Preparing for an appointment

Your first appointment may be with your family doctor, another health care provider, a school nurse or a counselor. But because self-injury often requires specialized mental health care, you may be referred to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

Be ready to provide accurate, thorough and honest information about your situation and your self-injuring behavior. You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible, for support and to help you remember information.

What you can do

To help prepare for your appointment, make a list of:

• Symptoms you've had, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
• Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you're taking, including the dosages
• Questions to ask your doctor

Questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What treatments are available? Which do you recommend for me?
• What side effects are possible with that treatment?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• Are there medications that might help? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
• What should I do if I have an urge to self-injure between therapy sessions?
• What else can I do to help myself?
• How can I (or those around me) recognize that things may be getting worse?
• Can you suggest resources that would help me learn more about my condition and its treatment?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did you first begin harming yourself?
• What methods do you use to harm yourself?
• How often do you cut or injure yourself?
• What feelings and thoughts do you have before, during and after self-injury?
• What seems to trigger your self-injury?
• What makes you feel better? What makes you feel worse?
• Do you have social networks or relationships?
• What emotional issues are you facing?
• How do you feel about your future?
• Have you had previous treatment for self-injury?
• Do you have suicidal thoughts when you're feeling down?
• Do you drink alcohol or use tobacco or recreational drugs?

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.