I finally convinced myself (20F) to make a doctor’s appointment as my anxiety has really been affecting my daily life lately. I’m just seeing my primary care provider to see if they can refer me to a psychiatrist. I have what feels like weekly panic attacks and I absolutely dread getting up in the morning for work or to interact with people who have some sort of authority over me. I need to have a concrete hourly plan for every day or I start to go insane.

Whenever I talk to people about my extreme fear of others getting angry at me or my need for constant work/organization, they just say “I wish I had that problem” because I never have conflicts with others and I look extremely productive on the outside. In reality my people pleasing tendencies and “work alcoholism” are eating me up inside.

Does anyone have tips for what to say at my appointment? I’m really anxious that I’ll just go and downplay all my issues and they’ll just say something like “go get more sleep” and send me home. I’ve had a tendency in the past to lie to my doctors and tell them everything is fine (esp regarding mental and sexual health) as I’m afraid they’ll judge me or tell me I’m exaggerating my problems. 

Thanks ahead of time for anyone who takes the time to give me advice!