Advocating for My Health: Getting My Doctor to Listen

My current GP has a similar attitude. Even though I have been diagnosed by a specialist and put on the disability pension for ME. But I decided to go along with him putting me on citalopram. He sold it to me as a drug that helps chronic fatigue by stimulating my adrenal glands. But it is technically an antidepressant.

When I had COVID I got extreme fatigue that I believe was similar to chronic fatigue (although thankfully it passed after a month). It felt really physically and emotionally different to the type of fatigue that comes with my depression.

Chronic pain, various medications, cause fatigue as well as many other things, I don't know how often you get migraines but when I get mine I often have days worth of worse fatigue after them. Definitely get another opinion as it sounds like it's been getting worse over time which isn't normal no matter what is causing it.

My anti anxiety/depression meds make me sleepy. So do my otc allergy meds. Look for a different doctor. Maybe a neurologist? Nutrition can be a factor, same with hydration. There us no one solution for most people. I hope you can find someone to help

Have you done a PHQ-9 screening recently? Any mental health office should do them at every clinical visit and every so often from your therapist. It's a screening tool for depression and is really really easy to fill out. Explain to them explicitly (but nicely too, etc.) that you feel that you are not being heard and that you feel your medical needs are not being met. Write down a list of specific questions you want the answers to and DO NOT let them blow you or your questions off with a single flippant remark.

I second that 👆🏻. Get a second opinion. Or third. Or fourth. You should never have to put up with a doctor that dismisses you instead of listening to your concerns