Feeling Lost in Mental Health Care: A Patient's Struggle for Understanding

I'm really not sure what to do?

Dr.
Peng, I am the person who previously wrote over a thousand words to you regarding the issues with the outpatient attitude; you should know who I am.
That message was quite blunt, so please don’t take it too personally; it was my genuine feeling.
I have many emotions and psychological conflicts, which ultimately led me to decide not to return for follow-up visits.
Recently, I have been feeling really down.
I find there are many confusions during the communication process in the outpatient setting.
Sometimes it feels like you don’t understand my point, and other times I’m not sure I understand yours.
Is it because the way the physician speaks is too polite and indirect? I sense there are misunderstandings and communication issues.

I wonder how much I should express during the outpatient visits.
When I go too in-depth or say too much, I feel like you seem a bit taken aback, and sometimes you interrupt me directly, making me feel like you don’t want to hear so much.
At times, your gaze drifts, which makes me feel disrespected.
I’m not sure if you are too busy or what, but it seems difficult for you to be attentive to every outpatient.
Sometimes, in the next visit, you ask me again about things I mentioned previously, which makes me feel like you’ve forgotten.

After nearly a year of outpatient visits, I feel like I’ve just been enduring.
The expectations from those around me, including you, have become increasingly high.
I reached a point where I couldn’t take it anymore and chose to give up, not wanting to struggle like this.
The sleeping pills have been prescribed excessively, yet I still can’t sleep well.
Should I give medication treatment another chance? It feels like psychological therapy hasn’t been very helpful either.
Right now, I feel like no one can help me, and I don’t know what to do.
It has been at least nine years since I started experiencing mental health issues, and I have been tormented for a long time.
It’s too painful, and I really don’t know what to do.
Medical treatment hasn’t been very helpful, self-adjustment is difficult, and psychological therapy hasn’t provided much assistance either.

Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/27

Dr. Peng Liyun reply Psychiatry

Hello, I sense that you are in a lot of pain.
Both medication and psychotherapy require patience and cooperation to achieve the best results.
I recommend that you return for a follow-up consultation or seek assistance from other mental health specialists.
Wishing you well, Dr.
Li-Yun Peng, Department of Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, Shun-An Chia-Nan Rehabilitation Hospital.

Reply Date: 2022/08/27

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time, and I want to acknowledge the depth of your feelings and experiences. Mental health struggles can be incredibly isolating and frustrating, especially when it feels like the support systems in place are not meeting your needs. Your concerns about communication with your healthcare provider are valid, and it's crucial to have a therapeutic relationship built on understanding and trust.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that mental health issues often manifest in complex ways, and your feelings of confusion and frustration are common among individuals navigating these challenges. The experience of feeling unheard or misunderstood in a clinical setting can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. It’s essential for you to feel that your voice is being heard and that your concerns are being taken seriously.

When it comes to medication, it’s understandable to feel hesitant, especially if you’ve been on various treatments without seeing significant improvement. However, medication can sometimes play a critical role in stabilizing mood and alleviating symptoms, allowing you to engage more effectively in therapy. If you feel that your current medication regimen is not working, it might be worth discussing this with your doctor. A medication review could lead to adjustments that might better suit your needs.

In terms of therapy, it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel that traditional talk therapy isn’t effective for them. Different therapeutic approaches work for different people. For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. If you haven’t already, consider exploring different types of therapy or even group therapy, which can provide a sense of community and shared experience.

Communication is key in any therapeutic relationship. If you feel that your doctor is not fully understanding your concerns, it may be helpful to express this directly. You might say something like, “I feel like I’m not being understood when I talk about my experiences. Can we take a moment to clarify what I’m trying to express?” This can help create a more open dialogue and ensure that both you and your provider are on the same page.

Additionally, journaling your thoughts and feelings before appointments can be a useful strategy. It allows you to organize your thoughts and ensures that you cover all the points that are important to you during your session. This can also serve as a reference for your doctor, helping them to understand your journey better.

Lastly, self-care is crucial during this time. While it may feel difficult, engaging in activities that bring you joy or relaxation can help improve your overall well-being. This could include physical activities, creative outlets, or mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. These practices can help ground you and provide a sense of control amidst the chaos of mental health struggles.

In conclusion, your feelings of being lost and overwhelmed are valid, and it’s important to seek out the support that resonates with you. Whether that means trying new medications, exploring different therapeutic approaches, or improving communication with your healthcare provider, there are paths forward. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and people who can help you navigate these challenges. It’s okay to advocate for yourself and seek the care that you deserve.

Similar Q&A

Facing Mental Health Challenges: Seeking Help and Understanding Your Journey

Hello, Doctor: Since I became ill at the age of 20, I have been on medication until now. To be honest, being sick has made me realize certain things, while also leaving me confused about others. There is a doctor online who says that treating mental illness requires addressing th...

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear reader: From your letter, I can sense the immense pressure you are feeling. You are facing a situation where almost all your relatives and friends are not on your side, and your interactions with others are either filled with conflicts or completely disconnected. Inde...

Struggling with Mental Health: A Student's Journey Through Isolation and Regret

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's really important to talk to someone who can help you, like a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.

Dr. Xie Qingzhou reply Psychiatry
Hello Jianwen: Regarding the issues you described, in addition to medication, you also need to seek counseling and psychological therapy. Please visit a nearby psychosomatic or psychiatric outpatient clinic for further assistance. Sincerely, Dr. Hsieh Ching-Chou, Department of Ps...

Understanding the Struggles of OCD and Depression: A Patient's Perspective

Hello Dr. Chen, I am a patient with psychogenic disorders, specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder, affective depression, and sleep disturbances. I have not visited the Taichung Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare since my last appointment two years ago, primaril...

Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear patient, What you are facing is a common pain shared by many individuals with mental health disorders—the inability of those around us to understand and empathize with our conditions. Mental health disorders cannot be diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, or X-rays. ...

Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles

I've always had great relationships with people throughout my life, but recently in middle school, I've encountered some issues where my classmates don't understand me. I'm really scared because I've never been disliked before. Suddenly, I feel so helples...

Dr. Zhao Mengqi reply Psychiatry
Hello, stranger: I believe you are feeling quite confused, and the misunderstandings with your classmates are troubling you. However, this also indicates that you are gradually entering a stage of growth, where you will begin to experience the complexities of society and your lif...