Your First Psychiatric Appointment: What You Need To Know
Everyone has mental and psychological challenges in their lives they need to overcome. Sometimes it's difficult for people to overcome these challenges without the help of a trained professional. When a mental health issue is causing you significant distress, it's probably a good idea to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. This article offers a brief guide on this critical mental health topic.
Preparation
The first step in making an appointment is choosing which psychiatrist to see. Talk with your regular doctor and ask if they have any recommendations. Ask any family members or friends who have had psychiatric care if they have any suggestions. Use relevant online websites to research the background of various psychiatrists to discover which one you think would be a good fit.
Another good idea is to gather all of your medical records and make sure they are available for whichever psychiatrist you choose. Research common mental health conditions and the various treatments that are commonly recommended for each.
Questions
The psychiatrist will ask you certain questions during the first visit to learn more about you so that they can better assist you in dealing with your issues. They will ask what specifically has caused you to make an appointment with them. They will want to know about the symptoms that you have been experiencing and when the symptoms began.
Another thing the psychiatrist will want to find out is whether anyone in your family has a history of mental illness. If you have tried to alleviate your mental health issues in some way, such as by using herbs and supplements or meditating, this is also something the psychiatrist will want to know. You may also be asked about your current lifestyle, family environment, and how well you are sleeping.
What To Avoid
Before seeing the psychiatrist, it's important to know what to avoid doing and saying during your first visit as well as your subsequent course of treatment. You should never lie or obfuscate. You must be honest or it will make your treatment more difficult. When talking with the psychiatrist about your life and your mental health don't hide any relevant information. This does not mean you need to go into minute detail about your daily activities, just that only relevant details are needed.
Don't simply state various facts about your life. You need to say how you feel about these facts. Also, do not ask the psychiatrist to diagnose other people in your life. They are only treating you, not the people around you. For more information, contact a psychiatrist near you.