Are you planning your visit to a psychiatrist? You're not alone. Studies show that more people are seeking mental health treatment than ever before.
Of 1,000 people surveyed, 48 percent said that at least one member of their family had seen a
mental health professional in the last year. While the stigma surrounding
mental health is declining, many feel nervous about their first visit to a
psychiatrist. Have no fear.
This article can help prepare you
for visiting a psychiatrist. For a basic guide on what to expect during your
first psychiatric appointment, read on.
1.
Personal Questions
No matter the type of psychiatrist
you're visiting, you should be prepared to answer a set of personal questions.
These questions can help your doctor determine the best course of action to
improve your mental health.
It's important to have a brief knowledge
of your medical history to help your doctor get to know you. If you have an
extensive medication list, you should also share this information.
Prepare for questions like,
"What prompted you to see a psychiatrist?" or "How are you
feeling today?" The more you understand the answers to these questions,
the more you will get out of your appointment.
2.
Note Taking
For many people, visiting a
psychiatrist can feel like a nerve-wracking experience. If your mind is full of
nerves, you may forget much of the information you're given. For your first
visit, be sure to bring a notebook to jot down important notes.
You may consider keeping notes of
what you told the psychiatrist, their responses back to you, or specific
activities that you took part in. This can help you keep track of your mental
health progress. Appointment notes can also help you better understand what to
do when you're in need of mental health guidance.
Before attending your appointment,
you may also consider keeping notes of what you want to discuss. You might have
questions like "What does a psychiatrist treat?" or "What are
common psychiatric conditions?" These notes can help you through the
appointment if you're feeling nervous.
3.
Potential Adjustments
When heading to your first appointment,
understand that not every psychiatrist will be your perfect match. Different
people will need different services and types of connections.
On average, psychiatrists could see
as many as 30 patients per day. Since you'll likely be seeing your psychiatrist at
least once a week, it's important to find one that you feel connected to.
The right psychiatrist will make you
feel understood, heard, and comfortable. They will also be able to create a
high-quality plan of action for you. After your first appointment, be sure to
adjust if needed.
Feel
Prepared On Your First Visit to a Psychiatrist
If you're feeling apprehensive about
your first visit to a psychiatrist, know that you're not alone. While it's
common for many to feel nervous, following this guide on what to expect can
help prepare you for a high-quality appointment.
For other helpful articles and tips
on health, be sure to check out the rest of our website.
