Search Results for: blog does your doctor not understand mental illness

When the Doctor Won’t Listen

I’ve heard this story far too many times than I care to count. Doctors dismissing a parent’s gut feeling that something isn’t quite right with their child. Whether he isn’t gaining weight, he isn’t reaching milestones, or he is always sick, some pediatricians pass these symptoms off as normal or temporary behavior and the parent’s instincts as an overreaction. If you are one of the thousands of parents who suspects your child has an undiagnosed condition but your child’s doctor won’t hear your cries, what can you do? 1 Get a second opinion. Doctors aren’t all knowing and when it … Continue reading →

Does Your Doctor Think You Are A Hypochondriac?

There certainly exists a disorder involving the belief that you are suffering from illnesses that you aren’t. It’s called hypochondriasis and there is also an associated illness called somatization disorder. Fortunately, both conditions are quite rare. Therefore most people who go to the doctor with a physical ailment that concerns them need either a positive diagnosis that they can work with or reassurance that there is nothing to be concerned about. However, if your file should include a diagnosis of a mental illness, all that may change. Unless you have a reasonable doctor, many of the physical conditions you may … Continue reading →

Does Your Doctor Not Understand Mental Illness?

I am often frustrated when one of my clients goes to see their doctor for a physical ailment and is basically dismissed, or at best, condescended to, simply because they have a record of mental illness, either past or present. It seems that once you have suffered from depression or anxiety, or worse still, one of the major mental illnesses, every little twinge, whether it be in your stomach or your big toe, is often put down to a symptom of mental illness. Yes, they will tell you that “It’s all in your mind, dear.” I once had a patient … Continue reading →

“I Feel Like I’m Falling Apart.” 8 Ways to Cope with Overwhelming Stress

Anyone who has parented a special needs child understands it’s an all-consuming responsibility. As parents (and especially mothers) we have a tendency to pour our whole heart and soul into the special care of our son or daughter. Our instinct to nurture takes over, and we expect to be the “rescuer” who will make everything all better. We run ourselves ragged. We worry; we agonize. We don’t eat right and get enough sleep. And this eventually causes stress to overwhelm our bodies. Stress Took Over My Life In a previous blog I wrote about my own personal battle with stress … Continue reading →

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (3)

In this blog, we continue with looking at how postpartum depression affects the mother, her partner and family and friends as discussed in Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1) and (2). Antidepressant medication may or may not be required, depending on medical advice. Whether medication is indication or not, there will be periods where the new mother is well and functioning, and other times when the old symptoms return. This is normal. As previously discussed, household help will be required so that the mother can turn her limited resources towards the baby. She will also need time out from her … Continue reading →

Should Your Child Participate in a Study?

Now that I have two sons with juvenile diabetes, calls have been coming in. “Would you and your boys be willing to participate in a study?” At Riley’s first visit at the diabetic clinic, the endocrinologist said, “There are various studies underway in which your boys could participate.” Studies. Well, I’m sure this is a good thing, because it shows that somebody out there is trying to get to the bottom of this mysterious disease. What environmental factors trigger JD? Why do certain kids seem to contract it and others don’t? I received an email from an old friend from … Continue reading →