Before I get into this, I'd just like to say I know some people may have had positive experiences when seeking medical help for their mental health, however, there are people who may struggle when going to the doctors for a number of reasons. This post is going to explore the more negative side of seeking professional help and how to overcome that.
Two years is how long it took for me to receive the right care for my mental illness from the first doctor's appointment I went to regarding my mental health. During my first appointment, I explained I was experiencing a strange form of a panic attack that felt like Dejavu initially, quickly spiraling into what felt like complete dread. I was put on antidepressants that gave me severe side effects and contributed to the worst state of depression I have ever experienced.
From here my doctor changed doses and swapped antidepressants to find something that would help. Unfortunately, nothing was working. I explained to two different doctors multiple times that I felt I may be struggling with a mood disorder, due to periods of feeling elated, and like I could do anything I wanted, followed by stints of feeling worthless and empty. This fell on deaf ears and one doctor went as far as to say "you're not Bipolar, Bipolar people are dangerous"...
After spending two years seeing the doctor to be treated for depression and anxiety, despite me expressing my concern this was something different, I finally went to see a private psychiatrist. Within an hour of speaking to me, he told me I was dealing with Bipolar Type 2 and traits of Borderline Personality Disorder. It had taken all this time and support from my family to finally be at a point where I had a clear idea of what the problem was and how to move forward. My doctor, however, unfortunately, played no part in this big step forward.
Going to the doctor can be a daunting task, especially when you have to talk about feeling unwell mentally as nobody can see what you're feeling. Being met with a blank stare, being fobbed off with medication, or not having your concerns acknowledged can make this even harder and that is why I have taken the time to compile a list of things you can do when you feel like your Doctor isn't taking you seriously.
Advocate
Advocating for yourself is possibly the hardest thing to do when you're struggling with poor mental health, but it is key when it comes to dealing with professionals. Professionals, such as your doctor, sadly can't read your mind and can only go off what you give them to help treat you. This means you have to be really honest, which can be difficult. If you find it hard to advocate for yourself you could;
Write down your problems (this way you can just show or read it in your appointment)
Ask somebody to advocate for you (a trusted family member, friend or partner, etc.)
Prepare what you need to get across in your appointment beforehand
Take somebody you trust to your appointment with you for moral support
Don't be afraid to be firm
All of the above can help you to feel more comfortable expressing yourself openly in your appointment and will help you to be heard by your professional.
Trust your instincts
If you feel something is wrong and your doctor doesn't acknowledge this, it can impact you and make you question whether something really is wrong. This is when you need to trust yourself. You know yourself, especially better than your doctor does. You're with yourself 24/7, your doctor sees you for 15 minutes. If you feel something is wrong, you have to stick to your guns and work towards being heard and treated accordingly.
Be Persistent
This is a big one. As I previously stated, it's hard to be met with ignorance when seeking help, so to do this over and over again is not desirable. If you have to continue making your point and expressing your concerns, do it. Keep going until you're happy with the outcome. I know it's easier said than done, and that's why I wanted to share how long it took me to get to the point I'm at now. It took time, patience, and a lot of persistence on my part, even when I didn't want to fight anymore. It will get better. You will get there!
Get a second opinion
If your professional isn't taking your concerns seriously, you're well within your rights to ask for a second opinion. Whether that's seeing another doctor, asking to be referred to a psychiatrist, or paying to see one privately. Explore your options and take the right route for you. Sometimes all it takes is to speak to the right person.
Seeking help can be difficult, especially when you have to talk about what's going on inside your head, but just know you're not alone and it's okay to accept help. You are worthy of help and worthy of recovery.
Thank you so much for being here. Please feel free to follow me on Instagram (@_thebword__) or get in touch via the contact form below.
Lots of love,
Tilly x
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
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