How to Talk to a Psychiatrist

Sharing your personal life with a psychiatrist can be difficult and scary. It’s sometimes difficult to share personal details with those closest to you let alone a stranger in an office. However, overcoming mental challenges requires sacrifice and taking chances.

• Find a psychiatrist that you feel comfortable working with. If you’re not satisfied with a psychiatrist at your initial appointment, try visiting someone else. Search online for patient reviews of area psychiatrists to help you find alternate doctors.


• Tell your psychiatrist the truth about your mental illness. This can be difficult if you’re in denial or have a disorder that stands in the way of sharing true feelings. If your psychiatrist doesn’t know what is causing your mental illness, they will have a hard time properly diagnosing or treating you. Remember that the doctor is there to help.


• Ask plenty of questions about medications. Some drugs given to psychiatric patients can have negative effects. It is important to know the side effects of each medication that your doctor may prescribe to you for treatment.


• Write down your feelings when you’re experiencing them or have a moment of clarity. Sometimes emotional or psychological problems can be very complicated. But, if you bring notes with you to your appointment, you’ll be able to give your psychiatrist a better idea of your condition. This can also help keep you from freezing up during your visit. Occasionally patients who suffer mental disorders will have ups and downs. You may be feeling great when you see the doctor and not remember how bad you felt when you had an episode. Always write your feelings down as you’re experiencing them so you and your doctor can refer to them during your appointment.