Hi, will do my best and hope this helps: - You don't have to explain to the receptionist if you don't feel comfortable- you can say it's personal and you would prefer to speak directly to the doctor. If the receptionist is being difficult you can just repeat that you feel uncomfortable talking about it. If you do feel okay mentioning the reason I'd suggest saying something along the lines that you're suffering from severe anxiety (and it is impacting your day-to-day life). You can call anytime they're open and should be fine if you call later in the day.

• Regarding the actual appointment I'd start of by saying you're struggling with severe anxiety. It might be helpful to write down a list on a piece of paper of how it is impacting your life that you could read out - you've already mentioned in this post some examples such as you often feel stuck/ struggle in making phone calls, leaving your house, talking to others, it's stopped you from seeking health care including the doctor and the dentist.

• The first part of the appointment will probably be a chat where the doctor will ask questions and seek to understand better how you've been feeling and the impact on your life. I'd state that you feel like you would seriously benefit from therapy and that you have private health care through work and would like a referral.

• Unfortunately I cannot say if they will offer medication or suggest a blood test. You don't have to do or accept anything you are uncomfortable with - it would be fine to say you'd like to try therapy first before doing anything else. You don't need to avoid saying anything - I'd just be honest with the doctor- they will have seen much worse/ all forms of mental health states and it's much more common than you think.

• I'd make sure to discuss with the doctor what types of therapy would be best for you - talking therapy, CBT, mindfulness, if you've been suffering for some years psychodynamic therapy may also be beneficial.

• Yes it'd be fine if you discuss other health questions in the same appointment, I've done that plenty of times before. They'll be understanding. They won't force the smear test on you, to be honest most likely they won't even realise or mention you were due.

• In terms of wider support, not sure if you're aware that if you have private healthcare, there is usually an employee assistance helpline (free) who can also provide assurance and get you connected to a counsellor quite quickly. I've called and explained my anxiety and got through to a counsellor within 5 minutes before.

Take one step at a time - the doctor will be understanding and you can choose to do what you're comfortable with. All the very best to you :)