What will the first appointment be like?
The most important thing for any child or young person or family to know before attending an appointment, is that whoever you see at CAMHS wants to help you. It’s their job to try to find out as much as they can about you, your life and what’s been happening so that they can think about where best, who best and what's best to support you.
Remember - whether you’re a young person, child, parent or carer, no one is judging you, no matter what you tell us, no matter what’s been happening.
Below are 6 simple steps to help you, as a young person - and your family - prepare for your appointment.
Remember - whether you’re a young person, child, parent or carer, no one is judging you, no matter what you tell us, no matter what’s been happening.
Below are 6 simple steps to help you, as a young person - and your family - prepare for your appointment.
1.
Write down any questions you would like to ask about CAMHS. That can be anything at all. Will you tell my parents what I say? How many appointments will I have? Will you have to tell anyone else about anything I say? Will you contact my school?
2.
Write down as much as you can about what’s been happening recently? How you’ve been feeling and or behaving. Focus on the things that make you feel you need to come to CAMHS. For example, how your mood has been, how you’ve been sleeping, eating, whether you are still managing to do the things you always did such as seeing friends or enjoying hobbies.
3.
Write down anything else you feel it would be important for us to know. Even things that happened to you a while ago or when you were little because these can have an impact on how you’re doing now e.g. parents separating, moving house or school, bullying, any bereavement or the loss of someone you’ve cared about.
4.
Think about what might help you to get the most out of the session. If talking is difficult try writing things down. If you find the first appointment too tricky, would this feel better over a video appointment? Having a chat over the phone first? Whatever you think might help to make it okay for you to engage with us
5.
Spend a few days before the appointment thinking about and checking in on how you (or your child) are doing? We all feel different on different days. Be more aware of how you're doing day to day. Is every day the same? Are some days better than others? Are some situations better than others e.g. better at school, at home etc. Are some situations more difficult than others?
6.
Bring something with you that makes you feel comfortable. A toy or a teddy, something to fidget with, a book or magazine to read to distract yourself whilst you wait. The main thing is for you to feel comfortable.
