[paulswife1]

I HAVE MY FIRST P DOC APPOINTMENT FOR B.D. TOMORROW AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE'S GONNA ASK, AND I'M AFRAID I'LL COME OFF AS DISTANT BECAUSE MY FIRST INSTINCT IS TO DISTRUST SOMEONE NEW. ANY ADVICE?

[vjdragonfly]

I'm glad you are getting into your pdoc as difficult as it may be. I would just try to be as honest as possible about what you are going through. I know it is hard to open up to someone you don't know. Wishing you the best of luck.

[Medicated]

Be as honest with him as possible and share everything that concerns you. As much as I wish my psychiatrist could read my mind, he just can't. I have to tell him what's bothering me in order for him to help me. Good luck at your appointment...

[bridgie]

Tell everything honestly. Write everything you'd like to talk about down so you don't forget anything. I actually tell mine what I want to do. He recommends things and advises but I decide what I am willing to try. Doing some research on the drugs they may prescribe is usually a good idea. Feel free to ask questions here. Lots of people are willing to advise and and be there for support.

[paulswife1]

thank you for all your advice and support. I feel a little more prepared now

[DancingAlone]

Just wanted to say what I do now. I am very defensive in seeing a new pdoc so don't talk much which doesn't help me much and takes up time to try and find out what I need re: therapy, medications, etc.

So, this is what I do now. I wrote out a short summary on the computer and printed it out of how I feel, what I experience mood-wise, a little bit about me (only what I want him/her to know just now), my past behaviors, and a list of the medications I CANNOT take (bad side effects) and the ones I am on now. That way, I don't have to say anything at first, the pdoc reads, then can ask me questions based on what I wrote.

I wish you a lot of luck. It will be ok. Believe....

[blueoctober]

Good Luck paulswife let us know how it goes!

[sugahorse1]

All the best.
It can be daunting, but it's not too bad. They are there to help you, and in order to do that, they need to know what it is you are feeling. If you can remember any triggers, or have an idea of when you cycle, it also helps. If you are on any other meds (Psychiatric or other, you need to notify him), He also needs to know of any major circumstantial issues that may be affecting you, any past or present major stressors.
And then you need to describe your emotions as best as possible.
If you can, maybe make some notes before you go, so you don't forget anything.
Let us know how it goes