What do psychiatrists do?

What To Expect From A Psychiatrists Appointment?

• I am depressed. I cut myself. I sleep too much or sometimes I am restless. I hate myself. I feel empty and sad all the time. Every day it is a hassle to wake up. I am doing worse in school. I have lost interest in my sports/activities. I would rather be alone. I cry every day. I don't care if I die. I even made plans for suicide before college. Currently, I am 17 and a junior in high school. I am nervous about going to the psychiatrist. What will go down? Will they diagnose me on the first visit? Prescribe me with pills?

• Answer:

  Usually the first session is a "get to know you" session where they will ask you a lot of questions about yourself so they can try and get a good understanding of who you are and what you're feeling and what your issues are. Diagnosis/treatment may start the first session if the doc feels like they have enough info, or it might not be until the next session. Don't stress about it, it's easy.