As patients, we shouldn't have to keep pressing to get adequate care or find wild ways to navigate the system. I have experienced this myself over several years with my own health issues. You asked for help and should've gotten it. It's shameful and angering that the doctor didn't provide you with a referral.
I agree, though more and more I'm becoming aware of just how few resources are available. Even when a doctor did try to refer me it was almost as though there was no one to refer me to. It's kind of a mess.
Yes, I agree -- it is a bit of a mess/not straightforward to get the help one needs, at times. In cases like that, I guess I appreciate transparency and a willingness to discuss from the Healthcare provider. If they are unable to refer because of lack of resources or there is a prolonged wait time, then say so vs an outright no. And it would also be helpful for them to say what they can do for you in the meantime or what resources one might look into until a referral is possible. It may not change the outcome in the short term, but it does help the patient feel like they are a partner in their own Healthcare and validates their experience. That is my own experience at least -- having been dismissed so many times has been frustrating and demoralizing. But, there was one doc last year who said "I'm sorry you're going through this, the surgery you had is shitty, it's why we try not to do it unless absolutely necessary. These are the options I can offer you right now -- try either one, let me know how it goes and we will go from there".
IT all comes down to your doctor, doesn't it? Some have no real sense of humanity, some try their best but are too burnt out as a result of the system they work within, some still manage to treat their patients like people. I wish I (or rather, people in a position to do so) knew how to fix the system. Can't help but wonder how many people out there are suffering needlessly because of lack of resources.
That's actually really distressing. You DID advocate for yourself, friend. You need feel no shame at all. Your job was to ask for help... and his was to provide it, or to connect you to someone who could. He failed to do his job. Giving a hard 'no' to a (clearly needed) mental health referral seems like he might be playing it a little fast and loose with that Hippocratic oath.
I’m so glad you’ve pressed on through all of this and are still here with us. I’m on medication 7 or so for my ADHD myself and just came out of a months’ long depression. Message me anytime to commiserate. You are not alone, my friend.
We are not alone, Jenn. Thank you for sharing with me, and for talking about it. Our disorders suck, and they're uncomfortable to talk about, but I have to believe that what we're doing helps.
As patients, we shouldn't have to keep pressing to get adequate care or find wild ways to navigate the system. I have experienced this myself over several years with my own health issues. You asked for help and should've gotten it. It's shameful and angering that the doctor didn't provide you with a referral.
I agree, though more and more I'm becoming aware of just how few resources are available. Even when a doctor did try to refer me it was almost as though there was no one to refer me to. It's kind of a mess.
Yes, I agree -- it is a bit of a mess/not straightforward to get the help one needs, at times. In cases like that, I guess I appreciate transparency and a willingness to discuss from the Healthcare provider. If they are unable to refer because of lack of resources or there is a prolonged wait time, then say so vs an outright no. And it would also be helpful for them to say what they can do for you in the meantime or what resources one might look into until a referral is possible. It may not change the outcome in the short term, but it does help the patient feel like they are a partner in their own Healthcare and validates their experience. That is my own experience at least -- having been dismissed so many times has been frustrating and demoralizing. But, there was one doc last year who said "I'm sorry you're going through this, the surgery you had is shitty, it's why we try not to do it unless absolutely necessary. These are the options I can offer you right now -- try either one, let me know how it goes and we will go from there".
IT all comes down to your doctor, doesn't it? Some have no real sense of humanity, some try their best but are too burnt out as a result of the system they work within, some still manage to treat their patients like people. I wish I (or rather, people in a position to do so) knew how to fix the system. Can't help but wonder how many people out there are suffering needlessly because of lack of resources.
That's actually really distressing. You DID advocate for yourself, friend. You need feel no shame at all. Your job was to ask for help... and his was to provide it, or to connect you to someone who could. He failed to do his job. Giving a hard 'no' to a (clearly needed) mental health referral seems like he might be playing it a little fast and loose with that Hippocratic oath.
Couldn't agree more. I can't help but wonder, would I still be here if I was any more suicidal back when he refused to write a referral?
I’m so glad you’ve pressed on through all of this and are still here with us. I’m on medication 7 or so for my ADHD myself and just came out of a months’ long depression. Message me anytime to commiserate. You are not alone, my friend.
We are not alone, Jenn. Thank you for sharing with me, and for talking about it. Our disorders suck, and they're uncomfortable to talk about, but I have to believe that what we're doing helps.