What if I’m Scared to See a Psychiatrist?

Today I want to address some serious concerns people have about seeing a psychiatrist.

Many people have a fear of going to see a psychiatrist because mental illness and its treatment have an unfortunate stigma.

The stigma is due to the history of this country. In the past, we did not know what caused mental illness and that was scary to people. In some cultures, people who have mental health difficulties are given special roles such as seers and prophets. In other cultures, those with mental health difficulties are given roles within the community such that they are still useful and contribute.

However, in the past mainstream culture of the United States, we have not viewed those with mental illness in a positive light. People had great fear of others’ emotions and behaviors and often felt the cause was a personal weakness. In reaction to these fears, people were locked in facilities for long periods of time and often for longer than inpatient treatment was truly needed. Psychiatric treatment was even used as a vehicle to promote racist and misogynist agendas and inhumane treatment of others.

As such, not only did people with mental illness become stigmatized, but so was the field of psychiatry. It also has not helped that the media coverage of psychiatric treatment often misrepresents treatment methods.

We now know intellectually that mental illness is not due to a personal weakness. Also, the field of psychiatry improved its treatment of others greatly and is more knowledgeable about illnesses and how to provide effective treatment. Modern psychiatry is not what the media portrays in movies such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

However, culture and people’s opinions are generally slow to change, so the stigma of both mental illness and psychiatry remains. With all of that said, it is completely understandable to feel scared about going to a psychiatrist in our current culture.

So, how do we make people less scared to go to the psychiatrist for assistance when needed and desired? Having some information about what happens during a psychiatrist visit, often reduces the fear.

The first appointment with a psychiatrist is generally longer than the subsequent appointments and is about one hour to 90 minutes long. The session will either be in person in an office or virtually via video call.

The psychiatrist will listen to your current concerns with your mental health and ask clarifying questions without judgement in order to get to know you and how to best help you.

After the assessment, the psychiatrist will share with you their thoughts of any diagnoses and their recommendations for treatment.

Still feeling nervous? That is ok. My best advice to overcome or at least mitigate your fear of going to see a psychiatrist is to actually make an appointment and go.

If you are nervous to make the appointment on the phone, you can write yourself some talking points or a general script to feel more prepared. That way, if you get nervous you can look at your paper to remember what you wanted to say.

Have your calendar out and ready to view for scheduling. Also have your credit card ready if the psychiatrist requires a credit card on file for making appointments.

If calling is too stressful, you can see if the psychiatrist offers bookings online through their website.

When it comes to preparing for your appointment, you can have a list of questions you want to ask the psychiatrist so you do not forget. Also, if you have previous records from doctors regarding your physical or mental health, ask how you can transfer them to your psychiatrist prior to the appointment.

For the appointment, take a deep breath, relax, and remember that it is just a conversation. It is also ok to tell your doctor that you are feeling nervous and they should help you feel at ease.

There are options for virtual visits on video calls in order to reduce the stress of traffic, parking, and finding the location of the office.

If you would like me to put you at ease as your psychiatrist, please click on the “Book Appointment” button and schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me, Dr. Mills. 

Thanks for reading, have a great week, and remember, Mental Health is Freedom!

Dr. Mills is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Freedom Psychiatry, located in California. She focuses on achieving mental wellness using medication, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.