Preparing for your appointment

Whether you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to talk about mental health concerns or you’re referred to a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, take steps to prepare for your appointment.

If possible, take a family member or friend along. Someone who has known you for a long time may be able to share important information with your heath care provider, with your permission.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you or people close to you have noticed,and for how long
• Key personal information,including traumatic events in your past and any current, major stressors
• Your medical information,including other physical or mental health conditions
• Any medications,vitamins, herbal products or other supplements you take, and their doses
• Questions to askyour doctor or mental health provider

Questions to ask include:

• What type of mental illness might I have?
• Why can’t I get over mental illness on my own?
• How do you treat my type of mental illness?
• Will talk therapy help?
• Are there medications that might help?
• How long will treatment take?
• What can I do to help myself?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
• What websites do you recommend?

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions.

Credit information: mayoclinic.org