Im going to see my first psychologist?

Question

Ok, so i have a pretty messed up family life, and im pretty messed up myself, and my mom wanted to get one for me when i was young but my dad said no, finally my mom managed to sneak me (literally) to a doctor to see if i was depressed, and luckily enough i am. so im going to see a psychologist, and im kind of nervous, because its hard for me to talk about my life, not because im afraid of letting others know, but because it makes me realize how horrible it really is and i like to block it out, so naturally i break down and cry, and i don't like to seem very vulnerable while crying. so what do i do?

Answer 1

I find this is very helpful to do when seeing a psychologist, or any doctor for that matter:

Sit down, think, and on your computer type out a numbered list of your thoughts, feelings, and what is bothering you.

By doing this, you focus your mind and will be prepared for your visit. More will be accomplished. The doctor will see in words before him/her your main problems and hurt.

This saves times and speeds up the healing process. You both work together in getting you well.

Do not worry or be concerned about crying at the office. It is totally normal and natural. That is why they have a box of tissues next to where you sit - lol.

But having that list with you, will help the doc immensely when you are unable to speak due to your emotions. So get on that keyboard and print it out!

Answer 2

It's a lot easier than you would think to open up to a total stranger. The first session or two (I am going on the assumption that this will be more than a one time gig) is just about the basics. He/She will want to know about family structure, school, social life, etc.

Don't be afraid to be open about the details, your emotions, or your opinions. He/She will NOT judge you. That's not what it's about. It's about helping you. I have been to many different psych doctors, and never once have I felt judged.

Don't be afraid of what kind of emotions might come spilling out. He's not going to tell anyone. It's kinda like having your very own private world where you can say anything or show any side of you, and it all stays there in that world.

The only time that he/she would say anything is if you told your psychologist that you had plans to hurt you or another person. I have had many conversations with my shrink about thinking of hurting myself, but since I had made no plans to she said nothing to anyone.

Answer 3

i know what you are going through. the first visit with a process that you are unsure about is a little scary. you know that this is a positive thing that you want the maximum that you can accomplish with someone you don't know. I did the same thing and let me tell you about it. You go in and the normal introductions, they usually ask you how you are doing and the session starts. the physiologist is there to find your feelings and why you think something is wrong. this is your time you get to describe how you are are getting along with teachers , and it is a positive to say exactly how you feel and the problems you have. please answer honestly , this is the only way this works. Do your best to think about what they ask you and if you don't understand let them know. it is your feelings that matter , if there is something that you feel is important to you speak up. After a short period you realize that they want to know you and what is important to you and your thoughts and feelings. This part is kind of hard but remember it you that matters here. Please be unafraid to speak our mind weather you think it is odd or not..I think that you will learn so much , and this will be a positive thing your doing. Hold your head up and be strong and you will find answers to your questions.

Answer 4

It is often a difficult task going to see a psychologist for the first time. You are opening up to someone who is a "stranger" at first and telling them about the private areas of your life.

Psychologists are used to people being nervous and hopefully he/she will make you feel comfortable. In psychotherapy, the number one predictor of whether a patient gets better is the relationship that he/she has with his/her counselor.

I think you should go and just respond to the questions that are asked. If you are uncomfortable answering them, it is okay to say that, too.

And crying doesn't mean that he/she will see you as vulnerable. He/she should see you as a human being going through a hard time.

Good luck:)

Answer 5

it is nothing wrong with crying , crying is god for the soul. first of all you have to find out what is making you so depressed in your life, is it your family or is it something that has happened in your life to make you so sad. even young kids go ans see psychologist , i myself am seeing one right now i think i have the same problem i dont like talking about my life because i have been hurt so much in the pass , has a child and also as growing in to become a adult, in life. start talking a bout little things , and slowly just take your time and let them out and if you have to cry then cry ,it will make you feel a lot better before you even went in to see him or her

Answer 6

Don't hold back your emotions. The tears are natural and will eventually stop when you get to the cause of your problem and correct it. The doctor is only as helpful as the patient wants him to be.

Answer 7

Once you bring outsiders into your personal life you open all kinds of doors. What I recommend is that you think about the consequences before you speak. I mean if your father slapped you one time because you were misbehaving, it wouldn't be wise to tell your therapist unless you want Social services breathing down your fathers neck, there is always the possibility things can become worse and that you could be removed from your home entirely. Make sure you know what you want before you act and speak, that is all I'm saying. ;-)

Answer 8

Save your money and find a good church family and the pastor also the church can help you cope with it overcome.