A Guide to Your First Mental Health Appointment

Taking the first step to speak with a healthcare professional about your mental health is a significant and courageous decision.

It’s natural to feel nervous or uncertain, being well-prepared can help you feel more confident and ensure you get the most from your appointment.

Understanding Your Options

Mental health appointments can take place in various settings. You might choose to visit a healthcare professional in person, speak with them over the phone, or connect via telehealth. Whether you’re seeing a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist, your first appointment is about working together to understand your situation and develop a path forward.

Before Your Appointment

One of the most helpful things you can do is reflect on the changes you’ve noticed in your life. Consider:

• Changes in your mood, emotions, or behaviour
• Differences in your sleep patterns or appetite
• Variations in your relationships or social connections
• Any stressful life events (such as moving house, changing jobs, or relationship difficulties)
• Impact on your daily activities, work, or studies

Writing down these observations can be incredibly valuable, as it helps you communicate your experiences clearly and ensures you don’t forget important details during the appointment.

Practical Preparations

Booking Your Appointment

If you’re visiting a GP, it’s wise to book a longer appointment when discussing mental health for the first time. This allows adequate time to share your experiences without feeling rushed. You might mention that you’d like to discuss mental health when booking, as this helps ensure appropriate scheduling.

For appointments with psychologists or psychiatrists, sessions typically run for about an hour, with initial consultations sometimes extending to 90 minutes.

Essential Items to Bring

Remember to take:

• Medicare or private health insurance details
• A list of any current medications or supplements
• Notes about your medical conditions
• Any relevant medical history documents
• A support person, if you’d feel more comfortable (this is entirely optional)

During Your Appointment

Sharing Your Story

Your healthcare professional will likely begin by asking about your current circumstances and what prompted you to seek support. They may explore various aspects of your life, including:

• Your relationships and support networks
• Your perspective on yourself and the future
• Your daily routines and habits
• Any challenges you’re experiencing

Remember, you’re in control of what you share. While healthcare professionals may ask about sensitive topics to better understand your situation, you can choose what information you’re comfortable discussing.

Making the Most of Your Time

To ensure you get valuable information from your appointment:

• Take notes or ask the healthcare professional to write down key points
• Request clarification if anything is unclear
• Ask about treatment options and their potential benefits
• Discuss costs and Medicare rebates
• Enquire about resources you can use between appointments

Confidentiality and Privacy

It’s important to know that healthcare professionals are bound by strict confidentiality requirements. The information you share remains private in most circumstances. The main exceptions are situations where there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or when there are legal obligations to disclose information.

Finding the Right Fit

Remember that it’s essential to feel comfortable with your healthcare professional. If you don’t feel at ease or supported, it’s perfectly acceptable to look for someone else. Building a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider is crucial for effective treatment.

Taking the Next Step

While preparing for your first appointment might feel nerve-wracking, remember that seeking support is a positive step towards better mental health. Healthcare professionals are trained to guide you through this process with understanding and respect.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions when booking. Most healthcare providers are happy to clarify their processes and help you feel more comfortable about taking this important step in your mental health journey.

Seeking out support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and being prepared helps ensure you get the most benefit from your appointment.