Seeing a Specialist For The First Time
By Raine38
@Raine38 (12389)
United States
June 19, 2017 12:02pm CST
I think I have anxiety problems way back when I was a teenager, but growing up in the Philippines and in the family dynamics that I have, consulting a doctor for mental or emotional problems is taboo. If it's something that does not manifest physically, then you don't need a doctor. Don't get me wrong I have a wonderful family. It's just the culture and the norm when I was growing up.
My anxiety is not debilitating by any means, but I hate that I worry a lot about everything even though my logical side says I have no reason to worry about.
Last week I finally went to a doctor suggested by my boyfriend and wow it was amazing. She's amazing! She just let me talk it all out, asked the right questions and validated what I already know: it's hard for me to stop worrying and being anxious. That I am capable of helping myself because I am stronger than I give myself credit for. That I am not depressed, that there is a non-controlled substance drug that can help me get past the roller coaster anxiety that limits my decisions even though I know I can do it.
This experience is an eye opener. I do not look down at people with mental health issues but when it comes to myself I have double standards. I learned to embrace the fact that it's okay to seek help and we all have issues at some point due to life's curve balls. Most importantly, I have learned that this too shall pass and every issues can be resolved with a strong conviction.
5 people like this
6 responses
@FourWalls (69029)
• United States
19 Jun 17
I have anxiety and depression. It's not fun. I pray your doctor helps you.
3 people like this
@cacay1 (83577)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
21 Jun 17
@FourWalls
, I am so thankful to God, I had never experienced depression.Try to eat fish liver, just fry them to have a stronger nervous system.
, I am so thankful to God, I had never experienced depression.Try to eat fish liver, just fry them to have a stronger nervous system.1 person likes this
@cacay1 (83577)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
24 Jun 17
@FourWalls , eat lots of fish, chicken or beef liver to make your nervous system stronger,
@cacay1 (83577)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
21 Jun 17
At least you went to the doctor for doctors are always right. Now you are happy knowing you are not sick mentally, emotionally and physically.There is no reason to be afraid without a basis of the cause.By the way, you eat every meal fish, chicken, and little beef liver. They make the nervous system stronger. Also, these veggies promote stronger heart and sharp mind: celery, spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli, mangoes. I was also a loner during my teenage years and had thought of many baseless horrible thoughts.Only fish liver cured me and never had I felt what I felt before. I have a very strong heart this time.try to eat fish liver, just fry them.
@Raine38 (12389)
• United States
23 Jun 17
You are correct, diet has a lot to do with mental health. I have a co-worker who has a more severe case of anxiety and his doctor found out that B12 deficiency is the possible culprit for his condition. But everyone is different and every case is unique so yeah having a doctor who is very good in working with the patient helps a lot.
2 people like this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
20 Jun 17
may i ask if you are a Filipino? well, anxiety comes to others too, but they are able to deal with it sensibly. anxiety is even a milder form of panic, and i hope you have not reached that stage of panic.
2 people like this
@Raine38 (12389)
• United States
23 Jun 17
@ridingbet no I'm not, haven't ever (if I understood what you meant correctly).
2 people like this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
22 Jun 17
@Raine38 really? thank goodness we speak the same language. but, are you an ex-bubbler?
1 person likes this
@redurnet (1798)
• United Kingdom
20 Jun 17
Glad it is helping to talk to someone. I definitely think there is no shame in seeking help. In my case I accept that anxiety is part of my personality type. It is so important to find the right person to talk to and I hope it continues to go well for you.
2 people like this
@TraciDavis (355)
• Mesa, Arizona
18 Jul 17
There are many things that you can do to manage the symptoms on your own as well. I'm so happy to hear that you reached out for help. We all hold ourselves to double standards, but admitting there is a problem is step one, step 2 is getting help, and step 3 is acceptence. Definitely try medication if that's something you're willing to do. I also suggest finding a creative outlet for your anxiety. I use many methods for mine. I write fictional stories, poems, letters, I draw, paint and craft (when my hands will let me) and I also do light excercise such as a short walk in the sunshine. Also, I'm trying a method called mindfulness - which is focusing on what you feel outside your mind. What you're touching, the colors of something I see. It really is a great distraction and can help you think more clearly. Good luck and keep us updated!
2 people like this
@Raine38 (12389)
• United States
18 Jul 17
Ever since I started working out regularly, I feel better and lighter. And like you suggested, I took a new hobby - gardening. Although I started small with potted plants and potted herbs, it is calming and relaxing. The feel of the leaves, watching them grow, the smell of soil and just basically nurturing them bring me peace.
I just went to my second appointment with my specialist last week and she said that I have improved considerably. Now she only wants to see me for anything "major" and she does not need to see me anymore, she will just check up on me via a phone call after a month. I am glad that I sought help.
2 people like this
@TraciDavis (355)
• Mesa, Arizona
18 Jul 17
@Raine38 That's great! I personally am terrible at gardening. Can't keep anything alive. That's a great accomplishment as well as therapy! Congrats on your progression and I hope it keeps getting better!!!
