experiences that continue to cause trauma in your life – by prepared to share details honestly. If you’ve been speaking with a therapist, make sure your doctor knows that as well.
If your doctor recommends a medication, be direct by asking the physician why she recommends that particular medicine. What did she hear you say that caused her to make the medicinal recommendation? There are a number of medicines available for anxiety, so be sure to ask why your doctor chose that one in particular. What are the benefits and how soon should you begin to feel differently?
Finally, talk to your doctor about treatment methods beyond or instead of medicine. Therapy may be a supplemental treatment, or it could be all the treatment you need. Don’t allow your anxiety to control your life. Make the appointment and speak with your doctor about the best treatment methods for your situation.
