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Going to a psychiatrist for the first time!...Help!
My primary care physician has had me on a 25 mg dosage, once a day, of Zoloft for 5 weeks now. The counselor I've been talking to doesn't think that it is helping enough, I don't either. Things have been pretty rough for me lately. I'm battling issues with anxiety and depression. She feels as though it would be best for me to see a psychiatrist for medication instead of my regular doctor. Now I'm totally freaking out about that. I've never been to a psychiatrist before. What is the initial appointment like? I need details because I'm really nervous already and I don't even have the date of my appointment yet. I need to know everything that may happen! Thanks in advance for responding!
Best Answer
The first visit will be longer as the shrink takes your history. Then he or she will suggest a form of treatment. A good psychiatrist will give you options and explain the medications, or explain why he or she doesn't think medication is necessary for your particular situation. If you don't feel the psychiatrist listens to you or answers your questions properly, find another. A good thing to do is write down all your questions before you go so you won't forget to ask about what most concerns you. And don't worry, they don't bite, and they don't force you to do anything; the decisions will be yours. Good luck.
I question whether I'm crazy everyday. Pretty sure that I'm dealing with depression as well. Right now, I just think things are never going to get any better for me. I question how much of this is even fixable or just my personality. I feel as though I'm destined to be alone and miserable and nothing is going to change that. It drives me crazy that I quesiton every thought or emotion to the point that I don't even know what I think or feel anymore. Nothing seems as important or means as much to me as it once did. Does it ever get any better? Why can't I just be normal?
No, you have GAD. I have it, now, too, though I didn't always. I do the same anticipatory obsessing, and have no idea why. But as to shrinks being crazy, well, yeah, they are. That's why they get into the biz. Therapists and psychiatrists can be very entertaining.
Thanks to you both for responding. They called today and I have an appointment for June 30th. Now I'm totally freaking out. I keep thinking about what the appointment is going to be like? What will I think of the psychiatrist? What questions will he ask? Will I have to fill out a bunch of paperwork? How long will the appointment take? What will he think of me? What if he thinks I'm crazy? Wondering if he will want to prescribe meds?...If so what will he prescribe? Also not exactly sure where the office is located so I'm already worried about finding it. This is what I do all the time is worry about things! Yesterday, I had my 3rd session with a professional counselor. She had asked me to keep a journal of things that were causing me anxiety. Well, I didn't do it because I was embarassed for her to read it and I was afraid she would think I was dumb or ridiculous. Then I freaked out before the appointment because I hadn't done it. When I arrived for the appointment I kept pacing out in the waiting room because then I was worried about her being upset with me or judging me because I hadn't done as she asked. What is wrong with me? Do you all think I'm totally crazy?
Been there... don't be fearful... A good Psych will not prescribe a lot of meds to you and Paxiled gave some great advice. I had GAD in the mid 80's and went to a psych and a therapist once each week. Put me on Xanex and Tofranil for a while. Now, on Ativan which takes care of both the depression and anxiety. 2mg only when I need it. A KEY is going to your appointments at least once a week, get a good PASSIVE muscle relation tape , not the kind that has you tense muscles and release and USE it. Good luck
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