Seeking medical care while dealing with anxiety or other mental disorders can be incredibly difficult, but understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help make it easier. One of the most difficult parts of dealing with mental illness is the feeling of not being understood or taken seriously by medical professionals. My own experience was that when I went to the doctor for a bruise on my knee, I was asked if there was a mark on it, which took me a few moments to answer due to my anxiety, and he wrote in his chart that there wasn’t any. This feeling of not being taken seriously is all too common for people with mental health issues.

Another difficult part of dealing with mental health and seeking medical care is pain. Many people with chronic pain or anxiety struggle to answer the question of ‘how much pain are you in?’. This is because anxiety and chronic pain can both cloud your brain and make it hard to concentrate. It can also lead to an adrenaline rush where the pain is temporarily forgotten. Unfortunately, some people simply cannot understand this.

That’s why it’s important to try to find ways of ensuring that you can access medical care while still feeling comfortable, safe and understood. Here are a few tips that may help if you’re facing this situation:

• Bring a friend or support person with you. This can provide comfort and a sense of safety as well as a voice to advocate for you, should the need arise.

• Write down symptoms or asking questions prior to the appointment. This can help focus the conversation on the issues that you want to discuss and make sure that your concerns are addressed.

• Mention your sensitivity to the doctor before the appointment. Alerting them to the fact that you have mental health issues can help ensure that they give you the patience and understanding that you deserve.

By taking the right steps before and during medical care, it’s possible to ensure that you receive the level of care you need and deserve. Above all, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to feel guilty or ashamed if you don’t receive the assistance you deserve. So try to find a therapist or a doctor that you trust and can be comfortable with.