vmblue, the connection with coffee consumption is an important one for me. For me, it's definitely a psychiatric mood stabilizer
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I usually feel good (mentally) before going to the doctor, even if it's a new one I haven't seen before, but especially with one I know.

Before going, I organize my thoughts, deciding what issues to prioritize for discussion. That process helps me self-analyze what's important what's just an annoyance.

When I get there, everyone is pleasant to me. The doctor pays attention to what I say and we discuss problems and options together. He listens. Gives feedback. That's very nice.

Because I spent time before the appointment self-analyzing what's been going on with me, by the time I get there, I don't feel like complaining or whining. I just want to get to the point, offer my bit, and wait for him to offer his bit back. Sometimes we disagree. We've learned how to disagree respectfully with each other and how we can both avoid acting stubborn. We listen to each other.

Out in the rest of my life, people don't actually want an answer to the question, "How are you?" Except to hear, "Fine, thank you, and you?"

That's why I feel good before hand, even if I don't feel so good. When the doc says, "How are you?" I can say, "It's been rough." He gets a concerned look on his face and says, "Tell me what's going on."

He's not ever going to say, "It's always something with you." Or "I don't want to hear about it. I've got problems of my own." Like out in the real world.