What Should I Talk About With My Psychiatrist?

What Should I Talk About With My Psychiatrist?

Research shows that one out of five Americans experience mental health issues yearly. Millions of Americans also live with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. These conditions require proper management through effective therapy, medication, or both. 

Many patients find that the treatment their psychiatrist offers is most integral to their healing. Patients often report it being a key factor that helped them rediscover the joy of life. After all, a psychiatrist can become a trusted confidant to your deepest emotions, feelings, and secrets. 

However, it is normal to experience anxiety before talking to a psychiatrist. Mental health professionals expect and understand this apprehension. They applaud the patients' strength and willingness to focus on self-care and exploration.

How to Communicate With Your Psychiatrist

Some people clam up as soon as they sit down for their appointment. Their mind goes blank. Perhaps you are shy and find talking or opening up to new people overwhelming. The first thing you should understand is that your psychiatrist’s office is one place outside your home you should feel at ease and comfortable. 

To help you feel comfortable enough to open up, your therapist may ask you several questions to better understand your needs. Are you struggling with anxiety regarding starting a discussion with your psychiatrist? Consider the following tips. 

Start With Small Issues

There are no correct topics to discuss in therapy. Feel free to talk about whatever you want. Of course, many patients get treatment to address issues like depression or anxiety. However, you can speak to a therapist if you just want someone to talk with and help you cope with life transitions or changes. 

Remember that nothing is off-limits if you do not know where to start. You can talk about your dreams, hopes, fears, shame, disappointments, sexuality, interactions with others, your most recent date, and anything else. Talk about what happened to you since your last session and see what you want to discuss further.

Present Your Feelings

Did you feel depressed, angry, or sad during the week but are not feeling that way now? If so, you do not have to start with that. Talk about your present feelings. Your mental health needs can change day-to-day. 

So, it is okay if you went in thinking you would talk about a particular issue and instead spent your session venting about your job. A good psychiatrist will tailor your sessions to your needs at any given moment. 

Reflection

Anxiety and depression can both involve a tendency to think about the same thing repeatedly. If you are experiencing insomnia due to something on your mind, that is a great place to start your therapy session.

Other topics to discuss with your psychiatrist include:

• Relationships.
• New life changes.
• Stressors
• Past traumas.
• Avoided thoughts.
• Conflicts.
• Trouble opening up.
• Whether therapy is helping.
• Discomforts with your treatment
• When to end treatment

Conclusion

Your psychiatrist is someone you can open up to and trust entirely without reservation. Making the first appointment alone is a giant first step. Remind yourself that no one has it fully figured out, not even your therapist! With each session, you will learn to navigate the conversation; at a pace that works best for you.

For more on getting mental health treatment with a psychiatrist, visit Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy at our Scottsdale, Arizona office. Call (480) 448-6571 to schedule an appointment today.