Mental health consists of our emotional, psychological and social well-being that define our lifestyles. It shapes our relationships and how we interact with other people. Due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, many hesitate to seek the professional help they need, more so visit a mental health center for a consultation.
Some of the questions you can expect to be asked when visiting a mental health facility would include:
1. The symptoms you or your family and friends noticed, as well as the duration of these symptoms.
Some of these symptoms could include extreme sadness, drastic mood swings, psychological turmoils, constant feelings of anxiety, and many more. These would supply your primary care provider enough information to start her assessment of your condition and disorder.
2. Important Personal Information
Personal Information such as family history of mental illness, more information about yourself, such as professional and work relationships, work, family dynamics, and other potential stressors that could contribute to your poor mental health.
3.Key Life Events
You’ll be expected to provide more detailed and key information about past or recent events in your life, including traumatic events. These information allow both you and your primary care provider insights on what circumstantial triggers to watch out for and would prove to be hindrances to your road to recovery.
4. Your Medical Information
Like most appointments, you would need to prepare your medical information to your mental health care practitioner. This includes other physical or psychological health conditions you may be diagnosed with that could contribute to your current mental illness. An additional category of information, would be your medication intake. Could the symptoms you have be side effects of certain drugs?
5. A Review Of The-Next-Step
After the initial consultation, your primary care provider or psychiatrist will provide you with an initial diagnosis and options on how you want to move forward with your recovery. You may discuss medication options and/ or diagnostic clarifications. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about things you’re uncertain of. It is natural to feel confused and even at loss sometimes when dealing with mental illness.
The road to mental health recovery is long and can itself be a struggle, from finding the right guide to start you on your path to recovery to having the support network to encourage you through the whole process. Seek out a mental health care provider nearest you and take a step forward to a healthier, happier and enlightening life.
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