Hey guys just found this sub and this seems like the perfect place to ask, tried googling but didn’t find any fitting results.

I am mid twenties, have ADHD, anxiety, pretty agoraphobic, PTSD, and due to this going to doctor visits is highly stressful and I will usually have a panic attack the night before. Can’t use public transport to go anywhere alone, both lack of it existing and fear on my part.

I bring my mum to all my doctor and phycology visits and this is always contested and I’m sick of explaining my whole (irrelevant) medical history as to why my mum is there. Makes me feel very vulnerable and usually after they hear of any psychology issues they dismiss any physical symptoms. Pair that with my involuntary oversharing due to ADHD I always end up feeling super exposed and uncomfortable, on the inside anyway because I’m too scared of looking silly so I pretend everything is ok and smile, not unusual to cry in the car later. After stuff like this I find it even harder to ask for care in the future. I accept pretty much anything they suggest because I’m too afraid of telling someone no. With mum she helps steering the conversation back to relevant symptoms and issues, she doesn’t speak over me or for me unless I ask her to beforehand.

The issue is mostly when we go together into the room, mum will introduce herself, person will ask “oh why are you here”. How should either of us respond to this? Without having to expose too much about my mental state as not to be dismissed or feeling vulnerable?

I guess this post if half advice and shouting into the void. Thank you very much!

2 comments
  1. I’m not sure why you’d need to explain it. People bring family members to doctor appointments all the time. I’d just say that if feel more comfortable when she’s here.

  2. “Emotional support. I get nervous at hospitals.” Done and done. It’s a common fear, so they shouldn’t follow up with more questions.

    If they do, you could always just keep reiterating that hospitals make you uncomfortable. Honestly, it’s a dumb thing for them to even ask.

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