1st appointment with psychiatrist - what to expect?

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@Nooks wrote:
Hi guys. I'm new here. I've only been diagnosed (well I'm not even really sure about that because not quite sure what the diagnosis is?!) a few weeks ago and started on meds. I went back to my GP today who has now referred me to a psychiatrist because she hasn't come across my symptoms before. I have never been to a psychiatrist and I was wondering if anyone could give me a heads up about what to expect? Any tips on how to prepare myself? I'm kind of nervous because I'm a nurse myself so I'm feeling very vulnerable as the patient for a change. Thanks in advance x

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hello @Former-Member

Welcome to the forums.

I can answer your question generally for you.

There is absolutely nothing to be nervous about even though your reaction is one that most of us would have. Just the unknown and in some cases stereotyping.

Psychiatrists can differ with their styles. They all ask you to talk about yourself. What brought you to the appointment. Symptoms you have experienced. Talk about your life, work, people in your life probably on a parallel to a nurse asking patients questions.

The doctor must have grouped you into a category if they subscribed medication. Depression, anxiety along those lines.

Important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe talking to the psychiatrist. This takes time to build trust so dont feel compelled to tell all at first visit. You can even ask the psychiatrist what style of therapy they use and any questions you have. You will be fine.

There is a thread called introduce yourself here if you havent already posted on there. a good way to have a quick chat with a few people and learn how to get around the site.

good luck on your quest

Hi @Former-Member,

I've been seeing psychiatrists on and off for more than 25 years for bipolar disorder and related mental health problems (anxiety, depression, past trauma). I've also had crohns disease for 35 years and have had many experiences with regular doctors, specialists and hospitals. Also, my mum was a nurse's aide throughout most of her working life.

Personally, I feel I have had better experiences with psychiatrists than with regular doctors. As @Former-Member has said, it's natural for most, if not all of us, to experience anxiety about meeting a new psychiatrist. For me this has subsided after continued visits, but only if a fairly good relationship of trust could be developed with the psychiatrist. I think there is a bit of 'chemistry' involved in this, as there is with all human relationships. If, after some time, I've been unable to feel this with a particular psychiatrist, I have been able to change to find another with whom I can develop a better relationship.

Most of the time for me, the sessions have lasted about half an hour, sometimes less. The first couple of visits has usually involved the psychiatrist taking a summarised life history, including physical and mental health struggles. This is a 'getting to know you' process for them in order to be able to treat me. After that, I have found that the therapy tends to focus more on what is going on my life in the present. I've often found that I've needed to ask to be told what the diagnosis is. It can also take some time of 'getting to know you' before a psychiatrist really wants to state that. Sometimes psychiatrists have not wanted to focus at all on the 'labels' and have been vague about diagnosis with me, so it's not necessarily surprising to me that you are unclear at present on what the diagnosis is.

Psychiatrists on the whole are medical specialists who tend to have the best knowledge of medications that may help our mental health issues. There has also usually been an element of counselling involved.

I wish you the best on your journey with mental health. Feel free to ask more questions if you would like to know more. Another welcome to the forum.

Hello @Former-Member

I would just like to reassure you that you are not self-centred, purely thinking about yourself.

how do I know this? You would not have asked the question if you were.

have you experienced a trauma lately ? A loss?

it is very hard to be told not to worry by someone else.

your appointment will be a discussion between yourself and the psychiatrist. You will be safe perhaps tell him or her how upset about it you are to start the conversation

that is just your anxiety talking

sorry about underlining using ipad

doctors cannot diagnose so ignore

psycologist should be able to give you some strategies to help you up to appointment

Overthinking brings on anxiety

past life has gone Future has not happened yet live in now

distract and calm your breathing as someone else said

you can do this

and no more of this calling yourself rubbish allowed okay?