FAQs guide to getting the most from your mental health professional

[BatGuano]

Thanks CB and Alless,

Time and past time for health care to become consumer-friendly and pro-active.  Especially in (but not limited to) mental health.

[NikNik]

Hi everyone,

You are all such a wealth of advice and information. It would be great to get tips (some of which you have already mentioned).

What question could we put to the community that would generate this type of feedback from the community?

What do you think about naming a thread "Guide to getting the most from your mental health professional"  and requesting people to give their 1-3 top tips?

Nik

[chemonro]

Sounds like a plan! 

[kristin]

Great idea Bat Guano! How about a "things to look for in a therapist" list too?

BTW I don't remember whether I got around to thanking you for the explanation of the monniker. Very funny. We certainly seem to be living in a Strangelovian world (which is not funny)!

Best regards,

Kristin

[kristin]

I agree Che,
Unfortunately in some areas even finding a half-decent GP is an enormous challenge, especially rural areas. I think either Jake or Kenny (can't remember, sorry guys!) mentioned this having problem. I've experienced it myself, both "out in the sticks" where I am now and in the big smoke.
Best regards,
Kristin

[kristin]

Gret Nik, let us know when it's up and we'll fill it!

Best regards,

Kristin

[BatGuano]

My tag would be FITH. As I said in another post, it stands for F****d In The Head.

[BatGuano]

Thats happened to me, I just needed a new 'script but the new GP sent me to a psych ward and I got a bollocking from the overworked psych doc.  Long story, had to be there, no harm done after all.

GPs, don't get me started...  Bless 'em all, though, for being there and trying hard.

[BatGuano]

With a GP you could ask;

What is your preferred field in medicine?

Have you worked in mental health, and did you like it?

Do you recommend any mental health therapists?

These are general questions.

More specifically;

What do you think is wrong with me?

What are the treatments available?

What does this medication do?

This can get you an idea of what the doc can do for you or who they can refer you to.

In my experience, if I'm in a bad way the first place to go to is psychiatric outpatients/emergency or phone the mental health hotline.