Your first psychiatry appointment isn’t about being judged or “diagnosed on the spot.” Think of it less as a test or an evaluation, and more as the beginning of a conversation about you — what’s been happening, what you’ve been feeling, what you’re hoping for, and how the psychiatrist might be able to help you feel more like yourself again.

Taking this first step takes courage — and it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself. You should be proud of yourself for taking this step.