Your appointment - what to expect
We want to help people experiencing mental health issues to get the treatment and support they need as quickly and as effectively as possible. Whether you make an appointment with your primary care provider to talk about your wellbeing or mental health concerns or you are referred to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, it is helpful if you prepare for your appointment. You may wish to take a family member or friend along ie someone who has known you for a long time may be able to share important information with your health care provider, (but only with your permission).
Before your appointment
Make a list of key information which you might be asked about. For example:
- Any symptoms you or people close to you have noticed, and for how long
- Personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any current, major stresses
- Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions
- Any previous treatment or support you have had with any other service
- Any medications, vitamins, herbal products or other supplements you take, and their doses
Questions to ask
- What type of mental health condition might I have?
- Can I get over mental illness on my own?
- How do you treat my type of mental illness?
- Will talking therapy help?
- Why is medication sometimes used?
- Are there medications that might help?
- How long will treatment take?
- What can I do to help myself?
- Do you have any leaflets that I can have?
- What websites do you recommend?
- What should I expect from my treatment?
During your appointment the consultant/clinician/mental health practitioners may take notes and ask you more in depth questions. The consultant will want to get as fuller picture as possible about your state of mind in order to ensure that you get best and most appropriate form of treatment and support.
Our consultants are experienced professionals and realise that discussing sensitive and personal issues can be difficult and emotionally challenging. The consultant is not there to catch you out or put you on the spot so please:
- Relax and take your time
- If you don’t understand a question it’s okay to ask for it to be explained
- Don’t feel under pressure to answer immediately
- If you are unsure, it’s okay to say so
Following your appointment
After your appointment you may be feeling particularly sensitive, vulnerable or emotional. This is understandable. So, please ensure you leave your appointment with a contact number and name of someone from the team you can call should you have any queries.
The consultant will make an assessment based on what you have discussed in your appointment and ascertain the most appropriate form of treatment for you. We will always endeavour to get you the support you need as swiftly as possible however, please bear in mind that his can take time. Should you need help whilst you waiting for your treatment plan to commence there are a number of organisations that can help – click here for more details.
Healing takes time
Making changes and steps towards your recovery can be challenging and, depending on your diagnosis, treatment can last weeks, months or even years. However, at the end of your time with us we hope you will feel able to lead as full and happy a life as possible.