[nerdosaurus]

This morning I finally rang the doctors and booked an appointment to talk about my depression and anger.

It's a double appointment because I also have a really dodgy looking mole that does not look happy.

I am so nervous about it now...I know I'm going to get in there and not know the right words to describe how I've been acting, or just burst into tears!

Any advice?

Hello, nerdosaurus. Go to your profile, click on stats and look through your posts. If it would be helpful, you might consider printing copies of the posts that describe what you are dealing with.

Know what meds you are on and dosages, including over the counters. You may be asked about illnesses in the family and even extended family. Might be a good idea to call your parents and write stuff down.

Try to relax. Think of it as a conversation.

Good luck.

[yellowted]

whenever i feel nervous about a medical appointment I always write a letter to the person I am seing, that way you can take your time to put everything you want to say in it, you do not get distracted by their reply to the first question/statement and forget the rest of what you wanted to discuss, they like it as it gives them the structure of your conversation with them so they can prioritise their time with you accordingly, and as it is a written document it can be referred back to at a later date if needed.
I usually start it once i know the date of the appointment, then go back to it a few times over the period before the appointment then again just before it too, adding and deleteing as appropriate. don't worry if it seems like a novel, the more info you put in the better the picture the doc will get, the better they will be able to help you.
I hand them the letter as I walk in so they can read it as i make myself comfy/ settle in, if you are scared of forgetting what they say, either take notes or ask for a report of the meeting, i have been known to take a voice recorder with me and then downloaded it to my computer and turned it to text afterwards!! this was very useful when submitting a complaint about my lack of treatment

[splitimage]

I agree with everyone else about writing stuff down. When I have stuff I absolutely want to remember to talk about with my Dr's I write it down, so I have something to refer to and won't forget.

And good for you for making the appointment. That was a big step and very brave.

--splitimage