10 Tips to prepare your next visit to the doctor
Talking to your doctor can be a little daunting, so it is best to be prepared before your visit. To ensure you get the right treatment, you need to be able to have a good discussion about your illness, and how you feel. Below are '10 Tips' to help you prepare for your visit to the doctor and to 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 to consider if a different treatment would be suitable for you, especially if you are experiencing distressing side effects or you feel that your symptoms are not controlled.
6. Ask your doctor for information leaflets about your treatment and 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 mental illness don't forget about your physical health - you may, for example, need your blood pressure checked or to be weighed.
