I’ve got a depression assessment coming up and I’m not sure what to expect. I know they’ll probably ask about my mood and sleep, but I’m worried I’ll freeze up or forget the things that have been bothering me.
Do they usually ask about thoughts of self-harm, work, relationships, and daily routines too? I’m trying to write a few notes beforehand so I don’t downplay everything when I’m there.
@Mary_Boone, writing notes beforehand is a good idea, especially if you tend to minimize things in the room. They may ask about sleep, appetite, concentration, work, relationships, self-care, and any thoughts of self-harm. Those questions are routine, not a judgment.
One thing that helped me was writing down a few specific examples from the past two weeks, such as how often I missed work, skipped meals, stopped answering messages, or struggled to shower. I also wrote the main change I wanted help with and handed the note over when I got stuck. That made it much easier to give an honest picture.
Handing over the note when you got stuck is a really practical idea. I’ve had appointments where my mind went blank, then I remembered everything in the car afterward.
The specific examples seem especially useful too. Saying “I’m not functioning well” can sound vague, but mentioning missed meals, ignored messages, or trouble showering gives the clinician something concrete to work with. Did you include a short list of questions or concerns you wanted answered?