Booking an appointment with a psychiatrist may not be easy, especially if it is your first time. However, you may feel the need to do so after experiencing distress and have an effect on your daily activities and relationships with others.
It may become necessary to get professional help if it is taking a toll on your mental health. There may be a range of reasons for making an appointment. Read below a list of things you can expect when consulting a doctor, this will help you be prepared and know what to expect for your first mental health appointment.
Understanding why you are making an appointment
There may be wide-ranging reasons for this but You may not be able to function properly in your daily life or you may be experiencing symptoms, but do not understand what mental health condition you are facing. Here a psychiatrist can better guide you. By choosing a certified psychiatrist with experience, you can feel comfortable and find ways to improve your health.
What is your routine like?
This helps a mental health specialist get to know about your life and factors that may influence your mood and overall mental health. These may include your daily routine in terms of work or academics, your social life and sleeping and eating habits. These are just questions that may help a doctor get a better insight into your daily life, you can choose to answer only the questions that you are comfortable with at the start.
What is your medical history?
For a better diagnosis and treatment plan, a psychiatrist may ask you questions about your medical history. These are typically related to any recent or chronic illnesses, allergies or medications that you may be currently or previously taking. This helps to choose the most effective and safe treatment plan that takes into account your overall health.
Additionally, a doctor may ask you about your family history – any close family member who may have had a mental health illness.
Remember it is important to be honest when answering such questions. You can also discuss anything you feel would be important for making a diagnosis. Most importantly, make sure you feel safe and it is normal to open up comfortably gradually.