Talking to your doctor can be extremely daunting for many with social anxiety. However research shows that a third of GP appointments involve talking about mental well-being (see www.mind.org.uk – You and your GP). Your doctor will be very used to hearing about mental health concerns.
An alternative option maybe an online form at your GP Practice website, or to contact your practice by email. Use the link find your GP surgery to get their website details. Somewhere on the website should be a link to “contact us” or “fill an online form”. Alternatively, you can self-refer for CBT via NHS Talking Therapies.
Your GP should be aware that social anxiety is a common mental health problem and that the NICE guidance recommends a psychological therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT for short) as well as other options – see NHS treatment options.
The NICE guidance makes it clear that both the GP and other NHS professionals should make provisions if you find medical appointments difficult – see how contact with NHS services can be made easier for those with social anxiety
When you see or talk to the GP be as open and honest as possible, the GP may ask you specific questions relating to your social anxiety.
Some of these suggestions may help:
- Write out your questions ahead of time. This way you will not forget them. You may want to practise saying them out loud beforehand to a mirror or empty room.
- It may help to mention the words social anxiety – and describe the issues that are hard for you.
- Ask the doctor to clarify anything unclear. You have a right to know your treatment options and to be helped.
- Have pen and paper with you in case you need to write down the answers you get.
If you are nervous or unused to talking about your social anxiety:
- Consider talking to a helpful and empathetic family member, friend or colleague before the appointment or call. Practise saying the kind of things you will need to say to the GP. If you have never told anyone about your social anxiety see our pages on talking to friends or family.
- It may help to have a friend or family member with you at the appointment or call. In addition to having the emotional support of a friend or family member, that person can listen to what is said, think of questions, and ask for clarification when necessary.
- Telling the doctor that you are nervous – or unused to talking about your social anxiety – it may help the doctor to understand and might help you to relax e.g. “I may look and sound fine to you, but inside I get quite nervous. I find it hard to talk about these things”.
- If for some reason you feel that your doctor isn’t helping in the ways you need, you may want to ask to see (or email) another GP within your practice. You need to feel comfortable and safe with whoever is treating you.
Conclusion
Social anxiety is a common condition and trusting your doctor and sharing how you’re feeling is often the first step towards getting help. Remember, if you need, you can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies.
Please also see these links from other charities about talking to your GP:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk – Talking to your GP about your mental health
