heatherchelle_2000
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Hi Suzee! I'm glad you joined us! Social anxiety is a lot like what you have, except it's triggered by some sort of social situation. For me it's crowds, authority figures, contacting people, criticism, unfamiliar people, that kind of thing. Basically, some little part of our brains decided that people=death and in certain social settings our flight or fight system kicks into high gear and we have a panic attack. Like your friend, I am also terrified of doctors, so he is not alone there. I'm so scared that I can't talk to them on the phone. Even when I write down exactly what I want to say to them, my mind just goes completely blank, and I don't think I could make a sound even if I wanted to. So when I make a doctor appointment, I have to physically go there. And I can't do it ll at once. I have to work my way up to it. To start with, I'll drive past the clinic a few times. Then I'll pull into the parking lot, park the car, and drive back out. Next, I park in their lot and try to get out of the car. If I make it out of the car, and I'm feeling good, I try to walk into the building. If I can manage that, I sit down in the waiting room for a minute and think about what I want to say. Sometimes I write it down. Then I try to go to the desk. If I haven't run back to the car yet at this point, I try to talk to the receptionist. Sometimes I just hand her a note. That usually works pretty well. And then I'm able to get my doctor's appointment. In the week before my appointment, I try to drive into the parking lot 2 or 3 times. I visualize myself successfully going into the building, checking in at the front desk, filling out the paperwork, and seeing the doctor. When I'm home, I write a list of what I want to discuss with the doctor because I know I'll be too panic-stricken and/or fibro-fogged to think my way out of a wet paper bag. Sometimes my appointments go well. Sometimes it's one panic attack after another. But I really need to go there, so I do. After the appointment, I reward myself somehow for a job very well done. I walk my dog on the beach, or buy myself a book or something. Your friend will eventually manage to get to the doctor one little baby step at a time. But meanwhile, maybe he should start by reading what we write here. And then joining MD Junction. And then writing in his diary. And posting something in a group. Getting to know a few people with the same problem might help. At least he'll know he isn't some sort of a freak. Be well! xoxoxoxox Heather xoxoxoxox
Beloved Father God,
Help me befriend those who are lonely,
Help me comfort those who are hurting,
Help me do battle against the darkness,
And help me lead the way to You.
In Jesus' name, amen. |
