Advocating for Your Health Needs with Bipolar Disorder

Please note: This is a sneak peek of Bipolar Rules! — that means it’s a draft. This is not the final version.

If you are living with bipolar disorder, taking charge of your health and advocating for your needs is not just important; it is essential. However, this process can be far more complex than it is for individuals without a mental health condition. Unfortunately, some healthcare professionals contribute to these challenges. While not all doctors exhibit this behavior, many tend to approach patients with serious mental illnesses differently compared to other patients, creating an unfair disadvantage. This added complexity can make it even more difficult for individuals with bipolar disorder to receive the attention and care they truly need.

Some healthcare providers hold the belief that patients should not advocate for themselves, which is a troubling notion. It’s unfortunately common for individuals to visit a doctor regarding a specific issue, only to be dismissed with the remark that it’s “all in their head.” This dismissive attitude is particularly prevalent among women and minorities, and for those suffering from bipolar disorder, the situation can become even more challenging. These patients may face skepticism about their experiences, leading to harmful assumptions that they are fabricating symptoms or seeking drugs. Consequently, when a person with bipolar disorder sits before a doctor, there’s a risk that their concerns may not be taken seriously, which can add insult to injury.

Assuming you navigate through that initial barrier and the doctor validates your health concerns, it may seem like a positive outcome. However, this situation can lead to another significant hurdle: healthcare providers who attribute every health issue to bipolar disorder itself. This oversimplification can cause real problems, as the condition can manifest a wide range of psychological and physiological symptoms. In fact, we may not yet fully understand all the effects of bipolar disorder. Therefore, doctors sometimes mistakenly attribute all ailments to the disorder or its medication side effects, overlooking other medical issues that require attention.

Living with bipolar disorder means grappling with a potentially severe condition, which often leads to profound fatigue and cognitive challenges. These limitations can hinder one’s ability to navigate the complexities of the doctor-patient relationship. Moreover, the stigma attached to mental illness can exacerbate feelings of being perceived as “crazy” or “difficult.” This multifaceted struggle means that individuals with bipolar disorder must contend with not only their health concerns but also the biases that exist within the healthcare system, making it even harder for them to advocate effectively for their own needs.

Empower Yourself: Effective Strategies for Health Advocacy

Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to remember that you should never lose hope in advocating for your health. Being dismissed does not equate to being “crazy,” nor does it mean that your health concerns should be trivialized. Rather, it highlights systemic issues within the medical field that can create obstacles for you. Whether you’re consulting a doctor about a lump, persistent fatigue, or side effects from medication, knowing how to advocate for yourself is vital for receiving the care you deserve.

Here are several key points to keep in mind:

• Remember, you are not “crazy.” While it’s conceivable that a health concern may originate in your mind, it’s essential to evaluate all evidence. Have other possible conditions been considered and ruled out?
• You possess the most comprehensive understanding of your own body. If something feels amiss, it likely is, and you should convey this to your healthcare provider.
• Your right to be treated with respect, dignity, and trust is paramount. It is unacceptable for a mental illness diagnosis to lead to the dismissal of your valid health concerns.
• Every patient deserves to have their health issues taken seriously. You should expect the same level of thoroughness in tests and referrals as anyone else.
• When discussing your health concerns, you deserve clear and factual explanations tailored to your unique situation.

When you’re in the doctor’s office advocating for your health, consider employing these strategies:

• Conduct thorough research before your appointment. This doesn’t mean diagnosing yourself, but rather gaining a better understanding of potential causes for your concerns to facilitate an informed discussion.
• Prepare a plan prior to your visit. Outline your symptoms, questions, and objectives for the appointment. Knowing what you want to achieve can help guide the conversation.
• Remain calm and reference your notes. This organized approach will help communicate your issues effectively and counter any assumptions about your mental state.
• Provide detailed descriptions of your symptoms. Instead of saying, “I feel arm pain all the time,” say, “My elbow hurts 90 percent of the time, especially after showers.” This specificity can lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
• If you feel dismissed, clearly express your concerns and needs. For instance, saying, “I may not be articulating my pain clearly, but it’s severe and disrupts my sleep; I need a solution,” can help clarify the urgency of your situation.
• Ask questions to gain insight into your doctor’s reasoning. Understanding their thought process may help bridge the communication gap.
• Request a treatment plan, which could involve tests, referrals, or follow-up appointments. It’s important to have a clear roadmap moving forward.
• Consider bringing a supportive person to your appointment. An advocate who does not have bipolar disorder may be taken more seriously by the doctor and can validate your concerns.
• Encourage your doctor to document everything discussed during the appointment. If they refuse a test you believe is necessary, insist they note this in your medical record, as it may prompt them to reconsider.
• If all else fails and your needs are still unmet, seek a referral to a different provider. This should be a last resort, as finding a new doctor can be challenging.

In summary, strive to navigate the healthcare system to the best of your ability, even when faced with biased perceptions from doctors. While it’s frustrating and unjust, addressing a doctor’s prejudice directly may strain your relationship and hinder your ability to get the care you need. If you choose to part ways with a provider due to inadequate treatment, that’s your prerogative. Ultimately, remember that advocating for your health is not just important; it is essential. Despite the challenges posed by some healthcare professionals, it remains a crucial aspect of maintaining your well-being. After all, without your health, everything else becomes secondary.

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