Ask a specialist
Questions for a specialist
We do not give personal consultations. But this guide can help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor or psychotherapist by suggesting what to tell them and what to ask. A well-put question saves time at the appointment and helps the specialist better understand what is going on with you.
At an appointment you don't need to find the right words. It is enough to say honestly what has changed and what is getting in the way of your life.
How this section works: the questions are meant for your own doctor or psychotherapist. We do not answer on the specialist's behalf; we only suggest what you can talk about to make the appointment more useful.
About sleep
Why do I sleep badly even though I'm exhausted?
Tell them when the problems started, how you fall asleep, whether you wake up at night and how you feel during the day. The doctor will assess what it might be related to and suggest what to do next.
How much sleep do I personally need?
For good health, adults are advised to regularly sleep 7 hours or more, and your doctor can take into account your health and work.
Can poor sleep be related to my mood?
Ask about it directly. Sleep and wellbeing often affect each other, and a specialist will help you understand your situation.
About anxiety and mood
Is what I'm feeling normal?
Describe in your own words what is happening, for how long and how much it gets in the way. The specialist will not judge you: their job is to understand whether you need help and what kind.
Do I need any tests?
Sometimes feeling this way has physical causes. The doctor will decide whether you need tests or consultations with other specialists.
Who should I see next?
If your primary care doctor thinks you need a specialist, ask exactly which one and how to make an appointment.
What should I do if I get worse before my next appointment?
Ask where to go in that case and write it down. If you feel very bad, don't wait for your next visit.
About treatment
What kinds of help are possible in my case?
Ask them to explain the possible options, what each involves and how much time it may take. The decision is made together with you.
How will I know the help is working?
Ask what changes to expect and what to do if there are none.
Can I combine treatment with work and my usual life?
Tell them about your schedule and workload. The doctor will tell you what to take into account.
What should I say if something makes me doubtful?
Talk about your doubts openly: unpleasant sensations, fears, difficulty following recommendations. Do not change or stop prescribed treatment on your own; discuss it with your doctor first.
What to bring to your appointment
- Notes on what is bothering you and since when
- A list of everything you take, including what other doctors have prescribed
- Medical records and reports if you have already sought help
- Your own questions, written down in advance
Related sections
- Approaches
Who primary care doctors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are, how to prepare for a visit and how to support someone.
- Prevention
Simple everyday habits: sleep, movement, daylight, staying in touch, breaks, less news and seeing a doctor in good time.
- Glossary
Words from conversations about mental health in plain language, from stress and anxiety to sleep hygiene and helplines.
- Stress (in Russian)
Archived page: how to notice tension, what helps in everyday life and when it is time to see a specialist.
Sources
- WHO: Depression fact sheet
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine: recommended amount of sleep for adults (2015)
This guide draws on the WHO guidelines on physical activity, the WHO fact sheet on depression and the recommendations on sleep duration for adults as they were available at the time of writing. Recommendations are refined over time, so questions about your own health are best discussed with a doctor.