So.. I went to a psychiatrist today

[Alec]

So..Psychiatrist. I went there today. This was my second appointment, the first one was done over the phone, and I didn't say everything that's in my head. Then I got a second appointment, and this time it's with another psychiatrist. I went there, and there was a terrible mix up with the time of my appointment. The information I had said it was at 2pm, the reception at the hospital told me I had it scheduled for 12pm but to go wait a bit because the doc still might see me. The doctor did see me and told me that her information says that my appointment was at 11am. Insane(no pun intended, is it a pun?).
Anyway, it was a different doc from the one I spoke over the phone before, and she couldn't talk to me for long because of the mix up with the hours, but I still got a chance to tell her a few things. She didn't tell me anything in return. She just listened while she was doing stuff on computer and replying to me here and there. I think what she was doing on computer might've been for me or about me. And then, after a few minutes, she just gave me another appointment, at the same hospital for this Friday, but with a different psychiatrist, again. I think, maybe it will be the same I talked over the phone with? I'm not sure. And then she scheduled another call for me in 2 weeks that will be with her.
I don't know how psychiatrists work, this is my very first experience with mental health professionals in my entire life.
I guess what I'm asking, is this normal? Is this how they usually operate? I did get any information about myself, I didn't get any diagnosis, maybe they need more evaluation to make a diagnosis? I don't know.
Can you help me? Do you have any experience with mental health professionals? How did it go for you? Is it similar? Should I expect anything good, anything bad, anything at all? What can I expect? Do they usually give so many appointments?
Also, here's a weird thing. The woman that saw me today is a psychiatrist. The appointment I have for this Friday is with another psychiatrist. But on the piece of paper she gave me about the appointment over the phone in two weeks, with this same woman that saw me today, it says "Psychologist" instead of "Psychiatrist" any idea what this could mean?
Thank you all so much for reading, you are always awesome!

Love,
—Alec.

 

[enjolras]

I would think that psychologists offer more therapy through interactive talks. Psychiatrists' speciality targets medical treatment.
Regarding diagnosis, some professional chose to never reveal it - something you could catch from paperwork directed at the administration - in order to not scare or stigmatise you in a limiting little box. This is not always welcomed since a diagnosis could also bring a relief if you need to forgive yourself for a chaotic life. But generally, they will take time and several rendez-vous to establish an opinion at the very least. I'm thinking it also depends how you approach them. If you made researches, have ideas, hesitating between symptom meanings, you may try to bring the subject on the table. It should be a cooperation, so don't be passive. If you want some directions, create the discussion imho

 

[BPD Barbie]

Typically from my experience it can be hit and miss with psychiatrists. It's perfectly acceptable if you're unhappy with your current one, to seek a second opinion. Generally I found its best to be totally honest with them about what's going on, it's the only way they're really going to be able to help you. Also, it's ok to ask them questions, ask them what your diagnosis is, what the plan is going forward, talk about meds etc. The appointment is YOUR time, use it as best as you can.

 

[Hopeindeath!]

I hope seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist really helps you, and makes a difference in your life. From my understanding, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication, and a psychologist can't. Both can provide therapy.

 

[KleinerWolf]

I hope seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist really helps you, and makes a difference in your life. From my understanding, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication, and a psychologist can't. Both can provide therapy.

Hi there Alec, hope you are doing well.
We are glad to see you actively reaching out for help.
It's courageous and really good that you are taking initiatives on your own to look after your wellbeing.

I agree with Hopeindeath!, regarding the psychologist and psychiatrist,
but I reckon psychologists probably have more expertise in counselling.

My own mental health history in the past had mostly been counselling combined with small chunks of medication prescribed for depression and anxiety.
I was not a fan of the medications since I didn't feel it's right for me so I was mostly on counselling weekly/fortnightly.

Everyone's situation is different but you will know whether or not medication/counselling is right for you once it's been awhile.
Don't be afraid to communicate with your psychologist/psychiatrist, so that they can switch things up to better suit your needs.


Regards,
"Ego"

 

[Quarky00]

But on the piece of paper she gave me about the appointment over the phone in two weeks, with this same woman that saw me today, it says "Psychologist" instead of "Psychiatrist" any idea what this could mean?

I think she was a psychologist ;) They do "talk therapy"

Psychiatrists are more like doctors , just diagnose specific illness by criteria and prescribe pills , they're not there to listen or do therapy or have a dialogue with you .

The information I had said it was at 2pm, the reception at the hospital told me I had it scheduled for 12pm but to go wait a bit because the doc still might see me. The doctor did see me and told me that her information says that my appointment was at 11am. Insane(no pun intended, is it a pun?).

is this normal? Is this how they usually operate?

There's an old saying here: "Not every psycho is a psychiatrist, but every psychiatrist is a psycho" Usually said among normal people with emphasis on the first part: don't take advice from people. (then making it funnier-- and certainly not from professionals!).

You are heading towards a bumpy ride . They will probably confuse you even more . And avoid giving information or maybe won't consider things you say or that are important to you. For example you may complain about something and they will dismiss it. So be cautious about how they handle you. I really hope things work out for you, some psychiatrists and psychologist can offer help for patients, but according to that hectic obscure bizarre behaviour you described I'd be wary and careful .

I eventually recorded my psychiatrist and lodged a complaint against her , but officials here totally ignored it . I could have sued her but don't have time/money (and what for? to prove me right? useless) . Psychiatrist will generally claim it's all in your head. If you feel unsure of yourself (which appears to already the case considering what you described- confused!) - feel free to record them so you'll know exactly how they treated you .

Stand on your rights and insist on what you want. Demand an explanation .

* To answer your question: yes, that's often how it goes, it's messy and unclear , you're often left in the dark , treatment is not very attentive and thoughtful . Sorry

* I've been through 9 psychologists and 7 psychiatrists since the age of 3 .

 

[Myforevercharlie]

I'm not sure how it works in your country, but here i have a pshycologist and psychiatrist. They work together. The first one i see on a weekly basis for the actual therapy. The psychiatrist i see every 6 weeks to talk about my medication and my progress regarding my therapy.

Im happy with mine, they are both very human. But i have to admit, in my experience they are an exception.

 

[Cancún]

dont listen to him they dont know shit

 

[KleinerWolf]

dont listen to him they dont know shit

mind guide us which part of the members' comment?

 

[SpareWheel]

In my experience psychologists and psychiatrists are as fucked up as the rest of us, I think they've got a suicide rate not that far behind dentists which iirc is the profession that sees most people kill themselves in the world.

My first degree was in psychology, I naively thought by learning about the human mind I'd be able to fix my own, no such luck - it just made me more self aware and gave me the superpower of being able to read body language, which isn't a trait I'd wish on anyone, it's a real killer at times. Trump is a pathological liar and Carole Baskin knows what happened to her husband, I can tell you that though so it's not all bad, but I bet anyone moderately intelligent can spot the tells those two give off, you definitely don't need a B.A for those two twonks.