You may be feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or not comfortable when discussing your anxiety, depression, or grief, but keep in mind that doctors deal with these conditions all the time. Physicians are well trained to handle sensitive matters while taking into consideration your cultural and medical background. Your physician will encourage you to ask questions all the time during your counseling session to learn more about your situation and to advise accordingly on the best treatment to follow.

During your consultation, you are encouraged to inform the physician about your medical history, your background, any therapy/ treatment you are following, or any recent incidents you have gone through.

Why is that important? to build trust, you must approach your physician openly and honestly, as you will be able to feel comfortable again knowing that your physician is someone who has your best interests at heart.

It’s okay to seek another professional advice if you feel that your physician does not have the necessary expertise or knowledge. You may choose another physician with who you will be more comfortable talking about your situation in this case.

When talking about therapy, treatment, or diagnosis, your doctor may use words that might not be familiar to you. In this case, do not hesitate to ask questions and clarify any doubts. You must understand what your physician is telling you and what they want you to do next. In many cases, some people might need the support of others during their consultation and, it’s okay to have a friend or a family member joining in if you feel that this will help.

What questions to ask before deciding on treatment?

• What’s my condition, and how severe is it?
• What are the treatment plans recommended, disadvantages, and costs?
• What happens if I don’t treat the condition?
• How long will the treatment last, and will I be fully recovered?

It’s common for doctors to prescribe medications for a mental health condition, ranging from antidepressants to antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. You will need to understand how to take these medications, for how long and what happens if you stop consuming them. It is highly advisable to inform your doctor before taking these medications about any underlying medical condition you might be having or medicines you are already taking to avoid any side effects.

As having troubles in your mental health could affect your lifestyle in many ways, you need to get the help needed to start the path of improving your health. Talk to your doctor about your condition or book a consultation with your healthcare provider.