Talking to your doctor about your mood disorder can be difficult. You may be afraid of being judged, dismissed, or stigmatized. You may also be worried about how your doctor will react.
However, it is important to remember that your doctor is there to help you and that they have seen many people with mood disorders before, and they understand what you are going through.
If you are not sure how to talk to your doctor about your mood disorder, keep reading for a few tips.
Research Your Condition
If you are planning to talk to your doctor about having a mood disorder, you likely suspect a specific disorder. If so, spend some time researching the condition and possible alternatives.
Having background knowledge of mood disorders can help you determine whether your diagnosis is correct. Unfortunately, doctors often misdiagnose patients at first, and many individuals receive multiple diagnoses before the doctor gets it right.
It is common for patients to self-diagnosis their mood disorder and be correct because they know the intimate details of the symptoms, which can be incredibly difficult to explain.
You can conduct research by reading about different symptoms, comparing symptoms, and watching video testimonials from people who have a diagnosis.
Pay Attention to Your Symptoms
Once you become aware of your symptoms, it can be helpful to track them over time. This will help you to see how your mood is changing in relation to what is happening in your life, which helps you identify any patterns and triggers.
Symptom tracking also helps with diagnosis. If your doctor can see a list of what you are experiencing from day to day, they can better understand the larger picture that is your condition.
It is important to add that sometimes, certain physical illnesses present themselves in a way that mimics a mood disorder and vice versa. Therefore, you should track physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, and nausea as well.
Choose The Right Time to Talk to Your Doctor
One of the not essential tips to follow when talking to your doctor about your mood disorder is to ensure you start the conversation at the right time. This means discussing your symptoms when you are mentally prepared to be vulnerable and ready to start treatment.
The treatment process can sometimes go faster or slower than one may expect. When an individual is not ready to combat their illness, they may not follow through with their treatment plan. It is common for people to be prescribed medications and not take them or schedule psychiatric visits and not show up because they weren't ready yet.
Be Honest With Your Doctor
Being honest with your doctor during your appointment is critical to receiving the correct diagnosis.
Often, patients minimize their symptoms out of fear that they will be judged, misunderstood, or even sent away to a psychiatric facility. However, you must remember that your doctor is no stranger to treating these types of disorders and pass no judgment upon their patients.
Additionally, patients are not recommended for psychiatric holds unless they are an immediate danger to themselves or others, and if they are, the temporary hold would ultimately be the best option regardless.
Be Open Minded
There are many reasons an individual may be close-minded when talking to their doctor. They may not agree with their diagnosis, the treatment, or the treatment plan timeline.
However, mood disorders are complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. What works for one person may not work for another.
Your doctor makes their diagnosis and treatment decisions based on the information you tell them in addition to your physical medical history. If you are not open to your doctor's advice, the treatment process may be a long and rocky journey.
Come Prepared for Treatment
Most individuals are given a treatment plan the same day their concerns are brought up. Mood disorders can progress quickly and cause severe emotional distress which is why the treatment may begin so suddenly.
Coming prepared for treatment means being ready to discuss medication options, therapy, and even having brain scans and blood work completed.
The most common treatment options include; intensive outpatient or inpatient therapy, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and medical marijuana (you can apply for your MMJ at MarijuanaDoctors.com).
Since you will likely walk out of your appointment with a prescription, you may want to conduct some research on each medication before your visit. If a patient has a preference of medications, your doctor will use your input when making a decision.
