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10 Tips to prepare your next visit to the doctor

If you suspect you or a beloved one might be suffering from mental illness, going to see the doctor or a healthcare professional can be a big step. Ten tips for your first visit, can help you prepare and make seeing your doctor for the first time easier.

If you are one of the surprisingly high numbers of people diagnosed with mental illness, you will know how difficult living with mental illness can be, not only for yourself but also for friends and family.

The good news is that there is now a real chance of recovery for many conditions. A range of treatments is available to treat people with mental illness. These include modern medicines with far less severe side effects than those often seen in older drugs. The newer medicines can control your symptoms effectively and really improve your quality of life.

To ensure you get the treatment you need and reduce side effects as much as possible, talk to your doctor. However, talking to your doctor can be a little daunting. Preparing your next visit will make things easier.

10 Tips for your next visit to your doctor

1. Write down before your visit any questions you want to ask your doctor.



2. Take a notepad and pencil with you to jot down important information your doctor gives you.



3. You may find it's helpful to take someone else with you when you visit the doctor. The other person can remind you of questions to ask and can also make notes for you.



4. List any symptoms and side effects that you have experienced since last seeing the doctor. This will help the doctor to assess if your present treatment is working well, or not.



5. Ask your doctor if any of the newer treatments for your condition would be suitable for you, especially if you have had distressing side effects with older treatments.



6. Ask your doctor for information leaflets about your medication.



7. Many people find talking therapies beneficial - is this something your doctor thinks may be helpful for you?



8. Find out if there are support groups in your area for yourself.



9. Are there local support groups for your friends and family?



10. Even though you may be seeing your doctor about your disease don't forget about your physical health - you may, for example, need your blood pressure checked or to be weighed.

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