Seeking Advice on Seeing a Psychiatrist for the First Time

it is traumatic to revisit old trauma if you are not in the right head space. take small steps. you don’t have to go into any details, and personally i wouldn’t just yet, until after a few sessions and you have the right coping mechanisms to deal with reopening old wounds. it’s not easy. but if you give it time and take small steps, it will be easier. in my experience at least. i also feel that the more time that separates you from the incident will help you gain more perspective as you get older. but at the same time, the more time you go without receiving care the worse everything can get. like the anxiety, depression, insomnia, whatever it may be. i hope your visit goes well and you are able to start getting help. hang in there!

I would suggest to make plans to not be alone after your appointment. This could open up wounds and you will need a safe place or person that knows about the incident and you feel completely safe with. Praying all goes well. And GOOD FOR YOU on taking this step.

Be open but don't say or do anything that you don't want to do. My first psychiatrist forced me to revisit the event (to the best of my ability.) I got so triggered that I couldn't interact with the world around me. If you don't like your psychiatrist, you can always get another one. However, psychiatrists are great because a lot of primary doctors won't touch mental health medicine because they aren't trained enough.