What is a Psychiatrist appt like?

[mischiefmanaged]

He sounds great! I am SO happy that it went well.
Are you going to continue seeing him? It sounds as though you felt comfortable with him, so that's fantastic!
I'm really proud of you for going, Shadow.
Also, my psychiatrist has an amazingly soothing voice too! It's almost freaky lol.

[Shadow]

I'm definitly going back!! My GP gets uncomfortable talking about MH, so the psych'll be awesome in that regard... 

I wish he's give me sleep meds though. I'm exhausted and extra time in HSC'll just give me more of a chance to fall asleep!

Going from weekly appts with psychologists to fortnightly with him is a bit tough, but once HSC's over, my psych can help me cope me easily. 

JD: I honestly never thought I'd say this, but it's worth the hunt. It really is! Perseverance pays off! Gordon Parker's interview with Margaret Throsby was on repeat the entire 3 weeks I was waiting for the first appt. I strongly recommend listening to it. 

[mischiefmanaged]

You sound so positive, shadow. I am so happy to see that!

As for sleeping - most psychiatrists will only give meds as a last resort - and honestly, once you go on sleeping tablets it's often really hard to get off them. I find it more effective to use other techniques like meditation, making sure you have a good sleep-wake routine. Have you checked out the factsheet on RO? There are some great tips on there(http://au.reachout.com/How-to-get-a-good-nights-sleep). I have also recently downloaded some apps on my phone that are helping me sleep... apps like gentle, soothing, relaxing music or noises like rain or rainforests. I find they help me relax and stop focusing on other things going on around me.

Good luck with it. Keep being amazing!

[Shadow]

Thanks! I really needed to hear that.

Here's hoping I get a good sleep tonight!

[Jay-Dee]

Tks Shadow - i'll find that interview and have a look, sounds interesting

[Jay-Dee]

I have a couple of great guided meditations for getting to sleep in apps on my phone too! they work really well for me - if only to keep my mind from thinking the zillion other thoughts that keep me awake when I'm trying to doze off.

[Shadow]

It's on itunes and the ABC website.

[lokifish]

I have my first appt with the psychiatrist tomorrow; so glad this thread is here Helps put some of my worries at ease a little

[Shadow]

Good Luck!

Write stuff down if you get nervous.... Like MM said, questions are good. I ask HEAPS of them! Don't be afraid to disagree. They'll apreciate your reasons. If you can't explain why you disagree, tell them. Mine didn't bat an eyelid.

The first sessions always the hardest for me.....

Now I look forward to it 

[mischiefmanaged]

Best of luck lokifish! Let us know how it goes (if you feel comfortable doing that!). And I'm SO thankful this thread has helped you feel more at ease!

Shadow, I am so glad that you look forward to going to see your psychiatrist... I do as well. It's a great opportunity to get everything "off my chest".