getting through intake

I moved last year and am still trying to find a psychiatrist. I've been off meds for a couple months and am a wreck- can't work, take care of my home, ruining friendships, serious financial troubles, emotional roller coaster, anger problems. I want to get back on meds, but every time I go to a therapist or doctor, they do an intake asking me about my entire mental health history, which is very difficult for me to discuss. I've offered to write down the information for them, but they all say no. I can't even make it through the first appointment- I get upset and leave.

What should I do?

I am sooo sorry you feel that way , i can just imagine it is stressful. Would it be possible for you to prepare a SHORT outline before you go, when you are in a particularly up mood, just o have on hand? this may sound obvious, but I really would like to help.

Maybe that would make it seem more businesslike and less personal, but you know they always want to do everything their own way

I'm so sorry this is stressful for you. Just try to remember, that you have to just start over. It's like visiting any new provider..are you getting all of your records transferred to the new therapist?

yeah, maybe they wouldn't like to see "see atttachment"... But you never know.

I hate that part too! First you fill out this pile of paperwork giving your entire medical history right down to your first zit, then you have to restate it all verbally. It is a pain, but a necessary evil. I hope everything works out!

Just make an outline of your history and current issues. You can even bring your old psych records. Tell them its hard for you. Maybe break up intake into several short sessions? Or explain its traumatizing.

I thought they had everything, but apparently not. He also said he needed to observe me while I answered, and writing it out wouldn't gee him all the info he needed.

Traumatizing is exactly the word for going through all that with a stranger. Especially the guy I saw yesterday. Rude and cold in demeanor, snarky, even. Like I wanna tell him all my worst moments…

Also, they are booked till March due to a Psych nurse leaving, so spreading out the intake would result in my staying of meds for even longer.

Good news! I called a female who PDoc who runs a small private practice, and she is great! made me feel completely comfortable and safe, and left the tough questions for a later date. Plus she started me back on a low dose of my old meds with the plan to increase the dose slowly back to my old levels. First impressions are rarely wrong in this field, in my opinion, and I have a very good feeling about this woman

That's wonderful!