SHORT ANSWER
Bring a short checklist: list of current medicines and doses, a brief timeline of changes ("when it started, what changed"), your key questions, and the contact of someone you can call with your consent. If talking is hard — bring a written note instead of conversation; this is normal practice.
Why is that?
Why a medicine list: the doctor needs to see the full picture of intake — including over-the-counter products and supplements that are often "forgotten" to mention. Duplicate prescribing or drug interactions are one cause of side effects; a list saves time and reduces error risk.
Why a timeline matters: "when it started and what changed" helps distinguish an acute state from a chronic one, link symptoms with events (stress, illness, medicine changes) and understand the trend — this is the basis of diagnosis and tactic choice. Five lines at home save ten minutes at the appointment.
Why a written note is legitimate: in depression and anxiety talking can be physically hard; doctors are used to different formats of information delivery, and a note is not "oddness" but a way to convey what matters without loss. An emergency contact (with your consent) is part of safety, especially if the state is severe.
WHAT TO DO
- The day before the appointment: medicine list with doses; 5–7 lines of timeline; key questions.
- Decide in advance: will you come alone or with a close person (this is your right).
- If talking is hard at the appointment — simply hand over the note and say that this way is easier for you.