Going to an appointment today...

[SuicidalSymphonies]

I'm very nervous. It's an appointment with Mental health and I could really use some encouraging words.

I'm terrified of the mental health area because of everything currently going on. I'm easy at not seeming suspicious, just scared. I'll be there about an hour. I'm scared of the personal questions, I'm scared of them maybe cornering me. I've never seen an actual psychiatrist before. Just therapists and what not... Anybody, can you tell me how their protocol works?

Love you all,

~ H x

 

[Brick In The Wall]

I'm very nervous. It's an appointment with Mental health and I could really use some encouraging words.

I'm terrified of the mental health area because of everything currently going on. I'm easy at not seeming suspicious, just scared. I'll be there about an hour. I'm scared of the personal questions, I'm scared of them maybe cornering me. I've never seen an actual psychiatrist before. Just therapists and what not... Anybody, can you tell me how their protocol works?

Love you all,

~ H x

An hour doesn't sound too terrible. Trying to remain calm and not jittery would be my best advice. Psychiatrists play more of a mind game then Therapists do. They look for mannerisms for behavioural 'tells'. Ultimately though it is similar in that you should be cautious about what you actually say to them.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

An hour doesn't sound too terrible. Trying to remain calm and not jittery would be my best advice. Psychiatrists play more of a mind game then Therapists do. They look for mannerisms for behavioural 'tells'. Ultimately though it is similar in that you should be cautious about what you actually say to them.

Thank you. I had a consultation over the phone. Told them that I've never actively made plans for suicide but when I was a kid I tried. Told them I don't harm myself. But I do have a bit of a jitterness to me because I've always had bad anxiety, that's about it.

 

[Brick In The Wall]

Thank you. I had a consultation over the phone. Told them that I've never actively made plans for suicide but when I was a kid I tried. Told them I don't harm myself. But I do have a bit of a jitterness to me because I've always had bad anxiety, that's about it.

If this is your first visit I wouldn't feel compelled to spill your beans anyways. Take it slow and kill some time (bad pun). You can feel them out just the same and try to gauge what they are looking for. Two can play the game after all.

PS I love the Elseweyr location. Big TES fan myself!

 

[Amz_Falls]

What country are you in? I have a lot of experience with it x

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

If this is your first visit I wouldn't feel compelled to spill your beans anyways. Take it slow and kill some time (bad pun). You can feel them out just the same and try to gauge what they are looking for. Two can play the game after all.

PS I love the Elseweyr location. Big TES fan myself!

Thanks so much for you help! And me too!!! Thank you. I love when people catch on!

What country are you in? I have a lot of experience with it x

I'm in Canada, but I'm sure we'd have similar stuff. x

 

[purplemoon]

If your main fear is about being involuntarily committed (a real possibility if they think you are suicidal now or recently), just say "I don't believe in suicide because it's against my religious beliefs" or "I'm here because I want to make my life better" or something to that effect. Never, never, never say anything suggesting you 'might' try suicide, they are also under legal requirements to err on the 'safe' side if you 'could be' suicidal, depending on your local laws, etc.

The shrink will definitely ask you 'have you had any thoughts of killing yourself/suicide?' etc. Expect to be asked both verbally and on paper.

I hate lying but sometimes you have to in order to survive, imo.

They have no idea what you really think unless you actually tell them. Explain your nervousness is just from being "embarrassed"... they don't know or have to know anything more than what you actually say.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

If your main fear is about being involuntarily committed (a real possibility if they think you are suicidal now or recently), just say "I don't believe in suicide because it's against my religious beliefs" or "I'm here because I want to make my life better" or something to that effect. Never, never, never say anything suggesting you 'might' try suicide, they are also under legal requirements to err on the 'safe' side if you 'could be' suicidal, depending on your local laws, etc.

The shrink will definitely ask you 'have you had any thoughts of killing yourself/suicide?' etc. Expect to be asked both verbally and on paper.

I hate lying but sometimes you have to in order to survive, imo.

They have no idea what you really think unless you actually tell them. Explain your nervousness is just from being "embarrassed"... they don't know or have to know anything more than what you actually say.

Thank you so much. I also hate to lie but I'm doing this so I don't suffer more in a mental way. My antidepressants aren't enough and that's why my doctor is having me see a shrink now because he cannot prescribe those types of meds until they're already in the system.

I appreciate your help. x

 

[TAW122]

Good replies by others here. I don't know how Canadian mental health professionals are, but I would always err on the side of caution just as much as US mental health professionals. It is best to remain assertive and strict and make sure that you know your rights and options so that they don't try to screw you over (as much).

 

[SinisterKid]

Its a double edged sword. You are there because you want help to make sense of everything that is going on, but you also cannot say too much as you may come across as being a danger to yourself or others.

Is it just for medication you are going, do you want to try and improve the way you think/feel about certain aspects of life, do you just need to talk because there is no one else left to talk to? So many reasons why people get into this that I cant name them all. Please, just be careful. The whole field of talking therapies depends greatly on trust. You need to trust who you talk to, they need to trust you are being honest with them and yourself. Thats the hard part.

 

[noctiva]

I have to be honest, seeing my psychiatrist was always a lot more fun than therapy. The conversations were nice, they didn't ask too many prying questions and if you say the right phrases they will love you. Especially phrases like 'trying to grow', 'getting better at taking care of myself', 'feeling more connected'.. etc. My psychiatrist loves me.

Khajit has wares?

 

[purplemoon]

Thank you so much. I also hate to lie but I'm doing this so I don't suffer more in a mental way. My antidepressants aren't enough and that's why my doctor is having me see a shrink now because he cannot prescribe those types of meds until they're already in the system.

I appreciate your help. x

All that really matters, is your happiness and peace, regardless of your choice. If you hope life gets better for you, then more power to you.

You're welcome

 

[ManWithNoName]

Two can play the game after all.

Well said. Indeed this whole "psychiatry" thing is a game—clown game for today's clown World of which we live.

 

[Nem]

There's absolutely nothing to worry about, it's like seeing a regular dr except this one can fuck you up in a bad way. I never thought of being scared of seeing a shrink but when you realize that meds do nothing, take it with a grain of salt
Peace/hugs

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

Good replies by others here. I don't know how Canadian mental health professionals are, but I would always err on the side of caution just as much as US mental health professionals. It is best to remain assertive and strict and make sure that you know your rights and options so that they don't try to screw you over (as much).

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's fairly similar to how it works in the US. Thank you!

Its a double edged sword. You are there because you want help to make sense of everything that is going on, but you also cannot say too much as you may come across as being a danger to yourself or others.

Is it just for medication you are going, do you want to try and improve the way you think/feel about certain aspects of life, do you just need to talk because there is no one else left to talk to? So many reasons why people get into this that I cant name them all. Please, just be careful. The whole field of talking therapies depends greatly on trust. You need to trust who you talk to, they need to trust you are being honest with them and yourself. Thats the hard part.

Mostly I'm there so I'm not suffering so bad mentally. I'd like my hallucinations and moodswings to stop. Stat.

Thank you for your words.

I have to be honest, seeing my psychiatrist was always a lot more fun than therapy. The conversations were nice, they didn't ask too many prying questions and if you say the right phrases they will love you. Especially phrases like 'trying to grow', 'getting better at taking care of myself', 'feeling more connected'.. etc. My psychiatrist loves me.

Khajit has wares?

I'll try to use phrases like these. Thanks! Hope they help me in the end.

Well... Do you have coin?

There's absolutely nothing to worry about, it's like seeing a regular dr except this one can fuck you up in a bad way. I never thought of being scared of seeing a shrink but when you realize that meds do nothing, take it with a grain of salt
Peace/hugs

Alright, thanks Nemmy. I'm trying not to be a nervous wreck but every appointment I have does that to me.

Love x

 

[noctiva]

@Nem Oh, I had great discussions with psychiatrists. They are the only medical doctors that never look at the organ they treat. I mean we have great imaging techniques, but they never look. I've had great exchanges about that. I also always ask how will this drug affect me, what's the mode of action, what are the active ingredients, ligand interaction etc.. It's hilarious, they don't know. No one does. We know way too little about the brain to be able to effectively and efficiently treat mental disorders.
@SuicidalSymphonies I do NOT recommend to have that chat with your psychiatrist, just so we're clear! You don't want to irritate them, you want to charm them. As I neuroscientist I just like to discuss drugs with them. They recommend something, I ask them my questions about drug effects, how does it affect the reward system, what are interactions I need to be aware of, how does it affect the GABAergic system, does it affect NDMARs and will my memory be affected.. and they either don't know or have to tell me all the side effects that will come with it. At the end, I've never left with a prescription.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

@Nem Oh, I had great discussions with psychiatrists. They are the only medical doctors that never look at the organ they treat. I mean we have great imaging techniques, but they never look. I've had great exchanges about that. I also always ask how will this drug affect me, what's the mode of action, what are the active ingredients, ligand interaction etc.. It's hilarious, they don't know. No one does. We know way too little about the brain to be able to effectively and efficiently treat mental disorders.
@SuicidalSymphonies I do NOT recommend to have that chat with your psychiatrist, just so we're clear! You don't want to irritate them, you want to charm them. As I neuroscientist I just like to discuss drugs with them. They recommend something, I ask them my questions about drug effects, how does it affect the reward system, what are interactions I need to be aware of, how does it affect the GABAergic system, does it affect NDMARs and will my memory be affected.. and they either don't know or have to tell me all the side effects that will come with it. At the end, I've never left with a prescription.

Interesting. Yeah, I wouldn't ask stuff like that anyway. I just want the bad images to stop keeping me awake and keeping me from functioning.

 

[Jean4]

I'm very nervous. It's an appointment with Mental health and I could really use some encouraging words.

I'm terrified of the mental health area because of everything currently going on. I'm easy at not seeming suspicious, just scared. I'll be there about an hour. I'm scared of the personal questions, I'm scared of them maybe cornering me. I've never seen an actual psychiatrist before. Just therapists and what not... Anybody, can you tell me how their protocol works?

Love you all,

~ H x

Sending you love. Not all mental health professionals are horrible. It is like everybody else. You will know right away if you like the person or not. Just like you know if you connect with a medical doctor or not.

By the way. I am a LCSW-R... and you like me and I understand.

Generally, it is more important that you like the therapist. The psychiatrist just gives you meds. The therapist you have to have a connection with.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

Sending you love. Not all mental health professionals are horrible. It is like everybody else. You will know right away if you like the person or not. Just like you know if you connect with a medical doctor or not.

By the way. I am a LCSW-R... and you like me and I understand.

Generally, it is more important that you like the therapist. The psychiatrist just gives you meds. The therapist you have to have a connection with.

That's helpful information. Thanks, Jean! You've always been so sweet and helpful to me when in need.

 

[noctiva]

Interesting. Yeah, I wouldn't ask stuff like that anyway. I just want the bad images to stop keeping me awake and keeping me from functioning.

In that case you do want to have a prescription, so don't follow my line of questioning them. I wish you good luck and success in getting drugs that will alleviate your symptoms. I cannot imagine what you are going thought, it sounds very difficult and tough. I sincerely hope that everything will go well and that you will feel like you were heard and that you are being helped. Fingers crossed! If you need someone to talk to, speak, Khajit will listen until all the sugars of the world turn sour.

 

[Nem]

@Nem Oh, I had great discussions with psychiatrists. They are the only medical doctors that never look at the organ they treat. I mean we have great imaging techniques, but they never look. I've had great exchanges about that. I also always ask how will this drug affect me, what's the mode of action, what are the active ingredients, ligand interaction etc.. It's hilarious, they don't know. No one does. We know way too little about the brain to be able to effectively and efficiently treat mental disorders.
@SuicidalSymphonies I do NOT recommend to have that chat with your psychiatrist, just so we're clear! You don't want to irritate them, you want to charm them. As I neuroscientist I just like to discuss drugs with them. They recommend something, I ask them my questions about drug effects, how does it affect the reward system, what are interactions I need to be aware of, how does it affect the GABAergic system, does it affect NDMARs and will my memory be affected.. and they either don't know or have to tell me all the side effects that will come with it. At the end, I've never left with a prescription.

Drs are quacks, mention methylation and the room goes silent. I wish I never took a single fucking med, suicide is more logical
Peace/hugs

 

[Jean4]

That's helpful information. Thanks, Jean! You've always been so sweet and helpful to me when in need.

I don't know what country you are in. I am in the USA.

I am on Wellbutrin and medical marijuana for the depression. I got the script from my PCP for the Wellbutrin. My pulmonologist got me into the medical marijuana program. The Wellbutrin takes the edge off. Am I cured and not suicidal. No. But with my regimen, I am more comfortable.

I chose not to do the psychiatrist and therapist route. I know what meds work for me, so why pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe something. Therapy? I have been a therapist my entire life. When I did go, I found I knew more than the actual therapist.

It is worth a try. Will it cure you? I don't know. Nobody does. However, if it is the right fit, it can make you more comfortable.

Also know, if you do decide to go this route, it may not work right away. It may take time to tweak your meds. The fit like with anything else with the therapist just may not be right. You may learn you prefer a female over a male or male over a female.

Bottom line. Don't give up if it doesn't work right away, and I am here for questions.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

I don't know what country you are in. I am in the USA.

I am on Wellbutrin and medical marijuana for the depression. I got the script from my PCP for the Wellbutrin. My pulmonologist got me into the medical marijuana program. The Wellbutrin takes the edge off. Am I cured and not suicidal. No. But with my regimen, I am more comfortable.

I chose not to do the psychiatrist and therapist route. I know what meds work for me, so why pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe something. Therapy? I have been a therapist my entire life. When I did go, I found I knew more than the actual therapist.

It is worth a try. Will it cure you? I don't know. Nobody does. However, if it is the right fit, it can make you more comfortable.

Also know, if you do decide to go this route, it may not work right away. It may take time to tweak your meds. The fit like with anything else with the therapist just may not be right. You may learn you prefer a female over a male or male over a female.

Bottom line. Don't give up if it doesn't work right away, and I am here for questions.

I think the psychiatrist is a female. I'm still nervous. Leaving very soon. I will talk to you about it when I return. x I'm in Canada.

 

[WhiteDespair]

You just have nerves from an unfamiliar circumstance.

 

[CrushedHopes]

You're going to be alright, hun!

 

[ManWithNoName]

I don't know what country you are in. I am in the USA.

I am on Wellbutrin and medical marijuana for the depression. I got the script from my PCP for the Wellbutrin. My pulmonologist got me into the medical marijuana program. The Wellbutrin takes the edge off. Am I cured and not suicidal. No. But with my regimen, I am more comfortable.

I chose not to do the psychiatrist and therapist route. I know what meds work for me, so why pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe something. Therapy? I have been a therapist my entire life. When I did go, I found I knew more than the actual therapist.

It is worth a try. Will it cure you? I don't know. Nobody does. However, if it is the right fit, it can make you more comfortable.

Also know, if you do decide to go this route, it may not work right away. It may take time to tweak your meds. The fit like with anything else with the therapist just may not be right. You may learn you prefer a female over a male or male over a female.

Bottom line. Don't give up if it doesn't work right away, and I am here for questions.

Jean is the medicinal marijuana in the form of extracted THC via pill? Just curious.

There is the bcd oil that is legal in all states in America because the level of THC is very minimal - homeopathic dosage taken via eye dropper under the tongue.

 

[reapandsow918]

For me personally, no medication has treated my depression. The medications for symptoms such as hallucinations/voices on the other hand are very effective. I've been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta and Lexapro. None seem to help but hey we all have different bodies and chemistry so they may work for you.

If you don't want to be locked up, don't tell them your suicidal. In the end they are not going to hold your hand, it's your body and not theirs.

 

[SuicidalSymphonies]

To everyone, my appointment went fine. But it looks like I have to see a social worker a few times before I see a psychiatrist. Ugh. What a drag..

 

[ManWithNoName]

To everyone, my appointment went fine. But it looks like I have to see a social worker a few times before I see a psychiatrist. Ugh. What a drag..

That's actually good news—because they assigned to a social worker means they feel you are well enough not to be hauled away to the looney bin (ps I'm hoping you have a sense of humor) :

 

[Wreck-it-Riley]

Honestly, im seeing two and on the wait for another with a specialty. and none of them have done much more than try to put me in group "Skills" classes. They seem to have givin up on treating people individually and just do general stuff. Mental health is being pushed aside hard.