How to Discuss Your Symptoms with Your Psychiatrist

Have you ever gone to a doctor’s appointment and felt like you forgot to mention the most important thing? Or maybe you found it hard to put your feelings into words, and left feeling like your doctor didn’t really understand what you were going through. When that appointment is with a psychiatrist, being able to communicate clearly about your symptoms is the key to getting the best possible care.

At Televero Health, we know that talking about your mental health isn’t always easy. Symptoms can be vague, confusing, and hard to describe. But your psychiatrist is your partner in this process. The more specific and honest you can be, the better they can help you. Learning how to talk about your symptoms is a skill you can develop.

Preparation Can Make a Difference

You don’t have to go into your appointment unprepared. Taking a little time beforehand to think about what you want to discuss can make the conversation much more productive. A great way to do this is to keep a simple journal or log in the days or weeks leading up to your visit.

You don’t need to write a novel. Just jot down some notes about what you’ve been experiencing. Try to be specific. Instead of just writing “I felt anxious,” try to describe it in more detail. For example:

What did it feel like? “My heart was racing, and I felt a sense of dread.”
When did it happen? “It was worst in the mornings before work.”
How long did it last? “The intense feeling lasted about 10 minutes.”
How did it affect you? “I had trouble concentrating for the rest of the day.”

Think about tracking a few key areas: your mood, your energy levels, your sleep patterns, and your appetite. Also, make a note of any side effects you might be experiencing from medication. Having these concrete examples can make it much easier to explain your experience to your doctor.

Be Honest and Specific

Your psychiatrist’s office is a judgment-free zone. Your doctor is there to help you, not to criticize you. It is incredibly important to be honest, even about things that might feel embarrassing or difficult to talk about. This includes your symptoms, your use of alcohol or other substances, and whether you’ve been taking your medication as prescribed. Your doctor needs this information to make safe and effective decisions about your care.

When describing your symptoms, try to use specific, descriptive language. Here are some examples:

Instead of “My mood has been bad,” try “I’ve been feeling irritable and easily angered most days, and I find myself crying for no reason.”
Instead of “I’m not sleeping well,” try “I have trouble falling asleep at night because my mind is racing. I wake up several times and feel exhausted in the morning.”
Instead of “The medication isn’t working,” try “Since starting the new medication, my anxiety is a little better, but I’ve been feeling really tired and nauseous.”

It’s also helpful to talk about how your symptoms are impacting your life. Are they making it hard to go to work? Are they causing friction in your relationships? Are they stopping you from doing things you enjoy? This information helps your doctor understand the severity of the issue.

Remember, you are the expert on your own experience. Your psychiatrist brings medical knowledge, but you bring the essential information about what it’s like to be you. By working together and communicating openly, you can ensure that you are on the best possible path to recovery.

Key Takeaways

Preparing for your appointment by keeping a simple log of your symptoms can make your conversation more productive.
Be as specific as you can when describing your symptoms, including what they feel like, when they happen, and how they impact your life.
Honesty is crucial for your safety and for effective treatment, especially regarding medication side effects and substance use.
You are the expert on your own experience; clear communication helps your psychiatrist apply their medical expertise to your unique situation.

Ready to take the first step? We can help. Get started with Televero Health today.