Community Conversation => Transitioning => Topic started by: MarioandSonic on June 20, 2016, 04:49:25 PM Return to Full Version
Title: NHS (UK) Psychiatric First Assessment
Post by: MarioandSonic on June 20, 2016, 04:49:25 PM
Post by: MarioandSonic on June 20, 2016, 04:49:25 PM
Hi,
For a long time I've been unsettled about being male and recently my feelings of "wanting to be a girl" have intensified. I went to see my GP and I've received an appointment for a "first assessment" with a consultant psychiatrist. I was wondering what to expect? I'm fairly introverted too so not always easy to explain everything and don't want them to take this as not being serious.
Also, what would people advise for making my appearance more feminine? I've been playing around with makeup but still got a lot to learn. Nothing too bold yet but enough to express myself.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyAetDvG.jpg&hash=ae1fbf506ab8f7144202dbad94dd6c4921b4b65c)
For a long time I've been unsettled about being male and recently my feelings of "wanting to be a girl" have intensified. I went to see my GP and I've received an appointment for a "first assessment" with a consultant psychiatrist. I was wondering what to expect? I'm fairly introverted too so not always easy to explain everything and don't want them to take this as not being serious.
Also, what would people advise for making my appearance more feminine? I've been playing around with makeup but still got a lot to learn. Nothing too bold yet but enough to express myself.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyAetDvG.jpg&hash=ae1fbf506ab8f7144202dbad94dd6c4921b4b65c)
Title: Re: NHS (UK) Psychiatric First Assessment
Post by: HoneyStrums on June 20, 2016, 05:31:01 PM
Post by: HoneyStrums on June 20, 2016, 05:31:01 PM
My first appointment was less about answering questions, and more about me telling them why I was there for the assessment. Actually I think that was the question. "Tell us about you, why are you here"
And for me the looking more feminine. I never realy bothered too much about it. I just focuss on wearing what I wanted. And worked on building up courage to go outside like that. First place I went to en fem as they say was my GP, a five minuet walk away. And didn't go out dressed again untill my psych appoinment. Then after that, it was going to m sisters.
But I got fed up with the constant changing, which was one of the major contributers to my comming out. I didn't want to have to change. So I stopped.
My advise is. Is find your style. Then work on courage presenting it. No rush, no pressure.
And for me the looking more feminine. I never realy bothered too much about it. I just focuss on wearing what I wanted. And worked on building up courage to go outside like that. First place I went to en fem as they say was my GP, a five minuet walk away. And didn't go out dressed again untill my psych appoinment. Then after that, it was going to m sisters.
But I got fed up with the constant changing, which was one of the major contributers to my comming out. I didn't want to have to change. So I stopped.
My advise is. Is find your style. Then work on courage presenting it. No rush, no pressure.
Title: Re: NHS (UK) Psychiatric First Assessment
Post by: V M on June 20, 2016, 05:42:25 PM
Post by: V M on June 20, 2016, 05:42:25 PM
Hi MarioandSonic :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Here's a few quick links to help you along
Please be sure to review
Hugs
V M
Welcome to Susan's :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Here's a few quick links to help you along
Please be sure to review
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
Reputation rules (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Hugs
V M
Title: Re: NHS (UK) Psychiatric First Assessment
Post by: Peep on June 21, 2016, 09:36:14 AM
Post by: Peep on June 21, 2016, 09:36:14 AM
If you don't feel safe or comfortable going dressed, if the psych asks just tell them you don't feel safe. They can't expect you to turn up already transitioned - otherwise you wouldn't be there in the first place
If you're on the NHS, the psychiatric assessment (as in mental health and not a specialist GIC) isn't actually a requirement -- they can't deny you a referral to a specialist gender identity clinic. So don't worry too much about 'passing' this stage, but try and make use of the time. Talk about what you want to talk about, not what you think that they want. And you don't have to answer questions that feel invasive. Ask what clinic you've been referred to, and call them a couple of weeks afterwards to check that they got your referral.
If you're on the NHS, the psychiatric assessment (as in mental health and not a specialist GIC) isn't actually a requirement -- they can't deny you a referral to a specialist gender identity clinic. So don't worry too much about 'passing' this stage, but try and make use of the time. Talk about what you want to talk about, not what you think that they want. And you don't have to answer questions that feel invasive. Ask what clinic you've been referred to, and call them a couple of weeks afterwards to check that they got your referral.