Meeting the Psychiatrist

One of the most important steps to take in order to locate the correct path of stability and recovery for those that may be afflicted with bipolar disorder, or any mental health challenges for that matter, is the first appointment with a psychiatrist.

If this is the first visit to discuss options with a psychiatrist, make as much of an effort as possible to be there with your loved one as a supporter, as the information that will be offered is extremely valuable. Keep in mind that this event may be very uncomfortable, however, when it comes to bipolar disorder, this is a very positive step in managing the disorder and overall recovery.

What to Expect
The first interaction with a psychiatrist, as mentioned, may be a tense and nerve-racking experience as the goal of the session is to gain some understanding and history about your loved one. This may include asking for details of their life that would normally be suppressed and not brought up in normal discussion, but it is imperative to share as much information as possible with the psychiatrist in order for him/her to make the correct connections and establish the proper course of action.

If your loved one opens up and does offer some details that may be difficult to absorb as a supporter, it is absolutely critical to keep in mind that this is not a time for judging or criticism. Also, as a supporter, do not assume that you may even be invited into the discussion as this is a time for the sufferer and the psychiatrist to connect. You may be asked for some input, but do not step in and push anything into the session that has not been explicitly asked for.

More than likely, the session will be directed in as much of a chronological fashion as possible, so it is very important that the focus is not on one particular scenario, or in the ‘right now’ frame of mind. Again, history plays a very large part of the diagnosis so try to keep going in an accurate order of events.

Feedback Phase
When the main sharing phase of the appointment is complete, there should be a time now directed by the psychiatrist that will include some possible question and answer discussion to fill any gaps and clarify any possible misunderstandings. Once this is done, the psychiatrist should be ready to offer feedback that will drive the decisions on making the final diagnosis.

The feedback received may offer some mixed emotions including anger, frustration and confusion or it may offer some long awaited relief and some clarity to finally have some answers. Sometimes, there are challenges and situations that are simply difficult to explain, unless you have such a deep education and understanding of the bio-psychosocial model yourself, that even the basic explanations of the diagnosis may provide such an ‘ah-ha’ moment, that an immediate wave of understanding and acceptance may overtake the sufferer and supporter.

Diagnosis
Once feedback has been provided, and any other questions or voluntary sharing is on the table, a diagnosis may be made and next steps can finally be discussed. At this time, the emotional priority should be aimed toward the sufferer as, after all, this is for them and how to recover and enhance their own life and overall well-being. As a supporter, it is also critical to absorb as much information as possible at this point as although there is now professional care applied, the role of the supporter is not made by appointment only. You will be there for your loved one on a constant basis so you must understand as much as you can in order to help bring the plans and support into play and keep some consistency going as well.

Real World – Our Scenario
After my wife experienced suicidal thoughts while in a recent depressive phase, we contacted the Emergency Room and was put into contact with a local counselor to calm the situation down and make any needed decisions as far as admitting her into a mental health hospital. After an hour of calming discussion, she made the determination that we did not need to have her admitted, but it would be critical to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible.

We called several different locations trying to get in and as booked as they all were, we ended up settling for making an appointment for the next month as that was the earliest time we could find. With self-support and my own efforts, we were able to ensure that my wife was stable enough to wait out the month, but was ready to call the ER or mental health hospital at a moment’s notice.

The day finally came and we made our way to the office. My wife as a bit anxious and nervous but we felt that we were definitely on the right path although we were starting over again with a new psychiatrist. She filled out the necessary paperwork and we were ready to be seen.

We were called back and asked to simply relax and sit on the couch. Our psychiatrist was very professional and strict at the same time. As my wife’s supporter, I made it known that I was able to talk when needed, yet, he made it well known that he wanted all of the conversation to come from my wife, and I could jump in when invited. I agreed and melted off as a spectator and observer ready to learn what I could.

The discussion quickly became intense as he asked the questions that were dying to be asked. Critical events and feelings were brought up and although there was some discomfort, the information was well received and was positive in helping the psychiatrist develop a useful and accurate diagnosis. When the discussion was complete, he informed us that he was ready to provide feedback unless there was anything else my wife wanted to share.

He very professionally and confidently started mapping out what he was able to identify as my wife’s main challenges and issues that we needed to focus on. In a matter of spending thirty minutes or so learning as much as he could about my wife, it was almost surreal for him to explain in such detail, a diagnosis and summary of exactly what she has been presenting within the relationship for so many years. The explanations were extremely useful and provided us both with such a clear view of not only what was going on, but why these issues existed and how to look around them to see the real issues causing such anxieties and emotions.

After walking out of the session and knowing where we stood with her bipolar disorder, it was truly refreshing to have such a different outlook on how we could work together on her recovery and well-being. We would have not been able to reach such a feeling of peace about the situation unless we had such an experience with the correct help. More than likely, without support in ensuring her appointment was made and kept, the strength of bipolar disorder would have prevented her from making such a positive step forward. As supporters, it is imperative that we are there for our loved ones and making sure that they do not give up on themselves.

With a passion to reach out and to help others, Rich opens up a direct view into the trials and tribulations that come with managing a bipolar relationship and how to use real-world techniques to aid in stability and support.

Rich Wallace

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