Meeting a psychiatrist is like going to any doctor's office. You do not need to tell the psychiatrist everything from your childhood onwards.
Start with symptoms and problems that cause you distress. Use recent examples to describe your symptoms. Over time, you may discuss your past
and how it is connected to your current situation. You can decide what you want to discuss; full disclosure of your life isn't expected and
needed. It is important to give an approximate time frame of when you first noticed the symptoms. If it is difficult, ask people closest to
you when problems might have started. They may have noticed things you didn't. It doesn't have to be exact. Your psychiatrist may ask you
what you want from her after you have told her your story. This is your opportunity to say what you want from treatment.
Treatment for your psychiatric illness is in some way like treating a physical illness and will vary based on the symptoms
and situations. However, it is also highly individualized. Treatment isn't finalized during your first meeting with a psychiatrist
