What Does a Psychiatrist Actually Do?

For many people, the idea of seeing a psychiatrist can feel a little daunting.

You might wonder what will happen in the appointment, what you'll be asked, or whether seeing a psychiatrist means that something is seriously wrong with you.

You might even think:

“Surely I'm not that unwell.”
“I should be able to manage this myself.”
“What will they think of me?”
“I don't even know what I'm supposed to say.”

These are all understandable concerns.  But seeing a psychiatrist doesn't mean you've failed, you're “crazy” or that you're somehow different from everyone else.  A psychiatrist is simply a medical doctor who specialises in mental health, and their role is to understand what you're experiencing, work with you to understand what might be contributing to it, and help you find the right support.

You don't have to be in crisis to see a psychiatrist

One of the biggest misconceptions about psychiatry is that you only need to see a psychiatrist if you're severely unwell.  That's not the case.  People see psychiatrists for many different reasons.

You might be experiencing:

• Anxiety that is becoming difficult to manage
• Depression or persistent low mood
• Problems with sleep
• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted
• Changes in mood
• Difficulty concentrating or functioning day to day
• Trauma-related symptoms
• Problems with alcohol or other substances
• Thoughts that are becoming difficult to manage
• A mental health condition that isn't responding to your current treatment
• Changes in your mental health during a significant life transition

Sometimes people have been struggling for months or even years before they finally seek help.  You don't have to wait until things become unbearable.

What actually happens when you see a psychiatrist?

Your first appointment is usually about getting to know you.  Your psychiatrist may ask about what has been happening recently, how you're feeling and how your mental health is affecting your everyday life.  They may ask about:

• Your current symptoms
• Your sleep and energy
• Your mood and anxiety
• Your relationships and circumstances
• Your physical health
• Previous experiences with mental health
• Any medications you're taking
• Alcohol or other substance use
• Your family and personal history
• What you would like help with

It can feel like a lot of questions, but there is a reason for them.  Your psychiatrist is trying to understand the whole picture, rather than simply focusing on one symptom.

You don't need to know what's wrong

You don't need to arrive at your appointment with a diagnosis.  You don't need to know whether you're experiencing depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma or something else.  You don't even need to know exactly how to explain how you're feeling.

You can simply say:

“I haven't been feeling like myself.”

Or:

“I'm struggling and I don't know what's wrong.”

That's enough to start the conversation.  Your psychiatrist can help you make sense of what you're experiencing.

A psychiatrist won't judge you

It can be incredibly difficult to talk about things you may never have told anyone before. You might be embarrassed about your thoughts, worried about what someone will think or afraid that you'll be judged.  Mental health professionals hear people talk about difficult experiences every day.  Their role isn't to judge you, t's to listen, understand and help.  You don't have to pretend you're doing better than you are.  In fact, being honest about what you're experiencing gives your psychiatrist the best chance of understanding what support might be helpful.

What can a psychiatrist help with?

Psychiatrists can assess and treat a wide range of mental health conditions.  Depending on your individual circumstances, they may provide:

• Assessment and diagnosis
• Medication advice and management
• Psychological and therapeutic support
• Treatment planning
• Recommendations for other health professionals or services
• Support during periods of significant mental health difficulty
• Ongoing monitoring and review

Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can also consider how your physical health, medications and other medical factors may be affecting your mental health.

Will I automatically be prescribed medication?

No.  Medication is just one of the treatment options that may be considered.  Whether medication is appropriate depends on your symptoms, circumstances, preferences, previous treatment and the assessment of your psychiatrist.  Your appointment is a conversation, not a commitment to a particular treatment.  A good treatment plan should be something you understand and have the opportunity to discuss with your treating professional.

What if I don't like talking about my feelings?

You don't have to be good at it or have to have everything neatly explained.  Sometimes it can actually be easier to start by talking about what's happening in your everyday life:

“I can't sleep.”

“I've stopped enjoying things.”

“I'm struggling to get through work.”

“I'm constantly worried.”

“I don't recognise myself anymore.”

Those details can tell your psychiatrist a lot.  Do not feel self conscious if you become emotional during the appointment, that's okay too.  

Seeing a psychiatrist doesn't define you

You are not your diagnosis oryour symptoms.  Seeing a psychiatrist isn't a label that defines who you are, it's simply one way of accessing professional support when you're finding things difficult.

Just as you might see a cardiologist when you have concerns about your heart, a psychiatrist is a medical specialist who helps with mental health.  There is nothing shameful about needing support.

Taking the first step can be the hardest part

Sometimes people spend months telling themselves they'll make an appointment when things settle down.  But life doesn't always settle down on its own.  If you've noticed that something has changed, maybe you're not sleeping or you're constantly anxious, your mood has dropped, you're withdrawing from people or you're simply not feeling like yourself -  it's okay to ask for help.  You don't have to wait until you're in crisis and don't have to have all the answers.  You don't have to feel embarrassed about reaching out.

You deserve to feel better, and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

If you're considering seeing a psychiatrist, start by talking with your GP or another trusted healthcare professional about what you're experiencing. They can help you understand your options and whether a psychiatric assessment may be appropriate for you.  Sometimes the first step towards feeling better is simply saying “I'm not okay, and I'd like some help.”