Six things your psychiatrist wishes you’d talk about

It can be intimidating when you don’t know how to talk to your psychiatrist. Many people aren’t sure what’s “appropriate” to share. You might wonder if your psychiatrist only wants to know the basics of your mental health, or if they want to know deeper things like your therapist does. You’re not alone, and research shows adults who use mental health services may experience fear, whether due to stigma or distrust. This can negatively affect the treatment process.

Especially during the first session, your psychiatrist will likely ask you some questions about your life and relationships. Some psychiatrists offer talk therapy as well as medication management. But keep in mind that others will only see you for short sessions to check in with you about how your medication is working. So it’s essential to understand exactly how much time you have to talk with your psychiatrist.

During your first session, it may be helpful to ask your psychiatrist whether they offer therapy and how long your follow-up sessions will be. If you know that your follow-up sessions will be shorter, keep that in mind and use that time effectively.

Many psychiatrists want to understand your story so they can give you the best possible care. And even if something might be better suited for talk therapy, your psychiatrist can still help you get the support you need.

1. Your current and past symptoms

First, your psychiatrist needs to understand the whole picture of your mental health: all the symptoms you’re experiencing now and how long you’ve been experiencing them. 

It can also help to tell them about your history with mental health. For example, it’s a good idea to share if you’ve ever been hospitalized or received any diagnoses before. Don’t forget to also tell them about any physical symptoms you might be experiencing, like gastrointestinal issues, sleeping issues, or trouble focusing. These can be related to your mental health.

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2. Substance use

Your psychiatrist will want to know about any other substances and medications you’re taking. This includes everything, including recreational drugs. Because of confidentiality laws, your psychiatrist won’t report your recreational drug use to any law enforcement agency.

They just need to know what substances are in your system to make sure they’re not prescribing you something that could lead to a bad reaction or reduce the efficacy of other medications. 

As a side note, make sure you also tell them about any over-the-counter medications or natural supplements you’re taking as well. These can also sometimes interact with psychiatric medications.

3. Side effects, even minor ones

Most medications come with potential side effects. You may not experience any, but many people experience some while their body is adjusting to the medication.

Always share with your psychiatrist any side effects that you experience, even if they’re relatively minor or if they’ve gone away. This can help them understand how well you’re adjusting to your new medication and make dosing decisions.

4. Your hopes for medication

During your first session, you can let your psychiatrist know what you hope to gain out of this process. Which symptoms are the most distressing for you that you’d like to be addressed first? How would you like your psychiatrist to speak with you? How will you know when treatment is successful?

Ideally, your psychiatrist will ask you these questions themselves — but even if they don’t, it can be helpful information to offer. Narrowing down your treatment goals can also help you understand your journey better.

5. Any questions you have 

You’re allowed to ask questions during your appointment — and, in fact, you should. Your psychiatrist wants you to understand your treatment plan, and asking questions is one of the best ways to advocate for yourself.

If something doesn’t make sense to you, speak up and ask about it. Maybe you’re confused about how a medication works, how long you’ll be on it, or what to expect next. Asking questions can give your psychiatrist an opportunity to clarify things. This is your care, and you deserve to feel informed and confident in the process.

6. When something isn’t working

If something isn’t working for you, let your psychiatrist know. This could be anything from something you don’t like about your medication to something you wish your psychiatrist would personally do differently.

It’s perfectly OK to switch psychiatrists if your experience hasn’t been a good fit. But often, issues can be addressed if you can communicate them with your psychiatrist and collaboratively problem solve. But if your psychiatrist ever displays any unethical behavior — like breaking your confidentiality or being inappropriate with you — it’s a good idea to switch immediately.

A note about self-diagnosis

As mental health information has become more widely available to the general public, self-diagnosis has become more popular. But self-diagnosis can be tricky.

On one hand, it’s OK to do research and come to your psychiatrist with what you’ve learned. Sometimes, you may need to advocate for yourself.

On the other hand, if your psychiatrist gives you a diagnosis that’s different from the one you’d given yourself, it’s important to take that seriously as well. Remember, psychiatrists are trained and licensed medical professionals who specialize in psychiatric conditions.

It’s best when your expertise on yourself and your experiences is combined with their expertise on mental health to determine the best treatment approach.

Find care with Rula

Being honest and open with your psychiatrist can make a big difference in how well your treatment works. Even if you’re unsure at first, share what’s on your mind. This helps your provider support you in the way that works best for you.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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