Seeing a psychiatrist in Delhi is a brave decision. Not everyone is capable enough to acknowledge they need to consult a psychiatrist. If you have booked your first appointment with a psychiatrist then this blog is for you. It’s a guide to help you prepare for your first visit to a psychiatrist near you in Delhi.
There’s a misconception among people that psychiatrists only treat insane or psychotic people. However, the truth is that the best psychiatrist in Delhi NCR assists everyone who’s suffering from major depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Anyone suffering from any problems that are affecting their mental health should consult a psychiatrist.
Most people have no idea when they visit a psychiatrist. But, if you have decided to see a psychiatrist in Delhi, then you must be experiencing difficulties at work, in relationships, or maybe some consequences of any medical conditions.
The most common symptoms that you should consider to schedule an offline or online appointment with a psychiatrist in Delhi are: –
- Sadness
- Lack of energy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
Some other problems might be connected with sleeping, appetite, etc. And, some symptoms are even severe which involves hallucinations and suicidal ideas too. But, as you have already decided to see a psychiatrist then half of your problems have already been solved because most people are afraid to accept that they are going through any emotional distress or mental health problems.
Tips to Prepare for Your Psychiatric Appointment
When plan to visit a psychiatrist near you for the first time then many things run through your mind. Many people get panicked and half of the things sleep off from their minds. They forgot what they wanted to discuss with their psychiatrists. If you don’t want this to happen then stay calm and write down everything that you think is bothering you.
First Appointment
The first appointment is based on the primary evaluation of your mental health condition. The practitioner will ask you a certain question to know what is bothering you. He will know what things are affecting your mental peace and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. In short, he wants to know what difficulties you are facing and what is concerning you.
The session does not last more than 60 mins. The time may vary according to the problems you are facing. Your psychiatrist will ask about any medical conditions that you have or the old one that triggered this problem, or if you have already visited any other psychiatrist. If yes, what was the impact of the visit? What medication he had prescribed? Etc.
All these pieces of information will help the psychiatrist to diagnose the problem and he can prescribe the right treatment and medicine for the same. And will let you know when will be the next session.
Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you want to because this is what helps you to clear all your doubts about your mental health condition. Ask questions about the medicines or therapy you will be prescribed by the specialists. And, you need not worry about anything as your psychiatrist is always there to help you. He will answer all your questions to clear your doubts so that you will feel confident.
Here’s how you should plan your first appointment with a psychiatrist.
Write down the symptoms or problems
It’s quite common to forget a few symptoms or your real problems if you are tensed or worried about the appointment. Hence, you should write all the symptoms a few days before you visit the specialist. Prepare the list and bring it along with you when you go to meet a psychiatrist in Delhi.
Take any of your friends and relatives with you
As it’s your first meeting with a psychiatrist in Delhi, you may not feel comfortable discussing things with them. Well, it’s actually a brave task to reveal all your personal things or share problems with a stranger. You may get nervous that time and unable to speak anything. So, it’s a good idea to take any of your friends and family members with you who is well-aware of your condition.
The person will share everything with the psychiatrist from your side. Moreover, they give a different perspective on your problems and symptoms which will be helpful in the session to diagnose the problem more accurately.
Be honest
Only you know the problems you are facing and the impact of the symptoms in your life. Hence it’s important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist. Do not hide anything, otherwise, the consultant will not be able to diagnose the problem. If he asks any question, respond with full honesty only then the diagnosis will be more accurate.
Ask questions
As we said earlier too, do not hesitate in asking any questions to your psychiatrist. No question is dumb or meaningless when it comes to your mental health and peace. And your doctor will answer all your questions. So, ask questions about everything that is bothering you related to the medication and therapies, ask for everything. Make sure you know what is happening and what will happen next. What will be the outcome of this meeting? If you are forgetting any important questions then the person you bring along with you will help you remember the question.
Note down the points the doctor says
It’s obvious to forget a few things when you are first time consulting a psychiatrist. You can write down all the important things your doctor has discussed with you so that you don’t forget the conversation and keep a record of your improvement.
Know your prescription
Once your diagnosis is completed your psychiatrist will prescribe your medication and therapy. Understand everything written on the prescription. Ask questions about medicines. Know what positive impacts you will get after having the doses. You should be prepared for any changes in your behavior or body after starting the medication or therapy. Ask if there’s any specific amount of doses required or if there’s any interaction that you need to worry about. And writing this information will also be beneficial for you.
This is how you can prepare for the first appointment with a psychiatrist in Delhi. In short, you should know what you need to discuss with your psychiatrist, do not panic, and ask the important questions.
In Conclusion
The first appointment with a psychiatrist allows the specialist to collect your information based on the details you shared. And considering this, he will prescribe medicine and therapies. Hence, it’s important to share everything while being open and honest with your best psychiatrist in Delhi.
Dr. Shashi Kumar, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), is a highly regarded psychiatrist in Delhi. With extensive education from esteemed institutions like Patna Medical College & Hospital and AIIMS, he has built a strong foundation in the field. Dr. Kumar’s expertise spans Adult Psychiatry, Depression, Anxiety, Old Age Problems, Epilepsy, Chronic Headaches, Psychosexual Disorders, and Addiction. He currently operates the Sri Ganesh Psychiatry Clinic in Shalimar Bagh and Rohini Sector 16, providing exceptional care to patients. Alongside his commitment to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, he also serves at Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh. Dr. Kumar’s reputation as one of the best psychiatrists in Delhi stems from his deep knowledge, experience, and dedication to improving mental health.