what should i take to a psychiatrist?

June 23, 2007 7:07 AM

what should i take to a psychiatrist? i'm 33, have recently separated from work, never had a relationship and am seeing him for depression. i've had four sessions, and he's asking me to bring in things so he gets a better idea of who i am. i didn't think to ask what (i will) but i figure creative things eg: my folio with paintings/drawings/artwork is a start. what would you recommend?
posted by anonymous to health & fitness (14 comments total)

I am guessing that your decision of what "things" to bring in is kind of the point. Your choice of things will give some insight into what you feel is important in your life. Therefore... bring whatever you want.
posted by The Deej at 7:18 AM on June 23, 2007

some meaningful object that might have a story behind it; a keepsake from childhood; photos; a journal if you keep one (and feel comfortable sharing it)
posted by DarkForest at 7:45 AM on June 23, 2007

What The Deej said. Your choice of what items to bring in--and what items not to bring in--is significant. We cannot help you.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:50 AM on June 23, 2007

Hit post too soon..

Moreover, your difficulty in choosing something to bring is also significant. Be sure to mention it.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:50 AM on June 23, 2007

If your house was on fire, what would you grab on your way out? Take that.
posted by happyturtle at 8:03 AM on June 23, 2007

What's also significant is that you asked some people on the Internet for the answer to this question. You should probably mention that too. Especially if you take a suggestion proffered here, but I think you should try to figure it out on your own.
posted by grouse at 8:13 AM on June 23, 2007

I'm glad other people here are answering the way they are; I was afraid I would open this thread and find specific answers.

They're all exactly right. The doctor is trying to find out about you, OP, not about what others advise you to be.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 8:48 AM on June 23, 2007

What type of therapy are you in? If your psychiatrist provides cognitive-behavioral therapy, or similar types of therapy focused on the present day, it might be more helpful to bring in things that show who you are today. If you're in psychotherapy and more focused on the past and how you became who you are today, it might be helpful to bring in some items that you've kept that have been important over the years.

I agree with others that the psychiatrist probably made his request somewhat vague so that he'd see what you would bring, to see what you consider as things that define you.
posted by veronitron at 9:14 AM on June 23, 2007

Bring in:
-the most recent magazine or book you've read
-if you have any sort of statuette, bring that
-the main decorative item in your sitting room or bedroom
-the photos you most cherish
-a printout of this thread, with the answer highlighted as "best answer".
posted by Meatbomb at 9:59 AM on June 23, 2007

It doesn't matter what you bring in. What matters is your interpretation of those things.
posted by xammerboy at 11:39 AM on June 23, 2007

Print out a representative sample of your Metafilter comment history.
posted by nanojath at 12:06 PM on June 23, 2007 [1 favorite]

The objects themselves aren't the point. Shrinks want you to talk--take stuff you're going to want to talk about.

And not neutral talk either, if you follow me. In your place I could take a CD of some Haydn string quartets and talk the shrink's ear off about chamber music from pre-Bach to post-Elliott Carter without really revealing anything personal about myself, other than that I have an interest in the subject. Or I could bring in an old photo of my great grandfather who, according to family legend, chased my grandfather (age 12) off the farm for good at knifepoint in a drunken rage. That object would lead to talking about the personality kinks of my male relatives and eventually lead (probably with some prodding by the professional, that's why I'm paying him $xxx per hour) to discussing the personality kinks of yours truly.
posted by jfuller at 4:32 PM on June 23, 2007

And not neutral talk either, if you follow me. In your place I could take a CD of some Haydn string quartets and talk the shrink's ear off about chamber music from pre-Bach to post-Elliott Carter without really revealing anything personal about myself, other than that I have an interest in the subject.

Actually, that could prove to show an interesting facet of yourself: that you prefer to talk about your interests rather than anything about you directly. Even the way you approach your interests, and what aspects you focus on, speaks volumes.

"Girlosophy: Real Girls' Stories" feature short autobiographics from young women across the world. One story that stuck out was about this young girl who was obviously very headstrong and opinionated. She talked at length about this issue she was passionate in (I forgot what), yet she hardly said anything about herself. This was in direct contrast to all the other stories, which were a lot more personal. It made me feel like she tends to be secretive about herself, preferring to share her head rather than her heart.
posted by divabat at 8:54 PM on June 23, 2007

I agree you should choose items that have significance to you, personally. However, as someone who has a tough time making decisions like this, let me suggest a plan B. If the day of the appointment arrives and you haven't chosen anything, just walk through the house on your way out and grab the first thing that catches your eye.
posted by Clay201 at 9:45 PM on June 23, 2007