First appointment with a psychologist

[Raven88]

Hello everyone, hoping someone can help or even just talk in the hopes I can calm down, tommorow after years of putting off talking to someone about my anxiety, I am finally seeing a psychologist and I don't want to go, I am scared, no i'm terrified. Every time I try to research what to say, what the first session will be like, wondering if that person is the right psych for me, will she diagnose me properly, will I say too much or will I say to little because I will be scared..well every time I try to do or think these things it's just making me worse, tried to sleep and couldn't coz I am too anxious, my heart is pounding a million miles!! I'm so terrified, I am freaking out, I am so worried I am going to have a panic attack soon and i'm surprised I haven't had one by now with all the things going on in my head. I am so lucky, because I have a wonderful group of supportive family and friends but I just can't stop stressing about this, and i'm also rambling, which is another thing I do but I don't know I was just hoping maybe someone will read this and would be able to help me out or even just listen. Thankyou beyond blue.

[geoff]

hello Raven, I'm pleased that you are now going to see a psychologist, and the fear you have is no different to going to see a bank manager for a loan or visit your dentist, so write down pretty well everything that's been going through your mind for a long time, this will break the ice, watch the expression on her face while she reads it, and at this point you may decide whether or not you like her or at least give you an indication.
It is hard to know whether you will like her on your first visit, maybe not, she could have a warming attitude on how you are feeling and understands exactly what she has read from the notes you have given her.
It's up to you how much extra you want to tell her on your first visit, because this should be a bonding session, ask her what her diagnosis is and tell her what sort of medication you maybe taking.
When you arrive at her office get involved in a magazine or check your phone for messages etc this will distract you, there's a chance you may like her straight away, but you have to remember that it's probably the best that you see someone, but please don't cancel the appointment, because you will only go back to square one and then have to start all over again.
Let us know how you get on and please get back to us. Geoff.

[Babyboomer]

Hi Raven and welcome to the forum. I didn't want to see a psychologist at first either. I figured they wouldn't have a clue about what I was going through because I didn't understand it either. All I knew was that I didn't want to keep feeling scared and afraid of being anxious. Turned out to be one of the best things I did and started me on my road to recovery. Our Anxiety can fool us into thinking we are weak or unworthy, but it's not true. You can do this! You are much stronger than you think you are!

Be gentle on yourself, as you would if your best friend or a loved one was going through the same thing! You have made the first step to recovery by making the appointment.

Although you may be anxious about how the appointment will go, it's important that you go anyway. In the meantime, try and think about the best scenario as to how you would like the appointment to go and focus on that.

You can do this!

Please let us know how you go either way. We're here to support and encourage you.

Kindest regards,

Jacky

[startingnew]

HI Raven


I think its great that your going to see a psychologist. Unfortunalty the internet besides here dont really answer our fears about appointments.


To help you ease your fears I can answer some of those questions you have with my own experiences and while I cant guarentee itll be exactly like mine it might help to ease your anxiety if you know what your up against. Please dont cancel your appointment.


What will the first session be like?
For me my first session and have found it to be very similar for everyone else as well is a general get to know you. They often ask things like what has brought you here (as in what do you need help with-anxiety, depression, a certain event, grief etc) , family, work and friendship statuses. You dont have to worry about what to say. They will help guide you through it by asking questions. Bare in mind that if your uncomfortable answering a question, you just say so. They dont take offense and know that thats an area that will take more time to go into details with. So generally its almost like a normal conversation except its all confdential and what you say in the room stays in the room.


Will it be the right psych for you?
Within the first few sessions, you get a sense for her/him as well. Youll be able to tell if she is a good fit because youll start to feel more comfortable talking to her/him, youll find the conversation is abit more flowing rather. Most people can tell just by the feel they give off to you. Its abit hard to explain but its a general feeling of comfort, and safety.


Will they diagnose you properly?
This depends. Psychologists cant actually diagnose you with things. They can get a sense for what your dealing with e.g depression, ptsd, a particular anxiety but your gp has to be the one to actually diagnose you. I think clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can also diagnose you as well but im not 100% sure.


Saying too much/too little?
Psychologists deal with many many different people, conditions and personalities. They also know that it takes time to build trust as well. They arent there to judge on how much you say or dont say. There job is to help you feel comfortable enough to explain what is happening or for you and allow you to feel you can open up to them.


I really hope these ease your mind abit, and while I know ts terrifying esp for the first session but it will be ok. Please let up know how you go and If you have any more questions please dont hesitate to ask.

[startingnew]

HI Raven

how are your therapy sessions going?

[Raven88]

Thankyou all for getting back to me. I went into my first session terrified and came out accepting that it was a good thing to do, I feel so very comfortable with her and to be honest I instantly felt comfortable! She understands me and she is young like me and I think that also makes me feel confident and comfortable to talk about every issue, I told her a lot and we are focusing on my biggest issues first, did a very eye opening questionare and figuring out a game plan, when I get most anxious and what about and she's also made me think about what I wouldn't think and say to a loved one that had my issue and I was like I would tell them there's nothing to worry about here and o was thinking wow if I can say that to someone else then why can't I believe it so we are working on that, tiny little steps as well and haven't had an anxiety attack for a few days now, I am feeling less anxious at work and I am worrying less about death and about my fiancé getting to places safe( he messages me every time he gets somewhere safe) we are working on distraction techniques and she tells me to just breath calmly and deal with the anxiety for that five to ten minutes that my fiancé doesn't message as we purposely put a time delay on it to get me to get used to it and tonight I said to my partner, don't message me when you are safe at the station, instead just when you get on the train, next week I will try with just message me once you get to work safe and I know one day I won't be so anxious about it at all. One day at a time for me at the moment. I am concentrating on my mental health and also general health, filling my day with work, then gym, then quiet meditation, it's working wonders. I am so happy I feel comfortable with her. Thankyou all for your wise words and encouragement, I am so glad I didn't cancel, I couldn't imagine just how different I'd be feeling. For once I have been able to read up on anxiety a lot more without getting anxious!! I feel great. Thankyou again guys. And Beyond blue you are amazing.

[startingnew]

Wow!

Thats somr awesome work!

Good job. It really sounds like your getting your life back.

These are some really positive things.

im super glad that your psychologist made you feel at ease and confortable.

This is all so great!