Finally....

....Got the referral to a new psyshiatrist. The big day is Dec. 11. I jnow I should feel happy and relieved but all I have is a strong sense of foreboding....don't know why. I just hope that when I get there I feel comfortable enough to get my point across about how bad it's been lately. I hope I'm able to let my guard down and drop the happy face that i put on for everyone else. This is all so hard!

Yes, it's "different" than one is use to, isn't it? Good for you getting an appointment. I'd concentrate on remembering that the psychiatrist has probably seen lots of people use to coping with the happy face; it's too hard making an appointment with him to not have a "reason" :-) They know that. I'm excited for you, hope you get a good start on things that work quickly to relieve you of some of the bad burden.

If you can, write it all down before you go. That helps do two things in prep for you 15 minutes of fame.....

helps you focus on the things you want to cover with the pdoc.

can be used as a cheet sheet during your session.

Most pdocs have had some experience with those of us who experience stage fright.

hi haunted... i was researching the site for something personal when i came across this... taken from PC archives..

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9874 said:
A few factors contribute to a good session, and one that I have most control over is this: When I come in, the real me, without any masks or defenses, and am genuine. I express what's in my heart. The real stuff. For example, I might start a session by saying, "I"m feeling so sad. Just so sad." Not just saying it from out of my head, but it's coming from inside of me, I am attuned to my emotional state and I express it. And then we take it from there. T asks questions to elicit more of my experience. I then talk more about how I feel. And why. And then there's catharsis.

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the thread was titled "Best Therapy session you've ever had."

but, maybe the pdoc is dif... just thought i'd toss it in the mix...

Do you have a therapist in addition to a pdoc? Usually, pshyciatrists don't get too much into your history. All they do anymore is prescribe meds. ...well, that's in the USA. I didn't think to check where you're living.