what to expect.... ?

Question

I am going to the doctors tomorrow to get some help for the problems I have been having (cutting, pill popping, feeling horrible all the time)

What can I expect at that visit and what should I say?

What can I expect afterwards and in the long-term?

I am 18 just out of high school and I live with my mom, my stepfather and my three siblings, what is the best way to break this news to them, they have no idea what is going on. Should I just let the doctor do the talking?

I am nervous about everyone knowing my problems and worrying about me, I don't want to have any one worrying over me but I DO need the help, I cannot live this way any longer, I even took some more pills today even though I had been on top of things since last Wednesday when I was really messed up due to pills and drinking. I just want things to stop, but I am not looking forward to putting this stress on my family.

Some encouraging words please...?

Answer 1

You'll be talking privately with the doctor, and you don't need to tell your family everything all at once. You can tell them about feeling bad, and if you don't feel comfortable talking about cutting etc., you don't have to.

The cutting and the pills really have to do with how you FEEL -- and the doctor will want to find out in general how you feel, how your mood (maybe depression or anxiety or both) are affecting your life. He/she will probably ask how well you sleep and eat, and also about your physical health, He will ask about work/school, whichever is relevant, and getting along with important people in your life. You might be asked how you think about the future, whether you're hopeful or pessimistic. If they ask about suicidal thoughts, don't be alarmed, because they almost always ask that if a person seems like they might be depressed.

If they ask you a question and you don't want to answer, don't lie. Instead, it's okay to say you don't feel ready to answer, or you feel nervous.

Here is something that can be helpful, a quiz that many therapists give to clients. I bet a lot of this will be touched on in your meeting with the doctor. Actually I will give you a few of them, but you will see they all are pretty similar.

http://www.abc.net.au/health/depression/quiz.htm
http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/depression_abridged_access.html
http://depression.about.com/library/quizzes/depquiz/blwakefieldquiz.htm

A great thing about the quizzes is that later on when you start to feel better,you can look at the quizzes again and compare your answers.

I really wish you luck. It was hard to take that first step when I did it myself many years ago. I'm very glad I did.

Answer 2

All right, well let me tell you that I have struggled with severe anxiety and depression my entire life and I can truly say, "I know how you feel". Your not alone! Thousands of people struggle with mental illnesses. It doesn't make you a worse person. I am so glad that you have taken the first step to recovery, getting help and support from others. Let me tell you from experience that your counselor (psychologist) will make sure that everything you say to them is 100% cconfidential. They won't tell your parents, your friends, your family, anyone what you have said to them unless you want them to. These doctors are your friends. My best advice is to be 100% open with doctor. If you want to talk to them alone without your family being in the room just say so. Your 18 and you have a say in these things. Legally you are in charge. So tell them you want a privet conference unless you want support from your family. So with all that said, be open. They will ask the questions so don't worry about coming up with a conversation. I hope you get well and take their advice seriously.

Answer 3

usually, if you're going to a therapist, they will do the talking to get things rolling in the beginning... if it's a doctor I'm not sure what the procedure is...

I'm sure that your family understands that you're young and are probably thankful that you're level headed enough to get help... just try to stay calm even if your parents get a bit worried... they just need time to understand what's going on..

i had some pretty severe depression around your age and didn't make the best decisions... the fact that you're getting help shows a lot of maturity..

you'll do great!! the hardest part is over... now you are safe and can receive the help that you need and deserve!!

good luck and God bless!!

Answer 4

Everything will be okay, I went through the same thing, but it is up to you how you handle it, Yes it might be hard to talk to your parents , but if they love you they will understand, Or talk to you MD about it , and find the right time to tell them, its a hard decision but you can make the right one, good luck :)