Communication

[baggyjeans]

I've just had an appointment with my psychiatrist and I'm having to hold back the tears right now. I feel like it went really badly simply because I just couldn't explain how I was feeling and therefore she couldn't help me properly. I felt totally misunderstood and I felt like she didn't think my problems had any worth, because I don't think I could get across to her how badly I felt or how my problems affect me. I think my anxiety is a really big problem for me but I couldn't really express this in the appointment hence she had no suggestions about how I could help myself or how they could help me. My last appointment went really well and I think that's because I was in a different mood, more with it perhaps and was able to express my feelings a bit better.

Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone else have problems communicating their feeling? Or does anyone else ever leave their psych appointments with similar feelings?

Thanks!

[ghosts in the machine]

I do quite a lot. Several times I've left sessions with my psych and just go "**** I couldn't say anything" and feel so frustrated with myself for not being able to communicate properly.

I think you're right, in that the mood we're in can affect how well we communicate. I don't have any advice for it really - my psych says to write down the things I wanted to say and then bring it to the next session and to try not to judge myself so harshly for it.

[little-miss-darkness]

all the time. but they are trained to read between the lines and read your body language as well as hear what you are saying. she will look at the notes she should be taking and watch you over your next few meeting untill she can make a more informed suggestion on how to help you.

[baggyjeans]

I might try writing things down next time. I was just so annoyed with myself that I couldn't communicate and left feeling that I hadn't got anywhere. I had waited 2 months for the appointment since my last appointment and had a list of things I wanted to discuss but didn't bring them up. As you said, I guess she has to get to know me over a few appointments but they are so infrequent that I feel I never get anywhere.

[~Grace~]

Slightly different...but i had a doctors appointment today and lnew I wouldnt beable to convey to him all that I was feeling and experiencing...so i wrote it down. I felt a bit of an idiot handing it to him..but he read it all and then we discussed it and he ujpped my meds.

Im seeing a psych on the 19th and will do the same

[PinQ]

I write a diary that I let them read although it is difficult and I sometimes ask to leave the room while they read it. But if there are specific things you can give them a list. I know its hard but I hope you have more luck nextime.

[baggyjeans]

I have been thinking and think I might write a letter to my psych and send it to her so she has it for our next appointment. What do you think? I will take my time over it and give her as much information as possible.

[xbeckyx]

A letter sounds like a good idea, maybe put bullet points on it of things you want to be mentioned when you next see her?