The mental health assessment, is that a psychiatric assessment do you know?
Were you refered for a specific reason?
I completely understand what you mean about being scared they'll find nothing wrong. But as long as you are honest they'll hopefully find the truth and be able to help you.
Just try to stay calm and be as honest as you can are the best suggestions i can give.
Good luck,
Tabby x
The world is an interesting place when everyone you know has their own realities
I had mine recently, and it basically consisted of a psychiatrist asking me 100 questions with little time to answer in any great depth.
He started by asking me about my parents - Do they live together/are they married. Do you live with them. How often do you see them.
Then it was the same with brothers and sisters.
Then he asked what i do for a job, whether i am single or with someone and whether i am happy in that relationship, and whether it was sexual.
He asked if i had any friends, how close they were to me, did i have a social life and whether i smoked/drunk/did drugs etc.
He then asked me how long i'd been having feelings of depression. How those feeling had changed over time, and how they were now.
Then the usual questions about whether i was suicidal and if so was it passively or actively. Had i made any attempts on my life previously and the details of when/where/how etc. Had i gone to hospital and what sort of treatment had i had afterwards.
He asked for my medical history, and what medication i was on and why.
That was pretty much it to be honest. He then basically said he would see me in 3 months and stood up to see me out of the door, without explaining what would happen or asking me if there was anything else i would like to add/talk about.
I don't know how much assessments differ, but i would say that if there is something you want to mention/talk about which the psychiatrist doesn't include, then make sure you mention it.
I had to say 'Actually there's some things i want to add to this that i think are important before i leave'.
He sat back down and i explained about my ED and SI and said i wanted him to realise that i may appear very 'together' but that it doesn't reflect what is going on inside my head. I was then as honest as i could be about how serious things were and i really pushed for the treatment i wanted.
It can be a bit daunting, because they do rush through things very quickly and it's all quick fire questions without alot of time to think. Just make sure you remember that they are there to help you, not the other way around, so don't let yourself leave without saying all you want to say.
I'm sure things will be fine, don't worry too much and just try and prepare a little list of things you want to mention.
Remember aswell that it's not a counselling session, it's an assessment, so don't expect any answers etc.
Good luck, and sorry my answer is so long. I hope it helps. xxx
~Phoenix~ is my Little Sister of Awesomeness and Self-Delusion :P Bitter Angel is my Mitten Animad is my Top Trump All Im Living For - Is my beautiful and special daughter who isnt called Kim but will moan if i dont add her :P
dont stress about it, thatll make it worse. relax its just a series of questions and sometimes exercises like the infamous ink blotts. but just stay calm and answer truthfully. ive had about 8 of them in the past year because i was in a hospital then i changed psychiatrists a few times, and past episodes have led to more than 1. its not bad, they may ask uncomfortable questions about abuse and other things, but just hang in there hun, its not bad, youll get through it, *hugs*
"my scars remind me that the past is real"
"Stand in the rain, stand you ground, stand up when it's all crashing down."
"These scars wouldn't be so hidden if you would just look me in the eye."
"Well, darling grab a hand. We promise not to let you stand alone. So stand close to me Don't sail away"
It seems differ from place to place
For me they spent time on my background and childhood before moving on to current history and current problems.
It takes time and can be emotional because of having to talk about it.
As to the what happens if you dont get answers?
I found that accepting I had told the truth meant that although my problems were significant they werent serious. Working on that thought has helped me pull through the crap times.
Just remember it is unlikely that you will get a diagnosis on your first visit due to the limited time frame involved.
huggles
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
I'm actully having one myself on Friday and know exactly how scary it is. I'm afraid I can't offer any advice right now but the best thing to do is to stay calm.
It'll be ok =)
The only time you will find real light is when you're searching in the dark..
It's fine. I had to answer like 700 questions for an assessment. Answer honestly, they'll find SOMETHING wrong with ya.
Before the eyes the beauty is wasting away
Reflections praise, she's dressed in decay
You see the struggle flood the skin
From promises to paper-thin
She turns a blind eye, will of stone
From stunning smile, to flesh and bone
I see your point Carmen, and I have in the past had that attitude. Why do I want a label? because I'm fed up of trying to deal with it without knowing what it is. I know somethings wrong with me, I take pills but I want to know what is wrong so I can take the right pills and have the right treatment to make it go away. Thats why hun. But you have got a good point in general but, it depends on the person.
I talked to my counsellor guy about this today, it's kinda freaked me out more. I don't know, counselling screws me over anyway.
Gah why does this have to be hard and complicated?
Life can be beautiful if you let it.
Step back, breathe and take it in
I totally understand how your feeling, but try to stay calm.
For me, the mental health person asked millions of questions (very personal questions) for about an hour and then said she'd have to talk to the psychitrist and I'd recieve a letter. So if it goes lyk mine did, don't expect any answers on the day. I only found out through the therapists and psychologists she reffered me to.
Good luck, sorry Ive never had a mental health assessment so I cant give you any tips. I guess just be cool and answer the questions as fully aas u can?
Hope all goes well and you get the answers you need
take care xxx
It went ok, They asked me loads of questions and I tried to answer as honestly as possible. But they didn't give me an outcome yet. They're going to write to me.
There were alot of things they didn't ask me though, like mood patterns and things.
Life can be beautiful if you let it.
Step back, breathe and take it in
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
Aww *squishes tight* I'm sure it's okay. You just gotta try not think about it too much and maybe distract yourself if thinking about it is doing you no good. Talk to us maybe? Can you tell us what ur scared of? Lots of love and kisses.
