[animasana]

This probably isn't the right place to post this but oh well...

I will finally be seeing a psychiatrist for the first time this week. I'm going in as a new patient and will basically have to unload all of my issues I've had built up. For the most part, I've been relieved that I've finally made the appointment because it took me so long to realize I needed professional help. But I know that simply going in won't magically make things better. I know it will take work and a lot of courage to be completely honest about everything. I'm SO nervous though! I feel like I might just burst into tears before I finish my first sentence. I'm going to have to say things that I've been too afraid to tell anyone else (even the people I trust most). I just feel like it's going to be more difficult than I imagine. My main issue is social anxiety. I usually don't have problems with being nervous for doctor appointments, but this feels different. Just imagining myself walking through the front door of the facility makes me nervous...

Has anyone else felt like this before they had their first appointment or am I making a huge deal out of nothing? What was it like? Is there anything I should know before I go in?

[Visioneer]

First of all, it's good that you made the decision to be proactive and see a doctor. That's a big step for most people. You're not going to unravel your entire life's story in one session, so don't get too anxious about it. The doc is going to ask you a lot of questions since they are meeting you for the first time, so just be honest and answer them. Sometimes they ask you questions about things you haven't even thought about before that makes you look at things in a different way. And don't be afraid to ask questions of your own. It takes a while for you to get to know each other and you'll be more comfortable after seeing them a few times. I doubt that they would prescribe any medications after seeing you only once, but it is possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions about medications, or research them yourself before taking them, if that makes you more comfortable with it. You don't have to do anything you are really not ok with. But remember that you are getting the opinion of a professional, and there's no need to be afraid. Good luck!

[animasana]

Thanks, this is good info to know. My appointment is Wednesday afternoon. I hope it isn't as scary as I think it's going to be.

[BatsAndButterflies]

It's normal. I still haven't seen a therapist and I am really nervous about it. I was really nervous when I saw the counselor at my college for the first time, but it turned out fine.

[kaliope]

going to a new doc can be scary, but those first appts are usually the times the doc is getting your history so he has lots of questions to ask. you may leave feeling disappointed that you didnt get to say what you went in there to say. i would go to the doc with a list of my concerns. i always wrote down everything i wanted to tell him because docs may latch onto one thing and get on a tangent and then the three or four other concerns get lost. if i hand him the paper with my concerns he has read them all. my doctor loved that i did this. i wrote him my history and he whipped threw it marking off all the things he thought were pertinent. go in there with a plan. what are you willing to do, be prepared to advocate for yourself. some docs what to slap you with med cocktails right away, are you willing to do this or will you only be willing totry one med at a time? dont let him push you to do more than youre willing to do.

[animasana]

I was considering writing down a list of my concerns. Thanks! This is really helpful for me. When you say "history" I assume you mean previous diagnosis of any medical problems/conditions/etc. As an EMT that is what I think of when I see "med history". But I wonder if you mean just history of things like suicidal ideation, depression, abuse, etc? I can write that out too. I guess the more info, the better.

I am willing to try medications...probably not more than one at a time. I'm really concerned/interested in the whole medication thing (especially for anxiety). I know some meds can slow people down and have a drowsy/groggy effect. But I'm really athletic and hoping to train for a triathlon this summer...

I guess I'll see how it goes. Thanks for all your help!