A couple of weeks ago now, I had my first call for my anxiety, since being diagnosed. I should have posted back then, but there was so much already going on in my life, and in my head, that I simply didn't get around to it.
The call was what they called an "inductory call". The aim was open and honest... we need to tell you what to expect, and we need to get some information from you, so we know what to expect! Expectation set: 15 minutes for the call.
I took the day off work, to ensure I wasn't anxious, and thought about what I wanted to say.... I want to know about my condition, I want to know if there is a cure/fix, and I want to know how to handle it in the meanwhile.
In reality, it was a very fixed call. The chap I spoke with was very nice, but very clear he didn't want to double up for my Psychologist, so he wanted to keep to the absolute basics.
He asked me some simple questions, with scaled answers generally.
My only concern in giving these, is that I've learned to avoid stressful situations, to my answers sounded very good... I don't get that anxious, as I plan for stressful situations (e.g. this call!) and either avoid those situations altogether, or plan to the point that it isn't that bad. Hence, I don't actually get that anxious!
We discussed options at the end of the call, which really was 15 minutes long, true to their word. The aim is 5-6 Psychologist calls, which he believes is the right solution... I agreed, frankly only because the other options sounded quite intensive, and I just don't think I need more than a bit of guidance here to solve or manage this myself.
They said most people work with the Psychologist by phone, but face-to-face is available. Much as it may go against the logic of my anxiety, I asked for the first call to be face-to-face, as I really feel I need to trust this person before I can impart too much. We'll see, I meet her in 2 days time!
In short, these introductory calls are well planned and nothing to be scared about. That said, as someone suffering with Social Anxiety, I took a lot of comfortable in having the call in the afternoon, and the full day off work. I had the call in the comfort of my home, with plenty of time to prepare.
1 call down, now just to start a face-to-face chat... I'm not even going to pretend to not be nervous. I'm focused on the potential for resolution here though. That is a massive positive reason to see this through!
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