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What to expect from a psychiatrist?

Ruby26Senior Contributor14 Nov 2025, 9:35 pm AEDT

What to expect from a psychiatrist?

Context: I've recently started seeing a new psychiatrist. I've got some heavy things I need to talk about at my appointment next week. It's mostly to do with depression but maybe some signs of mild early-stage psychosis have been having an impact too. This is a private psychiatrist (not public health). I had another psychiatrist who I saw long term, but he had to discontinue his work so I had to find someone new. I'm safe and well, everything can easily wait for the appointment next week, I do NOT need any crisis supports or for anyone to worry about me.

How do psychiatrists usually react to these sorts of issues? I could predict my previous psychiatrist's reactions, but I think this one has a different approach. Which may be good so I can get some solutions, but I struggle with unpredictability. What could I expect him to ask or suggest? I would like to hear from other people their experiences with private psychiatrist. I'm mostly after positive stories for reassurance, but some where there was an issue are fine too. Also, I would really appreciate some suggestions about the right way to word things. The maybe-psychosis stuff is hard for me to work how to explain to someone who doesn't know me. I want to be able to explain it in the best way for an accurate treatment plan.

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In response to: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

Shift83Senior Contributor19 Nov 2025, 8:04 pm AEDT

Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

That’s fantastic I’m glad everything went well for you. And glad you could find some relief within this group. Take care.

In response to: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

Ruby26Senior Contributor06 Dec 2025, 1:34 pm AEDT

Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

@tyme thanks for your support. I've also got folders of notes from psychoeducation sessions. I have appointments with psychiatrists once a year, so my next appointment is in November 2026.

In response to: Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

tymeModerator06 Dec 2025, 5:13 pm AEDT

Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

How have things been going for you lately anyway? @Ruby26

In response to: Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

Ruby26Senior Contributor13 Dec 2025, 3:37 pm AEDT

Re: What to expect from a psychiatrist?

@tyme things have been stressful. My workplace decided not to renew my contract for next year, so I'll be out of a job soon. I tried to set up some volunteer work to do for next year and the whole process was a mess. I found the coordinator of the program was really disrespectful and giving him feedback just seemed to make the way he talked to me worse. Conflict is a psychosis trigger for me, so I decided having to volunteer for this person wasn't worth the risk to my mental health.

I'm still trying to work out what to do next. Between my mental health (including medication side effects), my lack of social skills and my physical disability, there aren't really options for finding a new job. I get the DSP and that's enough to survive on. I just wish I could do something to contribute to the world. I'm very discouraged by how many times I've applied for things and even unpaid roles don't want me.

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