Psychiatrist Appointments: Top Tips

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If you have recently been referred to a psych doctor, you will want to make sure you get the most out of every session with them. A psychiatrist can help you to overcome mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD and eating disorders. Read on to find out more.

Prepare for each session

Before each session, you may benefit from carrying out a little preparation. This could take the form of contemplating how you have been feeling in the period since you last saw the psych doctor, making a list of things you want to discuss or writing down a list of questions you wish to ask. Even if you have already been to numerous sessions in the past, it is likely that you have many unanswered questions. Remember, they are a professional and they want to make sure that you are on the right path to recovery. By taking some time to think about your current situation and what you would like to get out of each session, you can help your treatment to progress in a positive way.

Express your feelings and beliefs

Opening up to someone about your deepest fears or anxieties can be difficult. However, it is vital that you develop strategies which allow you to express your true feelings. If you keep things to yourself or if you do not fully explain a mood, idea, dream or worry, it will be difficult for a psychiatrist to help you. It is important to remember that a psych doctor is not there to judge you. One strategy is to always include a cause or reason in your explanation. For example, rather than making a statement such as, 'I feel anxious', you could instead say, 'I feel anxious because I'm worried about school.'

Reflect on how the treatments are working

Psych doctors are also trained in talking therapies so some of them will offer this service alongside prescribing medication. A psych doctor will be able to use their own life experiences to assist in working out a resolution to your issues. Before each session, it can be helpful to take some time out to reflect on how you feel the talking therapy or medication is working out for you so you can communicate this to the doctor. Doing so will allow the psych doc to adjust your treatment so you receive the best level of care.

If you're interested in finding out more, contact a local psychiatrist office today.

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27 November 2020

Living With Depression And Anxiety

I've struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety for the past ten years, and in that time I've tried a range of prescription drugs and alternative therapies. I started this blog to share my personal experiences and connect with other people who struggle with these illnesses, as I know only too well how lonely it can be to live under a cloud of depression. I post about a range of topics, such as talking to your employer about depression, getting support from family and friends and self-care tips. I also share my thoughts on the drug-free treatments I've used, such as talking therapy, yoga, homeopathy and meditation. I hope you find my blog interesting and useful.