Struggling to Get Medical Help with Mental Illness

I’m such you were not in so much pain* sorrys

Yes but I’m sure you were in this much pain when you moved it, this situation has changed but even if you talk to them on the phone she might be able to help it’s worth a shot just to call. I know how you feel I do this too. It is easier said than done but hopefully they can help somehow. ❤️

Honestly my blood pressure gets even higher when I get stressed and taking the bus makes me so anxious. I’m scared to do that and like pass out or something. Also my doctor is in a different town and the bus won’t go there. I’ve had chronic pain for like 11 years and doctors can’t figure out what it is. Most of the time I’m told it’s anxiety, my weight, or I’m making it up. I don’t think this is related to my chronic pain, but it hurts. I’m wearing compression socks, putting my foot up, resting as much as I can, taking aspirin, and trying to eat healthier. I think I can message my doctor on the app with my health records. I just don’t know how I’d get there. I had to reschedule my last appointment and I feel so bad if I’d try to make my appointment sooner after rescheduling for later

You are not the problem, don’t let that in. I have thought the same thoughts and it’s not a healthy mentality. No one should have to suffer the symptoms you are having. Asking for help is seriously scary and takes an extra strength of humility. It gets tiring and extermly discouraging getting told the same thing when asking for help and constantly fighting. Take today to relax a little, if you can, regain some emotional strength and get a small game plan down. Maybe some of the things that can apart of your game plan for tomorrow can be 1. Message your doctor your symptoms, if they are in mychart or have an email 2. Call your docs office and ask for the doc to call you. 3. See how much an Uber would be to an urgent care or new hospital. I wish I could be more helpful but this is the best I got. Praying for you

Thank you guys. I feel like I’m the problem and I’m tired of reaching out for help and not being taken seriously. It’s still getting worse but I’m so scared to ask for help. I don’t drive and my only ride works every week day. My doctor is in a different town. Idk how I’d get there now. I feel so discouraged from getting help that I kinda just want to stay at home and let this kill me. I don’t know if it’s bad enough to actually kill me, but it seems like it might. I’m just tired of fighting

What I would at this point is two things 1. Don’t even mention the mental health issues even if they ask in the ER, just convuludes the story 2. Go to an ER you haven’t been to before. I’m not sure how many you have in your area. For me there are several within an hour of my house. 3. Just start calling different PCP docs and tell the front desk your situation to see if they can get an apt for you ASAP. 4. Ask your other doc if you can speak with her on the phone and on the phone call just tell her what’s going on. She might be able to push squeeze you in if she knows what’s going on. 5. Ditch the ER for an urgent care one day and see if they get further. Hope this helps

So sorry this happened. I used to fear it too but honestly too much has happened to my physical health this year for me to be afraid of them anymore. You have to be firm and in my case I let them know I am treated for my anxiety and have been for years. I try to come with facts, and get more info on what I think I have or exactly how to describe the symptoms so I could make sure they know it’s that, and not symptoms of my disorder

That sounds terrible - I see you said you are seeing your primary in February? Did you try to tell them what is going on I’d give it a shot tomorrow tell them you went to the ER and were sent home and your symptoms are getting worse. Tell them you need help asap I would be freak out if it was me honestly so don’t feel bad about it. I always get scared trying to ask for help but at this point you need to reach out I think. You shouldn’t have to suffer! If she won’t see you which I really hope she will; maybe an urgent care office is an idea too? What you are feeling is valid.

Exactly. Mines still getting worse. I know this isn’t anxiety but the doctor didn’t believe me. I took my temp and it’s 96, but the temp of my swollen foot is in the 60s. The doc told me just to wear socks. I hate socks but I’ve been using multiple blankets and that’s not helping. My left foot isn’t the same color as my right one. The swelling and coldness is slowly going up my leg

It has been so hard to get md apts lately… the pandemic is hitting everywhere hard as we can all see on the lovely news. I need to find a new rheumatologist and I was even told by a place that they do not treat fibromyalgia and I was told by places to call back or wait months to see anyone. When you are in pain and need help what are you to do?

The soonest opening my doctor has is in February. I already have an appointment with her. I can only get in to see her every few months and I always go in with even more problems

I’d recommend seeing your actual doctor or messaging them your concerns via a portal or email or whatever your means of contact are. Tell them your symptoms and what they recommend you doing. They may even try to get you in for an appointment if it seems urgent enough. If it’s not an absolute emergency, don’t go to the er. They’re backed up as it is with covid patients. Plus, they aren’t equipped to handle chronic pain patients.

Thank you guys. I wasn’t going to mention my mental health problems but the doctor asked. Plus I’ve been to this er for mental health stuff so it’s probably in the system. If this was just anxiety, my symptoms would be getting better by now but they’re getting worse. I can’t even stand long enough to brush my teeth without having to sit down and try not to pass out or vomit

I totally relate! I always mention mental health issues last, if at all. If it’s not relevant to your ER visit you don’t have to tell them especially if you suspect they won’t take you seriously. I work in healthcare and I can tell you from personal experience ER staff are especially prone to being jaded and cynical (and for good reason - many have untreated trauma and mental health issues themselves from their work. Working the ER is no joke) and it results in not taking patients seriously sometimes. Keep fighting to get what you need! There are good staff out there who do listen and want to do right by you.

I’m so sorry to hear that! I had such similar experiences I was told pretty much the same thing! 😥

Update: I’m headed home from the er now. The male doctor told me I’m not pregnant and it’s not a uti so I’m fine. I went in for a swollen, purple foot and really high blood pressure.

good luck love, let us know how it goes

Sending you well wishes! I know it is so so hard but I hope you get the help you very much deserve.

I’m at the emergency room. I’ve been in the waiting room for over an hour now. My symptoms are getting worse and it seems like no one cares. Idk why I’m posting this here. I just feel so alone. My blood pressure is so high the blood pressure cuff left multiple bruises on my arm

It is really hard to be taken seriously and if it is either your health or Mental health it shouldn’t matter - if you are in pain any kind you deserve to feel better! I was in the hospital not long ago myself and I had to go back 2 times in 24 hours to be taken seriously it was terrible.. but I went back and persisted and got help

For me, I had to get mean. Something is wrong with your body and it's their job to help as best they can. You deserve the care