Seeking help for psychological problems is not an easy decision for some. A number of people view the need for emotional help as a sign of weakness.

Service members worry about losing a secret clearance or being forced into a different occupational specialty.

That's rarely, if ever, the case. But stereotypes about mental health treatment make it important to be informed about what happens when you seek the services of a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. That's why I recommend you come prepared with a list of questions at your first session.

If you're the type who might either forget or for whatever reason won't write down a few questions prior to your first appointment, I've answered a few of the more common ones for you.

What is my diagnosis? I'm amazed at how many patients are referred to me for medication but are unaware of their own diagnosis. Although you can argue that diagnostic labels are superficial and demeaning, they do provide a "jumping off" point to have a discussion about what you can expect regarding prognosis, treatment and quality of life.

How long will I need to be in therapy? Before managed care dominated the insurance industry, people would stay in therapy for years. Not only was this expensive, but in most cases it was unnecessary. Therapy can last for six, nine or even 12 months. But for most disorders, even post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment can be completed in as few as 12 weeks. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the disorder, motivation of the patient and competence of the therapist.

What are the side effects of the medication? They vary depending on the medication. Those used to treat depression and PTSD that influence the brain chemical serotonin can cause stomach upset, insomnia, irritability and sexual problems in men and women. Sleep medications can lead to memory loss, next-day grogginess, and loss of balance and coordination, which may cause accidents.

How long will I need to take the medication? The general belief is that someone who successfully recovers from a first episode of clinical depression should take medication from six to 12 months after the symptoms disappear. If this is not the person's first episode of depression, the medication may need to be taken for years. The same goes for anxiety and PTSD, with some exceptions. Sleep medications are intended to be used for a short time — a few weeks to a few months.

The adage "knowledge is power" is quite true when it comes to getting mental health treatment. Do some research, ask some questions and be a better consumer of behavioral health care.

Bret A. Moore, Psy.D., is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. Email him at kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance.

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