Bipolar Support Group

I know it is stupid but I am so nervous about my first appointment with the psychiatrist on Tuesday, this will be the real thing not like last time paper work. I feel like it doesn't matter what happens I am doomed and life will still suck more often than not, this is like the biggest step for me and I am so scared, no more excuses.

Not stupid at all, Light. You've found the strength and courage to take this big step and trust me when I say it's a step in the right direction. I was a wreck before I went to see my pdoc and while it too a few visits to get my meds right, I felt better knowing I was on the road to feeling better. Have patience and be open with your doctor and even if you think it's silly to mention something, it could be more important than you think. So don't stress or be nervous, they are professionals trained to help us. Let us all know how it went and most importantly, know you had the courage to take that step. Things will get better

I was nervous, too. I didn't know what to expect or what I was going to say, but He asked me the questions and I was able to just give the details of what I had been experiencing. That's all you need to do. Tell him/her all that you have been going through. You might find it very helpful to write down a list of all your symptoms to take with you so you don't forget anything. As MBPRLY pointed out, they are trained professionals and are there to help. I think it's great that you are finally going. You aren't doomed at all. In fact, now things will begin to improve. It might take a bit to find the right medications to work for you, but once they are found you will get stable and feel much better. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

You will be just fine. I don't remember being nervous I guess because I knew he would help my situation out. He sure did too. I'm stable. Be sure you write things down so you don't forget to ask the questions or discuss the things you want to, just like Uppity says. He's an expert in mental illnesses so you will be in good hands. Things can take a little bit, but you will be on the road to stability. This is a great big step for you and I'm proud you are doing this. You are going to get better. Don't ever lose hope. We will be here for you, so please let us know what happens. We're rooting for you!

I have not done well in the past with seeking help, and I don't know what to say, I am 43 and as much as I struggle, I can't tell the difference between symptoms and real life, I feel I have been doing this for so long that the line is not just blurred but very faded. I get very anxious and the other part of me that takes control and pretends everything is normal, just pops out and handles these situations.

Post edited by: Light68, at: 04/15/2012 04:23 PM

You are getting help though, so good for you. I'm sorry that line is getting blurred. I hope that you can feel better really soon. You must be really good at handling things.

i hope it all goes well for you

How about writing down your feelings when you have them and bringing the note to your appointment? Thats what I did. I have a problem with memory and I always forgot to say stuff. So I developed a habit of writing things down and then ripping up the paper when I leave. I do the same thing before I have to talk to my boss, before I have to call a doc or another professional for a patient. My boss told me a while ago that my thoughts are scattered and I should collect myself before I talk. So I write everything down. Its not foolproof, but it makes a huge difference.

Don't feel stupid. I was a nervous wreck when I went to my first appointment. You will be fine. You can do this.

Hi Light,

Don't feel stupid. It's hard for everybody going into a new pdoc's office. No one knows what to expect. My best advice is to remember that it's their job to help you, but they can't help you unless you tell them about what your dealing with.

Questions they usually ask, how much do you sleep? eat? work? Talk too much? isolate? Spend too much money? Drugs? Alcohol? Smoke? Your physical health?

What bothers you the most? Anxiety, depression, mixed moods?? Remember they are working for you. You deserve to get help. You have been fighting this for a long time, somebody else can give you help. Best of luck, Maria