First time Seeing a psychiatrist

[Alien1927]

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?

[Alien1927]

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

[White_Rose]

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

[geoff]

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.

[Alien1927]

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

[Alien1927]

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

[Mayaneo]

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 😊

[Croix]

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