[Ohio-Talk] my anxiety

[marianne at denningweb.com]

I have always said I don't have anxiety and, in general, that is true. I
have become aware there are times when anxiety becomes a barrier to
obtaining the services I need. I have probably had anxiety when dealing with
people in the medical profession most of my life. This is especially true
when I need to speak with a mental health professional. First, I struggle to
make the initial appointment because I worry the therapist will want to talk
about my blindness. This is really my problem and I shouldn't make such an
assumption. After I make the appointment I continue to worry because I
continue to worry about the same things until my appointment. Once I go in
for my appointment I am on the defensive because I don't know how they will
react to me. Once a good relationship has been established my anxiety goes
away and I can begin talking openly and freely. This can take a few visits
and my insurance usually limits the number of visits I can have with a
mental health therapist on any one issue. I am sharing this because I think
other blind people may have similar thoughts and feelings when visiting with
a new medical professional. I am also sharing because this is mental health
awareness month so we all need to think about our mental health and know it
is as important as our physical health.