[adel34]

Hi Everyone,
I have a first appointment with a new pdoc on Friday. I had my intake done by a social worker a few weeks ago and am now having the appointment. I'm really nervous.
My only experience with a psychiatrist was when I got diagnosed with depression at 18. I worked with a very nice empatathetic and friendly pdoc for about two years. She handled meds and therapy and was very throough. This past February I went back to her again for an evaluation, she handled my meds again until I moved in June to another state.
I don't know what to expect from a pdoc who just handles meds, and not therapy. I don't know how much empathy or caring to reasonably expect from someone who's job is to just handle the symptoms and meds not really the whole person. I really really wish therapists could prescribe meds!
I'm nervous about what he'll do with my meds. I'm only on zoloft and tenex so it's not that complicated. But I haven't had my zoloft dose changed since february and am only on 50 mgs. It's really hard to tell if it's still working or what. The NP i see for primary care had me change my zoloft dose to the mornings and it's hard to tell if that's made a difference or not.
I don't know if I just need more of the zoloft or need to be on a different antidepressant altogether. I'm nervous about starting a new med so close to the holidays, my apt is Friday. Just really needed to get this out. My caseworker from my day program will be going with me at least. I'm just worried I'll be so anxious it'll be hard for me to talk about what's been going on. Like I said it's just hard to be objective... I've never even tracked my moods or anything like that. It's so hard when you're living something to see it from the outside.
Any thoughts or hugs would be good.

[PiperLeigh]

Hey Sam,

It sounds like you made a big move this past summer. I think what you are feeling is totally normal.

I'm glad your caseworker is going to go with you on Friday. Sometimes it's nice to have a little extra moral support, isn't it? Try not to worry to much about your appointment. It will be okay! I know you are feeling anxious about what changes might be ahead and what your new pdoc may be like. Even though the pdoc you will be seeing won't be doing the therapy portion of care, he/she should be trained to ask the right questions about what you have been experiencing and listen to what you say. Even if you do not go into your appointment knowing what to say, they will know what to ask you to help figure out a starting point (or continuing point) for your treatment. Tell them what you've said here...that it's hard to tell if the zoloft is work or not and that you're not sure if you need more or to be on a different antidepressant altogether. Tell them you're concerned about starting a new med while going into the holiday (when the offices may be closed, etc.) Just try to be open and tell them what's on your mind. These are valid concerns and any good pdoc is going to be understanding of them. You don't have to have the solutions, but your input does matter. If you find yourself getting anxious and having a hard time talking, take a few deep breaths. (No really...take those deep breaths- they really do help.) Remember that you are there because you would like help, and they are there because they want to help you. You have a common goal.

It sounds like you had a lovely relationship with your previous doctor. I hope you are able to find an equally wonderful and caring doctor to work with in this new state. <3

[adel34]

Hi Piper,
Thanks so much for your response. It did really make me feel better.
I'm curious how you know my name?

[PiperLeigh]

Your signature here on the forum said to check out your blog and youtube channel, so I did. Your name is in your blog. Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out!

[adel34]

Hi Piper,
After I was thinking about it, I thought that might have been it!
When I asked I was thinking that your response sounded so warm and friendly, and like you knew me, that I thought you might be someone I knew from off the forum! That's ok. I'm still impressed at how much caring you showed that it seemed like you knew me, kind of cool.

[PiperLeigh]

How'd it go? Did you get someone helpful?

[adel34]

Hi Piper,
Thanks so much for asking. It went well. See my new thread, "results of my pdoc appointment."
Your support means a lot.

[PiperLeigh]

Good deal!