Highly sensitive, depression, major anxiety, panic help

Posted by melissa333 @melissa333, Oct 17, 2016

Hi everyone I am new here I've been getting the emails for a while but I finally decided to sign up. I am very sensitive to medications because I have a sensory processing disorder and I'm also very chemically sensitive. I have been highly emotional empathic and intuitive my entire life and it also spills over into how I can handle vitamins and drugs. Feel like my depression has gotten completely out of control and I have tried Cymbalta Remeron Wellbutrin and Lexapro and nothing is helping at all it is not giving me any relief. I have not been able to work or have a social life in over a year I stayed in bed most of the day I lost about 20 pounds and my parents are taking care of me. I see a new psychiatrist on Wednesday I almost feel like nobody believes me these doctors won't listen to me. I've gotten all of my blood work done I don't have a thyroid problem I don't have any other serious diseases my blood work and vitamin levels came out fine. In fact I'm a bit of a health nut and I eat very healthy mostly organic food and I was doing yoga up until I got severely depressed in January. I haven't seen a psychiatrist right now that is very demeaning to me and he doesn't listen to me at all or my concerns. I don't know what to do at this point I don't know what to tell this new psychiatrist I've heard of something called treatment-resistant depression and I've talked to a doctor in Australia he's retired name Dr Gillman who recommends an SSRI and TCA combination to treat resistant depression. I've tried all the natural route I take a ton of fish oil and krill oil I take magnesium I take alpha lipoic acid and basically everything else people say is good for depression I've tried. I was even prescribed 5-HTP for over 2 years and I feel like I really messed up my nervous system somehow. How do I get these doctors to listen to me and help me why do I seem to just be invisible to them and my problems are nothing even though I have not worked or been able to have a normal life and over a year isn't that a sign of severe dysfunction? Thanks again for reading I hope to get more information as I contribute and participate in this group I really need support right now I feel very alone I'm fighting with my entire family nobody believes that I'm sick nobody understands what happened to me I just feel completely lost.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

HI @melissa333 🙂 My name is Kim. I read your discussion post... above. First- I BELIEVE YOU! Second- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are NOT invisible. I read your post several times... I hear you, and I am listening. I relate very much, to what you have written, Melissa. Your discussion heading fits me to a T.
I am SO glad that you took the toughest step, and reached out to others, here, in the MAYO Connect groups.
I also fit every "Empath" trait and I am intuitive as well. Many people do not understand these traits, and often minimize OUR sensitivity and label us negatively. "You're just too sensitive...” One of the biggest I have encountered was from an ex boyfriend. I HAVE great difficulty going out, into crowded places, malls, large restaurants, concerts, etc... He used to tell me “You’re all about you; you never want to do anything or go anywhere". BUT YES... I do. BUT, I can't always do it. In situations such as those, I feel as if I can "feel and read, every emotion, or feeling that others are having, and I become overwhelmed (almost like when a TV would be placed on a channel that was off air, and all you heard was the "white noise".) I want to get to some place quiet, calm... even if that means being alone. You may relate to what I am saying... I am sure you have similar things that come to mind, when you read what I wrote...
As a person that relates on many levels, to what you have written, I admit, that I too have felt that I am invisible, that no one understands or believes what I feel, when I share my thoughts. I AM a deep thinker... as well as "intuitive"... and at times it has been a tremendous ability, and other times it overloads me with endless thinking/feelings. So, I journal.
I deal with several, what I call... "Invisible illnesses"... meaning if others "can't see" them, then they do not exist. BUT they do exist! Mental Health illnesses/disorders are among that list; depression, high anxiety and chronic panic attacks. I also have degenerative disc disease, (DDD) in my neck, from a work injury I sustained in 2004. It was an incident, which occurred from an injury to my head. As the next year came about, I developed other symptoms.
I now have a spinal cord impingement and injury to my neck discs, from C3-C8. The C4-C5 area being the worst. No surgeries, as of yet. With it has come the inability to feel my hands and arms, at times, (numbness, pins and needles feelings) nerve damage, loss of mobility in my neck... and a host of other issues... my lifelong anxiety, depression and panic attacks have been exacerbated, increased because of the roller coaster of emotions that come with living with chronic pain.
You mentioned that you had a Psychiatrist that you felt demeaned you, and did not listen to you. To me, that is a very important aspect to your highest level of care. YOU deserve so much better, and you deserve to be listened to. To me... hearing someone and listening to someone are different. If you have the ability to hear, you will "hear" my words... HOWEVER, listening to me, involves taking in what I say, from hearing it, processing it and offering a response back.
I am glad that you are leaving that Dr behind, and moving on. I genuinely hope for you, that this new Psychiatrist offers you MORE support, understanding and treatment options. If not, would this retired Dr you spoke of, be able to help refer you to another? Do you see a Primary Care Physician, General Practitioner, etc... that can help with referring you to other Dr’s, that specialize or hold more knowledge, in the issues that you deal with.
(I am in the US. I am not sure where you reside)
You asked how you get these Dr's to listen to you... YOU know yourself best, Melissa. Be open, honest and talk to them. YOUR body is yours, your feelings, and thoughts that YOU know are holding you back from living a productive and happy life, or being able to socialize, etc ARE real.
Advocate for yourself. Do not be ashamed of who you are, and what you are going through.
Dr's are people, first. Then they become Dr's. They are human. We don't always "like' traits others have. That is normal. AND YES, we can get those feelings from the Dr's we meet. I will tell you, that I may not always care for, or agree with everything one of my Dr's tells me... and I will think on it... are they efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest. Do I feel better or worse after I see them? If I don't feel I have gained from the visit in some way, I discuss that at my next appointment, with them. YOU have the right to change Dr's. Which you are doing. I have, too. I am presently looking to replace my Primary Care Dr. Why? Because as you wrote... “.. Why won’t they listen to ME?” My Primary Care Dr benefits me little, and does not work as a team player for my treatment plan, with the Cardiologist and Neurosurgeon, I also see.
Bedside manner is important to many, BUT sometimes the best Dr's are the ones who prove, with action and words, that they are working WITH YOU as a whole, and know you are a person and not just a list of symptoms. I will take a Dr that is efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest, EVEN if they may not have the best bedside manner. If a Dr comes across as arrogant, or pompous, or just doesn't seem to care, I will work to replace them. I have NO time for that type of Dr.
I read your words, Melissa. You want to find a Dr/'s that "listen" NOT just hear you. Even if that means seeing several, until you find the right ones. I know, it is difficult and it is often a lot of work... HOWEVER, you ARE worth that work and effort, to find what you are seeking.
You wrote a wonderful, moving post... and YOU are NOT invisible. I listened to your words, and I hear you. I listened to the frustration, the disappointment and to the feeling that you are invisible. I wish I could prove to you, that YOU are NOT invisible, to me. My reply is what I have to offer, to show you that YOU are being heard.
I relate to the feeling of being "lost"... being frustrated and wanting someone to acknowledge, that YOU truly aren't trying to live your life the way it is now... something is truly wrong, as YOU know you, the best! You want to feel better and understand what it is you are dealing with.
Keep doing what you are doing... trying... advocating for yourself, speaking up, seeking new Dr’s..., and surviving, day by day...
Keep writing Melissa, vent, share, contribute... whatever is comfortable for you... I will listen! And, I believe many others in the Mayo Connect groups will too.
It is an awesome feeling when you find a tid bit, some advice, information... etc that someone else has taken the time to write out, for others to read. A piece of encouragement, or a new idea.. like a gift, as I read from another members point of view, one day..
And the greatest of all, is finding out... seeing and feeling... YOU truly are not alone, and you ARE being listened to.
~ My best wishes to you, Melissa. Have a good day... and be gentle on yourself. ~ Kim PS- (My thoughts will be with you, for your appointment Wednesday. I hope you find a "fit" with the new Dr. 🙂 )

REPLY

Try cannibus 8:1cbd & thc cbd is 8 let me know I am 76 have corticobasil syndrome

REPLY

WHAT DOES YOUR PSYCHIATRIST RECOMMEND? HAVE YOU TRIED THE SSR'S(PROZAC AND SONS).

REPLY
@kimsworld

HI @melissa333 🙂 My name is Kim. I read your discussion post... above. First- I BELIEVE YOU! Second- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are NOT invisible. I read your post several times... I hear you, and I am listening. I relate very much, to what you have written, Melissa. Your discussion heading fits me to a T.
I am SO glad that you took the toughest step, and reached out to others, here, in the MAYO Connect groups.
I also fit every "Empath" trait and I am intuitive as well. Many people do not understand these traits, and often minimize OUR sensitivity and label us negatively. "You're just too sensitive...” One of the biggest I have encountered was from an ex boyfriend. I HAVE great difficulty going out, into crowded places, malls, large restaurants, concerts, etc... He used to tell me “You’re all about you; you never want to do anything or go anywhere". BUT YES... I do. BUT, I can't always do it. In situations such as those, I feel as if I can "feel and read, every emotion, or feeling that others are having, and I become overwhelmed (almost like when a TV would be placed on a channel that was off air, and all you heard was the "white noise".) I want to get to some place quiet, calm... even if that means being alone. You may relate to what I am saying... I am sure you have similar things that come to mind, when you read what I wrote...
As a person that relates on many levels, to what you have written, I admit, that I too have felt that I am invisible, that no one understands or believes what I feel, when I share my thoughts. I AM a deep thinker... as well as "intuitive"... and at times it has been a tremendous ability, and other times it overloads me with endless thinking/feelings. So, I journal.
I deal with several, what I call... "Invisible illnesses"... meaning if others "can't see" them, then they do not exist. BUT they do exist! Mental Health illnesses/disorders are among that list; depression, high anxiety and chronic panic attacks. I also have degenerative disc disease, (DDD) in my neck, from a work injury I sustained in 2004. It was an incident, which occurred from an injury to my head. As the next year came about, I developed other symptoms.
I now have a spinal cord impingement and injury to my neck discs, from C3-C8. The C4-C5 area being the worst. No surgeries, as of yet. With it has come the inability to feel my hands and arms, at times, (numbness, pins and needles feelings) nerve damage, loss of mobility in my neck... and a host of other issues... my lifelong anxiety, depression and panic attacks have been exacerbated, increased because of the roller coaster of emotions that come with living with chronic pain.
You mentioned that you had a Psychiatrist that you felt demeaned you, and did not listen to you. To me, that is a very important aspect to your highest level of care. YOU deserve so much better, and you deserve to be listened to. To me... hearing someone and listening to someone are different. If you have the ability to hear, you will "hear" my words... HOWEVER, listening to me, involves taking in what I say, from hearing it, processing it and offering a response back.
I am glad that you are leaving that Dr behind, and moving on. I genuinely hope for you, that this new Psychiatrist offers you MORE support, understanding and treatment options. If not, would this retired Dr you spoke of, be able to help refer you to another? Do you see a Primary Care Physician, General Practitioner, etc... that can help with referring you to other Dr’s, that specialize or hold more knowledge, in the issues that you deal with.
(I am in the US. I am not sure where you reside)
You asked how you get these Dr's to listen to you... YOU know yourself best, Melissa. Be open, honest and talk to them. YOUR body is yours, your feelings, and thoughts that YOU know are holding you back from living a productive and happy life, or being able to socialize, etc ARE real.
Advocate for yourself. Do not be ashamed of who you are, and what you are going through.
Dr's are people, first. Then they become Dr's. They are human. We don't always "like' traits others have. That is normal. AND YES, we can get those feelings from the Dr's we meet. I will tell you, that I may not always care for, or agree with everything one of my Dr's tells me... and I will think on it... are they efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest. Do I feel better or worse after I see them? If I don't feel I have gained from the visit in some way, I discuss that at my next appointment, with them. YOU have the right to change Dr's. Which you are doing. I have, too. I am presently looking to replace my Primary Care Dr. Why? Because as you wrote... “.. Why won’t they listen to ME?” My Primary Care Dr benefits me little, and does not work as a team player for my treatment plan, with the Cardiologist and Neurosurgeon, I also see.
Bedside manner is important to many, BUT sometimes the best Dr's are the ones who prove, with action and words, that they are working WITH YOU as a whole, and know you are a person and not just a list of symptoms. I will take a Dr that is efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest, EVEN if they may not have the best bedside manner. If a Dr comes across as arrogant, or pompous, or just doesn't seem to care, I will work to replace them. I have NO time for that type of Dr.
I read your words, Melissa. You want to find a Dr/'s that "listen" NOT just hear you. Even if that means seeing several, until you find the right ones. I know, it is difficult and it is often a lot of work... HOWEVER, you ARE worth that work and effort, to find what you are seeking.
You wrote a wonderful, moving post... and YOU are NOT invisible. I listened to your words, and I hear you. I listened to the frustration, the disappointment and to the feeling that you are invisible. I wish I could prove to you, that YOU are NOT invisible, to me. My reply is what I have to offer, to show you that YOU are being heard.
I relate to the feeling of being "lost"... being frustrated and wanting someone to acknowledge, that YOU truly aren't trying to live your life the way it is now... something is truly wrong, as YOU know you, the best! You want to feel better and understand what it is you are dealing with.
Keep doing what you are doing... trying... advocating for yourself, speaking up, seeking new Dr’s..., and surviving, day by day...
Keep writing Melissa, vent, share, contribute... whatever is comfortable for you... I will listen! And, I believe many others in the Mayo Connect groups will too.
It is an awesome feeling when you find a tid bit, some advice, information... etc that someone else has taken the time to write out, for others to read. A piece of encouragement, or a new idea.. like a gift, as I read from another members point of view, one day..
And the greatest of all, is finding out... seeing and feeling... YOU truly are not alone, and you ARE being listened to.
~ My best wishes to you, Melissa. Have a good day... and be gentle on yourself. ~ Kim PS- (My thoughts will be with you, for your appointment Wednesday. I hope you find a "fit" with the new Dr. 🙂 )

Jump to this post

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and lengthy reply. You have given me so much hope and so much more energy to continue moving forward on my site to find the right doctors and community that understand me and who can help me. It's great to know that there are other sensitive people out there there are other empathic people out there and I'm not alone. I will reread your post a few more times since it is so chocked full of great information.

I truly deeply appreciate you taking the time to write me back and give me such an authentic idea about who you are -and how you are handling the challenges that come your way with your health. Most of the healing that I have done this year has been on my own and doing my own research. Thank you for the reminder about finding a practitioner who I trust and who I can share with and who will be my support instead of putting me down all the time.

I think validation and Community alone can help heal a person. Thank you so much Kim I can already tell that you are a very strong smart and blessed person and I'm honored to have made your acquaintance 🙂

I hope you have a gentle and peaceful rest of your week and good health to you!

-Melissa

REPLY

Hi @melissa333. As a fellow moderator of the Mental Health group, I'd like to add my welcome. Thank you very much for starting this topic and speaking out about your feelings here. Your post will surely help reach others, who have been struggling with similar symptoms. You are not alone. I agree that community helps and am glad to hear that @kimsworld's message gave you hope.

REPLY
@hironopiro

Hi @melissa333. As a fellow moderator of the Mental Health group, I'd like to add my welcome. Thank you very much for starting this topic and speaking out about your feelings here. Your post will surely help reach others, who have been struggling with similar symptoms. You are not alone. I agree that community helps and am glad to hear that @kimsworld's message gave you hope.

Jump to this post

Thank you 🙂

REPLY
@kimsworld

HI @melissa333 🙂 My name is Kim. I read your discussion post... above. First- I BELIEVE YOU! Second- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are NOT invisible. I read your post several times... I hear you, and I am listening. I relate very much, to what you have written, Melissa. Your discussion heading fits me to a T.
I am SO glad that you took the toughest step, and reached out to others, here, in the MAYO Connect groups.
I also fit every "Empath" trait and I am intuitive as well. Many people do not understand these traits, and often minimize OUR sensitivity and label us negatively. "You're just too sensitive...” One of the biggest I have encountered was from an ex boyfriend. I HAVE great difficulty going out, into crowded places, malls, large restaurants, concerts, etc... He used to tell me “You’re all about you; you never want to do anything or go anywhere". BUT YES... I do. BUT, I can't always do it. In situations such as those, I feel as if I can "feel and read, every emotion, or feeling that others are having, and I become overwhelmed (almost like when a TV would be placed on a channel that was off air, and all you heard was the "white noise".) I want to get to some place quiet, calm... even if that means being alone. You may relate to what I am saying... I am sure you have similar things that come to mind, when you read what I wrote...
As a person that relates on many levels, to what you have written, I admit, that I too have felt that I am invisible, that no one understands or believes what I feel, when I share my thoughts. I AM a deep thinker... as well as "intuitive"... and at times it has been a tremendous ability, and other times it overloads me with endless thinking/feelings. So, I journal.
I deal with several, what I call... "Invisible illnesses"... meaning if others "can't see" them, then they do not exist. BUT they do exist! Mental Health illnesses/disorders are among that list; depression, high anxiety and chronic panic attacks. I also have degenerative disc disease, (DDD) in my neck, from a work injury I sustained in 2004. It was an incident, which occurred from an injury to my head. As the next year came about, I developed other symptoms.
I now have a spinal cord impingement and injury to my neck discs, from C3-C8. The C4-C5 area being the worst. No surgeries, as of yet. With it has come the inability to feel my hands and arms, at times, (numbness, pins and needles feelings) nerve damage, loss of mobility in my neck... and a host of other issues... my lifelong anxiety, depression and panic attacks have been exacerbated, increased because of the roller coaster of emotions that come with living with chronic pain.
You mentioned that you had a Psychiatrist that you felt demeaned you, and did not listen to you. To me, that is a very important aspect to your highest level of care. YOU deserve so much better, and you deserve to be listened to. To me... hearing someone and listening to someone are different. If you have the ability to hear, you will "hear" my words... HOWEVER, listening to me, involves taking in what I say, from hearing it, processing it and offering a response back.
I am glad that you are leaving that Dr behind, and moving on. I genuinely hope for you, that this new Psychiatrist offers you MORE support, understanding and treatment options. If not, would this retired Dr you spoke of, be able to help refer you to another? Do you see a Primary Care Physician, General Practitioner, etc... that can help with referring you to other Dr’s, that specialize or hold more knowledge, in the issues that you deal with.
(I am in the US. I am not sure where you reside)
You asked how you get these Dr's to listen to you... YOU know yourself best, Melissa. Be open, honest and talk to them. YOUR body is yours, your feelings, and thoughts that YOU know are holding you back from living a productive and happy life, or being able to socialize, etc ARE real.
Advocate for yourself. Do not be ashamed of who you are, and what you are going through.
Dr's are people, first. Then they become Dr's. They are human. We don't always "like' traits others have. That is normal. AND YES, we can get those feelings from the Dr's we meet. I will tell you, that I may not always care for, or agree with everything one of my Dr's tells me... and I will think on it... are they efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest. Do I feel better or worse after I see them? If I don't feel I have gained from the visit in some way, I discuss that at my next appointment, with them. YOU have the right to change Dr's. Which you are doing. I have, too. I am presently looking to replace my Primary Care Dr. Why? Because as you wrote... “.. Why won’t they listen to ME?” My Primary Care Dr benefits me little, and does not work as a team player for my treatment plan, with the Cardiologist and Neurosurgeon, I also see.
Bedside manner is important to many, BUT sometimes the best Dr's are the ones who prove, with action and words, that they are working WITH YOU as a whole, and know you are a person and not just a list of symptoms. I will take a Dr that is efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest, EVEN if they may not have the best bedside manner. If a Dr comes across as arrogant, or pompous, or just doesn't seem to care, I will work to replace them. I have NO time for that type of Dr.
I read your words, Melissa. You want to find a Dr/'s that "listen" NOT just hear you. Even if that means seeing several, until you find the right ones. I know, it is difficult and it is often a lot of work... HOWEVER, you ARE worth that work and effort, to find what you are seeking.
You wrote a wonderful, moving post... and YOU are NOT invisible. I listened to your words, and I hear you. I listened to the frustration, the disappointment and to the feeling that you are invisible. I wish I could prove to you, that YOU are NOT invisible, to me. My reply is what I have to offer, to show you that YOU are being heard.
I relate to the feeling of being "lost"... being frustrated and wanting someone to acknowledge, that YOU truly aren't trying to live your life the way it is now... something is truly wrong, as YOU know you, the best! You want to feel better and understand what it is you are dealing with.
Keep doing what you are doing... trying... advocating for yourself, speaking up, seeking new Dr’s..., and surviving, day by day...
Keep writing Melissa, vent, share, contribute... whatever is comfortable for you... I will listen! And, I believe many others in the Mayo Connect groups will too.
It is an awesome feeling when you find a tid bit, some advice, information... etc that someone else has taken the time to write out, for others to read. A piece of encouragement, or a new idea.. like a gift, as I read from another members point of view, one day..
And the greatest of all, is finding out... seeing and feeling... YOU truly are not alone, and you ARE being listened to.
~ My best wishes to you, Melissa. Have a good day... and be gentle on yourself. ~ Kim PS- (My thoughts will be with you, for your appointment Wednesday. I hope you find a "fit" with the new Dr. 🙂 )

Jump to this post

My new doctor is going to help me! She understands me and is listening 🙂 finally!!!!

REPLY
@kimsworld

HI @melissa333 🙂 My name is Kim. I read your discussion post... above. First- I BELIEVE YOU! Second- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are NOT invisible. I read your post several times... I hear you, and I am listening. I relate very much, to what you have written, Melissa. Your discussion heading fits me to a T.
I am SO glad that you took the toughest step, and reached out to others, here, in the MAYO Connect groups.
I also fit every "Empath" trait and I am intuitive as well. Many people do not understand these traits, and often minimize OUR sensitivity and label us negatively. "You're just too sensitive...” One of the biggest I have encountered was from an ex boyfriend. I HAVE great difficulty going out, into crowded places, malls, large restaurants, concerts, etc... He used to tell me “You’re all about you; you never want to do anything or go anywhere". BUT YES... I do. BUT, I can't always do it. In situations such as those, I feel as if I can "feel and read, every emotion, or feeling that others are having, and I become overwhelmed (almost like when a TV would be placed on a channel that was off air, and all you heard was the "white noise".) I want to get to some place quiet, calm... even if that means being alone. You may relate to what I am saying... I am sure you have similar things that come to mind, when you read what I wrote...
As a person that relates on many levels, to what you have written, I admit, that I too have felt that I am invisible, that no one understands or believes what I feel, when I share my thoughts. I AM a deep thinker... as well as "intuitive"... and at times it has been a tremendous ability, and other times it overloads me with endless thinking/feelings. So, I journal.
I deal with several, what I call... "Invisible illnesses"... meaning if others "can't see" them, then they do not exist. BUT they do exist! Mental Health illnesses/disorders are among that list; depression, high anxiety and chronic panic attacks. I also have degenerative disc disease, (DDD) in my neck, from a work injury I sustained in 2004. It was an incident, which occurred from an injury to my head. As the next year came about, I developed other symptoms.
I now have a spinal cord impingement and injury to my neck discs, from C3-C8. The C4-C5 area being the worst. No surgeries, as of yet. With it has come the inability to feel my hands and arms, at times, (numbness, pins and needles feelings) nerve damage, loss of mobility in my neck... and a host of other issues... my lifelong anxiety, depression and panic attacks have been exacerbated, increased because of the roller coaster of emotions that come with living with chronic pain.
You mentioned that you had a Psychiatrist that you felt demeaned you, and did not listen to you. To me, that is a very important aspect to your highest level of care. YOU deserve so much better, and you deserve to be listened to. To me... hearing someone and listening to someone are different. If you have the ability to hear, you will "hear" my words... HOWEVER, listening to me, involves taking in what I say, from hearing it, processing it and offering a response back.
I am glad that you are leaving that Dr behind, and moving on. I genuinely hope for you, that this new Psychiatrist offers you MORE support, understanding and treatment options. If not, would this retired Dr you spoke of, be able to help refer you to another? Do you see a Primary Care Physician, General Practitioner, etc... that can help with referring you to other Dr’s, that specialize or hold more knowledge, in the issues that you deal with.
(I am in the US. I am not sure where you reside)
You asked how you get these Dr's to listen to you... YOU know yourself best, Melissa. Be open, honest and talk to them. YOUR body is yours, your feelings, and thoughts that YOU know are holding you back from living a productive and happy life, or being able to socialize, etc ARE real.
Advocate for yourself. Do not be ashamed of who you are, and what you are going through.
Dr's are people, first. Then they become Dr's. They are human. We don't always "like' traits others have. That is normal. AND YES, we can get those feelings from the Dr's we meet. I will tell you, that I may not always care for, or agree with everything one of my Dr's tells me... and I will think on it... are they efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest. Do I feel better or worse after I see them? If I don't feel I have gained from the visit in some way, I discuss that at my next appointment, with them. YOU have the right to change Dr's. Which you are doing. I have, too. I am presently looking to replace my Primary Care Dr. Why? Because as you wrote... “.. Why won’t they listen to ME?” My Primary Care Dr benefits me little, and does not work as a team player for my treatment plan, with the Cardiologist and Neurosurgeon, I also see.
Bedside manner is important to many, BUT sometimes the best Dr's are the ones who prove, with action and words, that they are working WITH YOU as a whole, and know you are a person and not just a list of symptoms. I will take a Dr that is efficient, knowledgeable, and WORKING for/with me, in MY best interest, EVEN if they may not have the best bedside manner. If a Dr comes across as arrogant, or pompous, or just doesn't seem to care, I will work to replace them. I have NO time for that type of Dr.
I read your words, Melissa. You want to find a Dr/'s that "listen" NOT just hear you. Even if that means seeing several, until you find the right ones. I know, it is difficult and it is often a lot of work... HOWEVER, you ARE worth that work and effort, to find what you are seeking.
You wrote a wonderful, moving post... and YOU are NOT invisible. I listened to your words, and I hear you. I listened to the frustration, the disappointment and to the feeling that you are invisible. I wish I could prove to you, that YOU are NOT invisible, to me. My reply is what I have to offer, to show you that YOU are being heard.
I relate to the feeling of being "lost"... being frustrated and wanting someone to acknowledge, that YOU truly aren't trying to live your life the way it is now... something is truly wrong, as YOU know you, the best! You want to feel better and understand what it is you are dealing with.
Keep doing what you are doing... trying... advocating for yourself, speaking up, seeking new Dr’s..., and surviving, day by day...
Keep writing Melissa, vent, share, contribute... whatever is comfortable for you... I will listen! And, I believe many others in the Mayo Connect groups will too.
It is an awesome feeling when you find a tid bit, some advice, information... etc that someone else has taken the time to write out, for others to read. A piece of encouragement, or a new idea.. like a gift, as I read from another members point of view, one day..
And the greatest of all, is finding out... seeing and feeling... YOU truly are not alone, and you ARE being listened to.
~ My best wishes to you, Melissa. Have a good day... and be gentle on yourself. ~ Kim PS- (My thoughts will be with you, for your appointment Wednesday. I hope you find a "fit" with the new Dr. 🙂 )

Jump to this post

This IS such great news @melissa333!! 🙂 *happy dance time!*
I am hoping that your new Dr will help provide you with the direction you've been seeking. *smiles to you*
For all it's worth, sometimes it seems we just have to take the long road, to find what it is we seek. In your case, your journey of frustration seems to have been just that... the long road. It sounds like you may have just found the rainbow, waiting at the end of that road!
Self-advocacy sometimes takes the gusto right out of us, but we must credit ourselves for the work we have done/do and for NOT giving up!
I wish you the very best, with your new Dr and treatment. As you, both get to know each other, I wish for you, the support, and guidance that you have sought, to start moving forward again. I am listening to you, too. And, yes, I hope that we do stay in touch! 🙂
(My smile lit up as soon as I saw your post, in my email! I did do what I said, I thought about you on Wednesday... I figured some extra, "positive vibes" couldn't hurt! 🙂 )
Sending you, the biggest smile, and a TON of positive vibes! Have a great day, Melissa! 🙂 ~ Kim

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Dear Melissa,
You are not alone. I too was at your state and I can relate to you. I was teaching middle school science whem depression hit hard. I was so lethargic that I fell asleep at the wheel and even when I stood teaching I would fall asleep.
Luckily I went to my Family Dr I was referred to a sleep doctor. Thats when finally I received help for I had I like u had tried every RX under the sun.
A sleep study revealed that my brain was in a state of narcolepsy. Now I've never had this disorder nor has any of my family.
The Dr.'s theory was clinical resistant depression.

I was given a prescription for. PROVIGIL. this wonder drug saved my life and my career. I could not afford the prescription at the time bc it was brand new. I researched the pharmaceutical website where amazingly I found that I could get it for free for two years.
Provigil is now more commonly used for extreme depression. Ill never forget that first day I took PROVIGIL.I had tears bc I felt normal. I felt better than I ever had. The energy was such a welcomed old friend that my mom, kids and I had missed desparately.
Please Inquire and print some research off the web to bring to your Dr. If u needed a lesser potency they offer Nuvigil. Take care and in here for you anytime. Many regards Rebecca

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@beccalamb

Dear Melissa,
You are not alone. I too was at your state and I can relate to you. I was teaching middle school science whem depression hit hard. I was so lethargic that I fell asleep at the wheel and even when I stood teaching I would fall asleep.
Luckily I went to my Family Dr I was referred to a sleep doctor. Thats when finally I received help for I had I like u had tried every RX under the sun.
A sleep study revealed that my brain was in a state of narcolepsy. Now I've never had this disorder nor has any of my family.
The Dr.'s theory was clinical resistant depression.

I was given a prescription for. PROVIGIL. this wonder drug saved my life and my career. I could not afford the prescription at the time bc it was brand new. I researched the pharmaceutical website where amazingly I found that I could get it for free for two years.
Provigil is now more commonly used for extreme depression. Ill never forget that first day I took PROVIGIL.I had tears bc I felt normal. I felt better than I ever had. The energy was such a welcomed old friend that my mom, kids and I had missed desparately.
Please Inquire and print some research off the web to bring to your Dr. If u needed a lesser potency they offer Nuvigil. Take care and in here for you anytime. Many regards Rebecca

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Hi Rebecca thank you for sharing you story! That's amazing so happy you're feeling better! Thank you for the inspiration 🙂

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