Professional Help?

[Charles]

I'm unsure about it. What if all the pain and anguish I feel is simply self-pitying, pathetic excuse to gain attention or to avoid functioning like an ordinary person? Can anybody tell me about their first encounter / session with a Professional? Is it difficult and uncomfortable? I wish I knew how to deal with these things

[Obayan]

The first time I ever went to see a psychiatrist, it was hard. I was already getting anxious and scared and the appointment was still a week away. I went to my room, closed the door, turned on my favorite music and began to write. It took me almost the full week to get it all written down. I wrote down what kind of person I am right now in this very minute. Then, I wrote down why I think I am this way. I was very open, honest, and painfully descriptive in my memories. Then, I finished it with what I hope to get out of seeing a psychiatrist. Three rules were used in this writing. One, honesty at all times in all things. Not just in my memories, but in what kind of person i am today and what i want. Two, details. No generalisations that can be left to interpretation or reasoning. Three, accurate. Details on dates, events, names, etc provided me with the opportunity to say exactly what happened, what is happening and what i want to see happen without any embelishment or pleas for sympathy. I wrote this as if I was having a conversation with myself and nobody else in the world would ever read it. It was hard. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done. When I was done, I had 6 notebooks full of writings smeared in places by tears. When the appointment came, I wasn't afraid anymore. I had already been thru it all. I had already survived the events and the memories. I gave my psychiatrist the notebooks. I told her to read them at her leasure and I didn't want to spend an hour today talking about what's in the books. Today, for this hour, I want to talk about what is good in my life. There is always next week to start on the rest.

[balcony]

Hi Charles, I can't answer your question as I have never been to a mental health professional, but, I have been to many different physicians with varying issues of severity. At each time, I was scared beyond belief..what would the outcome be, would I be laughed at, would I even be able to explain my concerns...each time I was always surprised. Professionals really do make a difference. Most of them are good at what they practice and they make the patient feel comfortable and at ease. I hope this will be your experience. Good luck to you.

[Charles]

Thank you both for taking the time to reply. Your advice has given me a lot to think about. It is much appreciated. I think I like the idea of writing it all down. It's the only way I could do it right now.

[balcony]

((((Charles)))) good luck. We are here for you.

[Charles]

Thank you once again. I appreciate your help