Why can't I make the phone call?

Maybe, maybe not. It didn’t for me after I made the call about getting help for depression.

Do let us know when you get an appointment set up, OK? We’re all thinking about you.

{{{{{Chao}}}}}

I read you loud and clear. I was really just trying to get Chao to examine the situation in a “what’s the worst that can happen” type of way. That’s probably why I’m not a psychologist :stuck_out_tongue: I also understand what you say about denial. I could examine my life and point out plenty of valid reasons to be blue. For me, though, finally being medically diagnosed put a name on it for me and erased the shame I felt for not being “able to deal”. Hearing about someone being on the brink of receiving some lifesaving aid makes me happy indeed.

I really do wonder why they don’t let anxious people make appointments through email. It would seem the most logical thing to do.

Well, I just did it. In fact, the woman on the phone was very kind which made the whole thing easier. Thank Og the Dr. can see a new patient. My appointment isn’t until July 18 which isn’t my ideal but that’s the best they could do.

It’s going to be a tough month waiting, trying to get control of myself without the professional assistance. Right now I have my partner, and I guess myself. I haven’t told any of my friends yet what I’m going through. I’m afraid a some of them won’t believe me when I tell them I have a drinking problem. Seriously. I guess I was that good at hiding it from certain people.

I know I should tell them, for the added support, but not today. Today I’m not ready. I’m barely grasping the scope, myself, of what I’ve become and the course I’ve taken without really understanding it all these years. I don’t think I’m capable of explaining it right now.

I feel a little better now that I’ve taken, I guess, another step forward. But I feel this is going to be a long road. I’m terrified. :frowning:

Thank you, all of you for the support and hugs. It made a big difference today, when I finally just grabbed the phone and dialed. {{{Fellow Dopers}}}

{{Chao}}

We’re all very proud of you for taking that first step. The full admittance and understanding of your situation and how to resolve it might take time, but you’re on the right path. Congratulations. I don’t usually post to threads like this, because I can’t relate personally, but my brother is in somewhat of the same boat as you (not drinking, though) and I’ve seen him struggle with seemingly simple things too. He emailed my parents - you posted here. It’s a great first start to focusing on what you need to do, and a lot of people are here to support you. Good luck.

Congratulations!

If you start to waver, remind yourself that you wouldn’t hesitate to call if a doctor if this were a physical problem. There’s no difference in seeking help for a psychological problem. Move when you’re ready to. Some of your friends may turn out to be surprisingly supportive. Some, I’m afraid, may not. On the other hand, there are a lot of us here who’ve been through similar things and we are here for you.

The first step is the hardest. After you’re back in the proverbial saddle, I bet you will wonder what all the foot dragging was all about.
Good luck.