About 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental health concerns each year. Even though these challenges are incredibly common, many people have difficulty asking for help.
Negative experiences, stigma, and concerns about medication can make people hesitant to seek psychiatric care.
Challenging stigma, collaborating with a provider you trust, and advocating for yourself throughout the process can make it easier to access the support you deserve.
If the idea of seeing a psychiatrist seems scary, know that you’re not alone. There are many valid reasons why you might feel this way. Some of your fears might be tied to personal experiences. But there are also broader, societal reasons that can contribute to these feelings.
No matter where your worries are coming from, try to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. It takes courage to be vulnerable and open up about your challenges — especially with a new provider.
In the following guide, we’ll explore some of the most common fears associated with starting psychiatric care. We’ll also share some guidance about how to navigate them so that you can get the support you deserve.
Shame and stigma
We’re fortunate to live in a time when more people are comfortable talking about mental health. But it hasn’t always been that way. Historically, society sent many negative messages about people living with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the echoes of that stigma can still be felt today.
You might feel that going to a psychiatrist means there’s something wrong with you. Or you might think you’re weak if you can’t handle your problems on your own. You may also worry about what others might think if they find out that you’re receiving psychiatric care. Collectively, this is referred to as self-stigma, or internalized shame.
How to overcome it: The best way to overcome stigma is to challenge it. The fact is, mental health conditions affect about 1 in 5 U.S. adults each year. And just like other common health challenges, people who live with them deserve judgment-free support.
Most people probably wouldn’t stigmatize someone seeking help for a broken leg or heart condition. Mental health concerns should be viewed in the same way. It can take some time to adopt this new mindset. But it’s possible, and it can be a valuable starting point in seeking personalized psychiatric care.
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Negative past experiences
In an ideal world, every interaction we have with a medical or mental health professional would be a positive one. But sadly, that isn’t always the case. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or disrespected by a provider, you may have a harder time asking for help. These experiences might also make you skeptical about the effectiveness of psychiatric care.
For example, you may worry that a psychiatrist will rush to prescribe medication instead of listening to your full story. Or you may fear that if you’re honest about your experiences, you’ll be judged or shamed. Some people also fear that they could be involuntarily hospitalized or forced into treatment without consent.
How to overcome it: Try to remember that most psychiatrists truly want to help their patients. And that the goal is for you to work with your psychiatrist to create a treatment plan that works best for you.
It’s also important to acknowledge the systemic challenges many providers face. Large caseloads can lead to shorter appointments, and your psychiatrist may not have the time to provide the kind of care you deserve.
With that in mind, if a psychiatrist does or says something that doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to bring it up or switch providers. You deserve to access care that leaves you feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Becoming someone else
Mental health medications can be lifesaving. But many of them come with potential side effects. Some people worry that if they see a psychiatrist and start taking medication, they won’t be themselves anymore. They think they’ll become someone they don’t recognize.
Becoming a different person is an understandably scary prospect. If you’ve had negative experiences with medication in the past, you may not want to endure that again. You might worry that a psychiatrist won’t take your concerns about side effects seriously.
How to overcome it: While it’s true that medication is a major component of psychiatric care, only in rare emergency situations would a person be required to take medication or enter psychiatric treatment against their will. The decision to take medication is a personal one that you get to make with guidance from your psychiatrist.
You can always ask about potential side effects, how long a medication will take to work, or raise any other concerns you may have. If a certain medication or dosage doesn’t work for you, your provider should be able to recommend an alternative.
One way I try to help people feel more comfortable is by giving them a clear picture of what we’ll do during their first visit. I let them know that we’ll make decisions about any treatment options together, and I’ll be there to provide all of the education they need to make an informed choice about their care.
Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Many people are afraid to start seeing a psychiatrist. Their worries may stem from negative past experiences, self-stigma, or concerns about what will happen if they take medication. These fears are completely valid. But it’s important to remember that most providers sincerely want to help.
While your psychiatrist can act as a supportive guide, you’re ultimately in charge of your treatment experience. You can overcome your fears of seeing a psychiatrist by learning more about mental health challenges (including how common they are), challenging stigma, and working with a provider who makes you feel seen and heard.
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.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Stephanie started her career in mental health as a clinical social worker in 1997. She’s been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2020. She’s worked in many settings, including in labor and delivery as an RN, in child protection, in community mental health, and in an urban clinic affiliated with the Indian Health Service.
Her passion for mental health comes from a desire to provide the kind of care and education for people that she wishes had been available to her family. Good mental healthcare can be transformative for people and families, and it’s work that she’s very proud to be part of.
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Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
