Social Phobia

[y2j]

I have suffered social phobia for years now and I finally plucked up the courage to get help from my Doctor. I was very disappointed with what he had to say. He just said that I was shy. But I know that it is much worse then being shy and anybody that knows the condition will know what I mean. I was hoping that he would help get me some counselling or therapy that I have been told works. Does anybody know I way round this because I really need professional help? But my Doctor is the old fashioned type. Any advice would be very helpful.

[Rubyrose]

Have you tried seeing a Hypno Therapist? They are sooooo helpful and I would recommend one to anybody. I saw one coz of my Anxiety and she was brilliant. Within one session they had stopped. I will admit some will be able to help more than others but it is completely worth a try. Good luck. xx

[~Wingnut~]

Hi y2j!

I suffer from anxiety, and was sooo worried about going to my Doctor as I was convinced they wouldn't believe me. You may find it better to be seen by a female Doctor as they tend to be more sympathetic and understanding. Mine was brilliant and she talked thru it all with me, got me factsheets with exercises to try (not the physical type) went thru the different services available to me. (I know it's not the same as social phobia but you should get just as much help)
Don't give up, change Doctors and push for some help :o)

All the very best!

[Amara]

Hi y2j - Don't give up with this, you have been brave to take the first step towards moving forward with this, and please do not let this setback deter you. Try to see another doctor or seek a Therapist privately if you can. Or if you prefer a Reiki or Spiritual healer may be able to help too. Also there is a really good book you could read.

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0765701200

Whatever you decide to do I wish you lots of love and light and assure you that you can overcome this and live a joyful and fulfilled life. - Bright blessings - Amara xx

[dancealot13]

y2j- Hello again. I have offered some LIFE CHANGING advice to contact and READ Lucinda Bassetts book "From Panic to Power". - To start you off.

Once you read her book you can understand her technique. She has saved THOUSANDS of people from the same problem you have. But if you just sit there and arn't ProActive, then no-one can help you. Once you know her techniques, find a professional that is familiar with her and her work....she has some of the TOP psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors and nutritionalists working with her. A doctor that does not SPECIALIZE in anxiety will help you very little, or not at all. But you must decide to do something about it. Make phone calls, research professionals in your area, call and ask Questions....don't give up, and don't just sit there hoping someone has a miracle pill-because there isn't one. It takes work to get through severe anxiety disorders....so Just Do It.

[dancealot13]

Reading, talking, writing, visualization, self motivation....these are all very important techniques that great doctors use to begin you on the right track with this battle. You may not want to go get a book and sit and read it...because 'it probably won't work!", well that's a bad attitude. It will work, you can contact this women and her MidWest Center in the USA and they will mail you tapes and books to get started...it doesn't cost much money at all. Do the research please. It will change your life.

[kovac]

If you're suffering from social phobia you might benefit from seeing a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. Either check out your local Primary Care Trust (Google it) or chat with your Practice Nurse or another GP - or simply go back to your GP and request/demand that he refer you for Counselling/Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The problem is that through the NHS there is usually a waiting list. Its quicker to go privately, but it would not be cheap (check out the Yellow Pages under Counselling/Psychotherapy.) Alternatively, your local 'Mental Health Team' might run self esteem courses. Look out for posters and flyers at your GP practice or ask at reception. They might be able to point you in the right direction.

[malaise]

Unfortunately many GPs fail to understand the importance of properly diagnosing and treating disorders such as these. Additionally, they fail to understand the implications this has for the rest of your life, so you have every right to be annoyed that he has been unhelpful.

Personally, I would ask to see a different doctor at your clinic who may be able to assist you on a pharmacological level, or push for a referral to the psychiatric day clinic. Normally you'd need an assessment by a charge nurse before they'd start counselling or CBT. The other option (and a last resort, in my opinion) is to pay privately for counselling or hypnotherapy. Bear in mind though that anyone can practise as a counsellor or hypnotherapist, so be very selective.

Good luck - I hope you find a more understanding doctor. x