topic First time Seeing a psychiatrist in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:13:16 GMT

I recently saw a GP today and I am getting referred to a psychiatrist for my depression and anxiety. I'm really nervous and scared, never been to a psychiatrist. What is it like to see a psychiatrist and what should I expect and does it really help?

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

White_Rose — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:04:27 GMT

Dear Alien

Welcome to the forum. It's good you have found us and decided to post here.

I see a psychiatrist weekly and have for about a year. Before that I saw her fortnightly but my others supports were not available for various reasons so I stayed with the psychiatrist.

What is it like? Not much different to seeing a psychologist though I am not sure if you have talked to a psychologist. Like all specialists a psychiatrist will talk about generalities and ask you questions about you medical problem. They usually start with a mapping your family and seeing where you are in that environment.

Some may want to talk about your childhood and growing up, others will ask about what troubles you, about your depression and similar queries. They usually take notes as you talk but then your GP also does that. The psych is looking for the cause of your difficulty and that may be from many years ago.

There is nothing to be scared about but I know what you mean. I think psychiatrists have had a bad press and because most of us have not visited one it has grown its own mystery. And that's always scary.

My psych and me disagree about some things and have deep and meaningful conversations and sometimes it feels as though nothing has happened. You need to give it time while you both get to know each other and build some trust.

Can you write some sentences to explain how you are feeling? Possibly the cause of your depression? It's useful to be able to either talk from your paper or give it to the psych to read at the start. It helps you to become acquainted more quickly so that you can get on with the whole process

You can also ask how your therapy will work, what the psych will do and say. No need to be scared of this. It's good to have some idea of what will happen. In therapy we can get to topic that is distressing for us. If you feel overwhelmed by the emotion it has brought up you can ask the psych for a change of subject. The aim is to give you tools for your life, usually the tools you make yourself. Surprising isn't it? There will not be much telling you what to do but lots of guidance. While you may not touch on the topic in the next few sessions you will eventually return to it because it affects you so much. The aim is to go softly, softly until you get to the end.

I'm not sure if I have helped your fears recede a little or scared you to death. The first one I hope. I look forward to hearing from you.

Mary

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

smallwolf — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:58:23 GMT

Hi,

If it helps I will give my story...

I see both a psychologist and psychiatrist. My psychiatrist leaves the head stuff to my psychologist, but looks after the medication side of things for me. That does not mean we won't talk about how my life has been but is different to Mary's experience.

As Mary said, the first visit will be typical introduction. My psychiatrist got a similar story to that which I would have told the psychologist, but will also include medical history information about parents also. For example, my dad has depression so I am predisposed to it as well.

The good thing about a psychiatrist is in the area of medication (I think). That is, we will always chat about how the medication is working, or not. And if not, we can then explore the options. Whether that is increasing the dose, changing medication, whatever.

I will also tell her about things I have told the psychologist. And get another opinion. Not to say that her opinion is that different from my psychologist, but I will also get practical advice on some matters. For me, the time with the psychiatrist flows like a conversation.

A psychiatrist is both a friend and "not a friend". You can tell your deepest and darkest secrets to them and not feel judged. They will (or should) treat you with compassion and display empathy towards you. Mine tried (and succeeded) to put me at ease in the first sessions I had with her. This helps greatly.

Lastly, and I noticed Mary's response to difficult questions... I have two ways of tacking these. The first is I go silent, but we have codes (so to speak) whereby they can work out the answer. The second way is that I will write down a response and email it back to them before the next session.

In my view there is nothing to be scared about, and if you have any questions please let me know.

Tim

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:37:53 GMT

Hello Mary

First of all thank you for your reply, I'm glad I'm not alone and there are people that understand. I've never been to a psychologist before either because I just started the first step on getting help. Your reply was helpful and gives me a better understanding of this path I'm about to take.

I let my depression and especially my anxiety hold me back from life for a very long time and I've never experienced a hard working life because of my anxiety.

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:49:13 GMT

Hello Tim

You can call me Daniel.

Thank you for your reply, I have found it useful and it has gave me a better understanding of this new path I'm about to take. Thank you for sharing your story, I'm glad I am not alone and that there are people that understand. I let my depression and anxiety hold me back from life for a long time. Thank you for your help, I'll ask questions if I need.

Daniel

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

geoff — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:17:34 GMT

Hi Daniel, and welcome to the forums.

Mary and Tim have replied with good advice so I hope I don't double up and repeat what they have said, and if I do I apologise.

If you feel like writing a list of what you want to talk about, especially when they ask you 'how can I help you', people tend to freeze and don't know what to say, but with this list, it helps you get over this, or you could hand the list over to them, just take a photocopy if you need it for other purposes such as if you choose to see another psych.

The idea of counselling is that you can trust the information you tell them without any problems, that you feel comfortable talking to them because if you don't then they are not the appropriate psych and need to find someone else.

Hope to hear back from you.

Geoff.

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

White_Rose — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 17:58:09 GMT

Hello Daniel

So pleased you have had replies from several others.

We hang on to what we know even when it's not a good place to. Anxiety can stop us getting help because we are 'afraid of the dark' and it's better to stay with the devil you know rather than go with the devil you don't know. It is daunting to sit down with someone and reveal various aspects of your life particularly the areas that give you the most hurt. The fight/flight/freeze reaction is powerful because it told our ancestors how to survive. We still have that automatic response but the world is a different place and it's not necessary and often counter productive to go with the fear reaction.

Having said that I do know how it feels to start building a relationship with someone who has the title psychiatrist. Treat him/her in the way you speak to your GP, someone who is there to help you, someone to trust with all your life experiences and who is trustworthy.

Many congratulations for deciding to get help and on your fist step towards healing. This may be a long journey and sometimes it feels as though nothing is happening. That crafty black dog called depression whispers in your ear that you will never get well, why make the effort, stay as you are. Your job is to teach the dog some manners and make it walk to heel.

I don't know if you have any information about depression and anxiety. Beyond blue has a heap of information which you may find helpful. Scroll to the bottom of the page and explore the options, or look under The Facts at the top of the page.You can download the fact sheets and ask BB to send you any of the booklets that strike a chord with you. No cost or postage.

Do you have an appointment date? I hope you will be taking the next step with your psychiatrist very soon.

Mary

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:55:41 GMT

Hello Mary

You can call me Daniel, you give great advice and I appreciate it a lot. It is hard to get past anxiety and it is easier to run away and not face it. I have a appointment this Friday with a Psychiatrist, I would like to give you all a update on how it goes?

I want to thank you Mary, and everyone else on your replies. I wasn't expecting this much help and I do feel better from it but I know I have a long road ahead of me before I'm actually better.

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 02:09:11 GMT

Hello Geoff

You can call me Daniel and I want to thank you for your post. I got good advice from you all. Writing a list to give to the psychiatrist on those things is a good idea. I got a appointment on Friday and I will write a list, thank you for mentioning that to me. I'm glad that I chose to get in contact with Beyondblue because you all have your own stories and care to help out and share advice. Thank you

Daniel

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Sophie_M — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 02:18:43 GMT

Hi Daniel, some great advice from the community here. You might also want to check out this page on the RANZGP website, that gives some advice on what to expect from your first psychiatrist appointment:

https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/your-first-appointment

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 02:18:56 GMT

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice and tips. I do find this helpful and motivating. I don't feel scared that much anymore, I may be nervous but I am experiencing a new path to recovery. I have a better understanding and what to expect and I thank you all for helping me. Depression does run in my family but I never took mental illness seriously, I always ignored it and ran away but not anymore. Thank you all again.

Daniel

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

White_Rose — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:28:53 GMT

Hello Daniel

Thanks for your reply. I am sure all of us will be happy to learn how your appointment went with the psychiatrist.

I am very happy that you are feeling better. Being nervous is a normal state when meeting anyone new. Depression does appear to run in some families but not always. You said there is a history of depression in your family but how much this is linked to other family members is still open to debate as I understand it. I'm not sure there is a specific depression gene but it may be the gene has not yet been discovered. In other illnesses which can be hereditary the medical illness does not always get passed on. However I think there is little point in worrying about this.

Ignoring and running away is what many people have done at some in their lives. None of us like bad news or the possibility of being unwell. I think it is sensible to stop running and get on with getting well again. You are showing some insight into yourself and courage to say you are on a new path to recovery. I think with that attitude you move forward more easily.

On dark days remind yourself how life was better than today. I think everyone has some way to remind ourselves how well we are managing. Some people keep a journal of their day, others write but only when they feel bad. I keep a collection of quotes/poetry/stories on the wall in my kitchen. When I walk past I can see the helpful and inspiring messages and tell myself I can manage today because I managed yesterday. I hope you can find something to hang on to on your journey.

Mary

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

geoff — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:23:06 GMT

Hi Daniel, thanks so much for getting back to us, it stimulates us and encourages us to reply.

The other matter I forgot to tell you, is for you to do the K-10 test, it's a depression test, just google it, and try and do it several times if possible, not straight after the other, but different times of the day, even when you feel better, it's still good to get a score no matter how you feel.

Take this with you to the psych, this will also tell them how you are feeling.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 05:37:40 GMT

Hello Mary

Saw the clinical health psychologist, guess I'll probably see a psychiatrist eventually. He asked about my past, family, living situation etc. filled out two forms on how I'm feeling and my anxiety is really high.

Im filled with so much motivation that I want to help myself now and fight it. I'm afraid that I'll lose this motivation and lose, go back to my old way and I don't want to do that.

Daniel

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Alien1927 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 05:42:51 GMT

Hello everyone

Saw the doctor, my anxiety is really high. We talked about my past, family, living situation etc. I was nervous but I actually wasn't scared, I just want to stay on this path to help myself. Thank you all for the advice, I wrote down notes for the doctor to read.

im filled with a lot of motivation, I want to help myself but I'm afraid that I'll lose this motivation and go back to my old ways. Don't want to go back there.

Daniel

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Mayaneo — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 08:52:34 GMT

Hi Alien

I've just registered here and saw your post, I was very against seeing a psych as I had done may years ago

My depression has returned big time and as part of my treatment plan I went to this psychiatrist.

I wasn't your stereotype Psych Dr, he is so kind and he listens

I'm.not keen on meds, I have tried neurofeedback which I highly recommend and he supported

He is always encouraging ECT but he respects my decisions and how I feel about not doing it

I hope you can find such a lovely man as I have, you need to go to someone you feel comfortable with

At the end of the day you are in control of your self and they are there to listen and help. Goodluck

If u live in Perth I can give you his contact if that is allowed here 😊

First time Seeing a psychiatrist

Croix — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:11:02 GMT

Dear Daniel

I read elsewhere that you said you needed a psych assignment. Also how do you know what is wrong -presumably so you get the right psychiatrist.

Firstly your doctor and current psychologist will probably have pretty good idea of what is wrong and suggest an appropriate psychiatrist.

If you feel that their view is wrong then please get a second opinion, your doctor will not mind, it is pretty standard practice.

The third thing is that psychiatrists, being more highly trained and qualified, will be able to for their own view on your condition, and if they feel you have not been diagnosed correctly will no doubt discuss the matter.

I hope this helps

Croix