What it really feels like to have anxiety and depression at the same time

5. Visiting the dentist is terrifying.  

Because of my anxiety, I constantly grind my teeth. I do it while working, I do it while sleeping, I do it at the gym, I do it going for a walk, it’s a terrible habit. I should go to the dentist. But because I’m a person with depression I feel a lot of shame about going to see a dentist. That’s because during my depressive episodes I seriously ignore taking care of my teeth. Add anxiety to the equation and I’m sure my dentist will judge me for my failings, a thought that is more than my anxious self can bear.

I immediately confess my panic to my dentist now whenever I go to see her. Being scared of the dentist isn’t an uncommon thing, and yours would much rather talk you through your panic than have to do mountains of work because you have skipped years of visits. Take it from someone who has skipped years of visits.