sam
07-13-2007, 07:19 PM
Good communication is essential to your relationship with your treatment provider, whether it's your therapist, doctor or psychiatrist. It's not always easy to ask questions, but it's possible to learn how.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Preparation is essential. Before your appointment, write a list of all questions and concerns you have. Between appointments, keep a sheet of paper to write down questions as they come to you.
If you can't put a concern into question form, don't be afraid to discuss it. Just start with, "I don't understand why..." or something along those lines.
Keep a record of how you're doing: the good and the bad. This may include side effects, new symptoms, and progress.
Make sure all of your health providers are aware of your total treatment, including medications, the other health providers, and self-help methods.
Don't hesitate to bring someone with you. If it helps you feel less anxious to have a friend or loved one with you, then do it.
At the appointment, allow your treatment provider to direct the conversation. The provider has in mind what needs to be accomplished and will talk to you accordingly.
Take notes during the appointment. Don't be embarrassed about doing this -- it's your health! If possible, tape-record the meeting (you must ask to do this first).
Be honest with your provider. Your provider needs to know everything about your treatment. It may be difficult, for example, to report embarrassing medication side effects, but you need to do it.
Try to be as clear as possible when talking. If anxiety makes you wander a bit when talking, let your provider know. Work together on sharing the information each of you needs.
Although you will allow the provider to direct the conversation, there should be time for you to ask questions and address concerns, if you haven't already.
At the end of your appointment, be sure you are clear about what happens next. Is your medication being changed? Do you have a plan for therapy (or homework)? When is your next appointment?
Tips:
If you feel you cannot communicate with your provider, it may be time to seek another. Be sure, first, that your current provider understands your concerns. It may be possible to fix the problem.
Your provider does not have answers for everything. If the provider can't answer a question, he or she might consult someone or give you a referral.
Stay informed about your own condition and available treatments. Do not hesitate to discuss new discoveries with your provider.
thanks,
sam.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Preparation is essential. Before your appointment, write a list of all questions and concerns you have. Between appointments, keep a sheet of paper to write down questions as they come to you.
If you can't put a concern into question form, don't be afraid to discuss it. Just start with, "I don't understand why..." or something along those lines.
Keep a record of how you're doing: the good and the bad. This may include side effects, new symptoms, and progress.
Make sure all of your health providers are aware of your total treatment, including medications, the other health providers, and self-help methods.
Don't hesitate to bring someone with you. If it helps you feel less anxious to have a friend or loved one with you, then do it.
At the appointment, allow your treatment provider to direct the conversation. The provider has in mind what needs to be accomplished and will talk to you accordingly.
Take notes during the appointment. Don't be embarrassed about doing this -- it's your health! If possible, tape-record the meeting (you must ask to do this first).
Be honest with your provider. Your provider needs to know everything about your treatment. It may be difficult, for example, to report embarrassing medication side effects, but you need to do it.
Try to be as clear as possible when talking. If anxiety makes you wander a bit when talking, let your provider know. Work together on sharing the information each of you needs.
Although you will allow the provider to direct the conversation, there should be time for you to ask questions and address concerns, if you haven't already.
At the end of your appointment, be sure you are clear about what happens next. Is your medication being changed? Do you have a plan for therapy (or homework)? When is your next appointment?
Tips:
If you feel you cannot communicate with your provider, it may be time to seek another. Be sure, first, that your current provider understands your concerns. It may be possible to fix the problem.
Your provider does not have answers for everything. If the provider can't answer a question, he or she might consult someone or give you a referral.
Stay informed about your own condition and available treatments. Do not hesitate to discuss new discoveries with your provider.
thanks,
sam.