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Seeing a new psychiatrist

daisy8
Community Member

Hi all, just looking for some advice for when i see my new psychiatrist in 2 weeks time please.

I have struggled with depression for over 40 years, had some realy terrible times but have always been able to claw myself back to ragged functionality . The last 3 years i haven't been able to do this,i started seeing a psychiatrist 2 years ago, since then i have tried several medications, had 3 admissions to hospital, numerous group courses, 2 seperate rounds of tms, psychologist, nothing has worked or helped to get me functioning again. 7 months ago my psychiatrist left the hospital without warning, i have been waiting desperately through some hospitalization with severe physical health issues, for my appointment with a new psychiatrist which is now coming up in 2 weeks. I am in such a mess because of waiting and hospitalization and illness that i am feeling really overwhelmed and nervous about my appointment with the new psychiatrist. I am afraid that i won't be able to discuss how bad I've been as i tend to clam up when nervous, and i don't realy know where to start. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

6 Replies 6

Croix
Community Champion
Community Champion

Dear Daisy8~

Yes in your situation it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and even that it is all too hard. When you get to that appointment you may have no plan and it could head off in any direction, the psychiatrist will tend to follow your prompts.

When I've felt that way and been convinced that trying to explain face to face will simply not work. I'll get confused, forgetful, frighted, embarrassed and all the rest.

Why not write everything down in point form? You can have a section for what's happened in the past. What went wrong, even good points if there are any, and exactly how you feel now.

An advantage of doing this a couple of days beforehand is it gives you a chance to see if you have forgotten anything, or is some of it needs to be made clearer.

When you are happy with it you can take it in during a long consultation, give the psych plenty of reading time, then just answer questions.I think you will find things will go much better than you expect, plus the psych will appreciated having it all laid out too.

Do you think this might be an idea?

Croix

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Daisy8, thanks for coming to the forums and to wait for another appointment with your own psych may seem to be a long way away, let alone having to meet someone new, and if you are able to do as Croix has said, write down what's been happening and what has troubled you.

Also mention any good points that were discussed with your other psychiatrist, whether you were happy about or what you weren't, these are important for the new psych to know, and even if it's difficult to discuss then writing them down will make it easier for you.

There maybe questions you want to ask and it's best to do this, otherwise, when you neglect them or let them sit, they become big ones.

By not addressing them, you allowed them to grow into big issues.

Take care.

Geoff.

daisy8
Community Member
Thanks for the encouragement, i was nearly ready to cancel my appointment. I did think about doing a list of all the medications and treatments I've tried, that is a good idea to write events and history too. I guess what I'm really aftaid of is that I'll be told there isn't anything else to try, thanks.

daisy8
Community Member
Thanks, you are right, there have especially been some big issues developed over the time i haven't been seeing a psychiatrist, writing it down does seem a sensible way to start, thanks for your comments.

Croix
Community Champion
Community Champion

Dear Daisy8~

You said" I guess what I'm really aftaid of is that I'll be told there isn't anything else to try, "

Well that's not going to happen. My latest medication has only been in use for 5 years and it is nearly perfect. I first became ill 30+ years ago and on the whole each new med and some therapies have always ether improved on the last regime, or been quickly ceased.

So take heart, there will be something.

Croix

Croix

Nurse_Jenn
Community Member

Hi daisy8,

Welcome to the forum. It is good to see that you are reaching out for some support during this transitional period in your care. Having to change from one health professional to another can bring up a lot of feelings. I agree with Croix and Geoff's suggestions of writing down what you want to achieve with your new psychiatrist. Using a blanket statement like "I want to feel better" could be broken down into smaller parts such as "I want to sleep for 6-8 hours in a row within 2 months", " I want a medication regime that does not give me these side effects and list..." etc. Being specific about what you want to achieve for yourself can guide your care and establish a partnership in your recovery. The person who knows you best, is you (no matter what it says in your health record). By coming in prepared you will also feel more in control of the appointment which may reduce some of your worry.

I also wonder if you have considered the positives of your situation. In a difficult recovery journey (whether it is mental health or a knee replacement), sometimes a new perspective is one of the best things. Having someone else look at your situation, past treatments and viewing your health with 'fresh eyes' is in itself a strategy that many people undertake as a request. It is formally called a 'second opinion' and when someone is not reaching health care goals, people often request this to see if another professional has a different view on treatment. You have come to this naturally as your previous psychiatrist has left however it could be just the thing that takes you to wellness.

You have said that getting to this appointment is causing your stress and I wonder if there is someone you trust who you could arrange to support you to get to the visit? I anticipate that the first appointment will be mostly an introduction. Building a therapeutic relationship with a health professional takes time. It may take several appointments to get to know one another and build the trust you need to really open up. Be kind to yourself during these first few visits. You will know if this psychiatrist is right for you and your recovery in due course.

You are not alone. For many people therapy and recovery take time but you have a fresh start to your treatment planning which might for the best opening you up to new possibility in how you will improve your health.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn