- How did you get help?
Around this time last year, after doing a bit of research I realized thefeelings I was feeling weren't normal, even though I was going through puberty. I told my mother, who just kept putting it off, and my dad simply thought I was "that age" After nearly around 7 months of convincing, mom finally realized I needed help and got me an appointment with my family doctor. He had refferred me to a counselor, but it would have been 4 months until they got back to us. One night I was rushed to the ER because mom had seen my legs, which I had torn apart. That was when I truly started getting help because they realized it wasn't to be put off any longer
- What happened on your first appointment?
My first appt. with my family doctor - He asked me some basic questions like how long I have been feeling this way. He prescribed me Zoloft and Ativane (spelling?) then he told me to come back weekly
Trip to the ER- After waiting and hour in the waiting room I was sent into a room with no windows, simply a door, bed and a chair. Yup the crazy room, fun right? A doctor came in, asked to see the cuts, asked me questions, then tried to keep me over night. After some convincing they decided to get me to come back in the morning and talk to a phyciatrist. When I came back, the physciatrist asked me a ton of questions, some I weren't sure why she was asking but there must have been a reason.
Counseling- this was probably the appointment I was mostscared of but it didn't turn out bad at all. Once again she asked lots of questions like "When did you first notice your symptoms, how often do they accur, do you ever have suicidal thoughts, etc. then they ask about you past, and if you aren't comfortable answering one of the questions, you don't have to
- How often are / were your appointments?
At first I had appointments with a counselor once a week, and with my family doctor every two weeks, and physiciatrist ever 3 weeks.
- How long did they last?
About an hour with the counselor and physiciatrist and 20 minutes with my family doctor
- What advice can you give to anybody that is anxious about visiting a counsellor / their first appointment?
It's not half as bad as you think! They try their hardest to make you feel comfortable and won't make you do anything you don't want to. They show you there is light at the end of the tunnel and answer any questions you ask, don't be nervous, I'm sure most people are nervous before their first appointment but it really isn't that bad. If you have more questions,
PM (: