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How can I get what I need from my doctor?

222 Answers
Last Updated: 05/26/2022 at 8:27am
How can I get what I need from my doctor?
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Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

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Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
Profile: HalcyonPhoenix
HalcyonPhoenix
October 5th, 2016 2:41pm
Let your doctor know what you expect from them. Just like physical ailments, mental issues require as much information as you can give for the best results. So make sure you communicate in the best possible way your wants, needs and lacks.
Anonymous
October 8th, 2016 7:51am
Be clear about what you want. Also gently demand help - be assertive about what you want, so they acknowledge you seriously need what you want. If talking is difficult, you can write your thoughts on paper. This way you don't forget to say anything, too.
Profile: Espirit203
Espirit203
October 9th, 2016 9:34pm
By answering the doctors questions truthfully and understanding the confidentiality agreement between you and the doctor , the doctor will not share any of your information
Profile: Game0ver
Game0ver
October 12th, 2016 4:07am
Always be open and honest with your doctor about your lifestyle, medications, and any new issues. Keep them in the loop if you are seeing another doctor, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. Honesty is key to ensuring your doctor understands what you're going through and can more accurately judge the best way to proceed.
Profile: RachelHenrys31
RachelHenrys31
October 12th, 2016 4:42pm
Try writing everything down before you attend the appointment. Sometimes seeing the doctor can be quite an anxious situation so it can be better to have a set of the questions you want to ask beforehand.
Anonymous
October 21st, 2016 8:36am
Schedule an appointment. Talk to your doctor about whatever you are having trouble with, or whatever you need. If it is an option, they will tell you. If it isn't you'll just have to find some other way I guess...
Anonymous
October 26th, 2016 6:06am
You talk to you doctor and tell him everything that is going on.. what you say will depend on the help they will give you
Profile: strawberrySoul15
strawberrySoul15
November 2nd, 2016 9:56am
Make an appointment with a doctor to see what is concerning for you and/or what you need help with. Your doctor is like your best friend. He/she is there to listen everything that has been going on with you. Don't be nervous, they're there to help people. That's just what they do.
Profile: royalApple76
royalApple76
November 9th, 2016 9:30am
it can be a real struggle. what ive started doing is writing out all my symptoms and when they happen, so if i feel like the doctors not believing my, i have something to back up what im saying. the main thing is, if your doctor is not giving you what you need, try to stand up for yourself. you have rights, and you deserve to be treated with respect.
Profile: GingerCatGirl
GingerCatGirl
November 13th, 2016 6:22pm
If you have a lot to say or you are unsure that you will remember things, it's ok to write things down and take notes in with you. If you have some ideas of what you think you need, it's ok to tell this to the doctor. The more you can tell them, the better they can help you. If you find you have a doctor who you don't think fully understands you or doesn't give a good reason for going against what you want, them there is always the option of asking for a second opinion. From my own experiences, I've found that being open and honest and giving your doctor as much information as possible is a good way to go. If you have an idea of what treatment would benefit you, most doctors will welcome that input, although they should weigh up the pros and cons with you.
Anonymous
November 30th, 2016 10:39pm
Be assertive! Do your research, write down/print off your research, and make sure they know you've done your research. If all else fails, it's time find another doctor. I felt really bad for years with one doctor, I went to a different doctor, and he diagnosed me with celiac disease within a matter of weeks! You have to know what you need, and you have to make sure the doctor knows what you need as well.
Profile: cinnamonbuns
cinnamonbuns
December 3rd, 2016 10:47am
Remember that your doctor wants to help because they work to better the lives of others. If you have a conversation about your symptoms they should be able to steer you to the right path, or be able to refer you to a specialist who is an expert in the area.
Anonymous
December 30th, 2016 9:38pm
You just be open and honest with your doctor about your current situation and they will then provide you with their own recommendations (you can either accept or decline), or even suggest something yourself!
Profile: Calm191
Calm191
January 3rd, 2017 3:15am
Try to prepare a brief checklist of what matters you would like to discuss with your doctor and what you have thought of as reasonable causes and solutions. These days doctors are used to patients who have done research online. However, keep in mind that your doctor knows you better than a website ever can, and try to stay open to suggestions your doctor offers you.
Profile: WendyBird15
WendyBird15
January 4th, 2017 8:16pm
I think that to get what you need most from your doctor first be totally open and honest with them about how you are feeling. We often want feel anxious or shameful about talking about it but that is the time and place, Your doctor is there to help you. If you feel they aren't hearing you say it again. Sometimes what we think we need may not be what is best so again we have to work with the professionals to get what we need and if the doctor you have doesn't listen or can't help don't give up, find someone else. You deserve to be heard and helped.
Profile: McIntoshP
McIntoshP
January 22nd, 2017 7:43pm
Don't be afraid to ask! Your doctor will hear thousands of questions in their career and not one of them will be ridiculous or unnecessary. It is up to you to take charge or your physical and mental health, the doctor may not always suggest what you think you need - so ask! If you are a minor and want to ask a question about something you would prefer your parent/guardian not to hear, see if you can book an appointment alone. If this isn't possible, ask them to leave the room or wait outside during your appointment, or try to discreetly ask a nurse/doctor to ask them to leave. Doctors will be more than willing to do this for you, as they know that some topics can be difficult to bring up around guardians. However, if you are in trouble, feel like you need more support, or are concerned about your health, I would recommend you clue your guardian in; mostly, they just want the best for you.
Anonymous
January 26th, 2017 10:54am
You need to be honest with your doctor. Tell them exactly what the problems are without holding any details back. Being completely honest will allow them to figure out exactly what you need.
Anonymous
February 5th, 2017 5:02pm
Tell them what you need and ask them to give you what you need. They're your doctor, they should always help you.
Profile: JuliettEchoMary1648
JuliettEchoMary1648
February 11th, 2017 12:39pm
Be upfront and transparent as you can. Not being honest with your own doctor won't be beneficial to either of you.
Profile: sereneWaterfall24
sereneWaterfall24
February 18th, 2017 2:14pm
The relationship between patient-doctor must be of respect, honesty and openness. No doctor can help a patient if the person being cared for is not willing to speak from their hearts with their doctor.
Profile: ButterflyofEmpathy
ButterflyofEmpathy
March 11th, 2017 8:51pm
It's important to tell them everything that is going on, what you think you need, and why. Doctors want to help, and if you go through the motions, they will do everything they can to help. Be honest and open about everything, if they feel they can't see the whole picture, they'll be hesitant to give you what you think you need.
Profile: Sunni817
Sunni817
March 29th, 2017 3:17am
Be detailed about your needs and how you will help to get your needs met. Ask how can you assist with receiving what you need and the best ways to manage in the mean time.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2017 3:02am
When I visit my doctor, I keep a written list of everything that I wish to discuss and why. That way if I get anxious I don't forget to bring it up or why I thought it was important. I also bring my partner with me to advocate if I believe I will need it. It also never hurts to ask for a second opinion if your doctor is dismissive or appears not to "get" it
Profile: BeyondEmpathy
BeyondEmpathy
April 14th, 2017 9:44am
I think the answer to this is being prepared. What are your concerns? What are your issues? What would you like help wit? Hows about making a list of everything you want to say so you dont forget anything. Also remember this person is there to help and support you.
Profile: Melody293
Melody293
May 11th, 2017 9:43pm
The best way to ensure you can get what you need from your doctor is to give them as much information as you can about whatever it is you need help with. Doctors can only work with what you give them. Update your doctor frequently, and let them know if something isn't working for you.
Profile: niamh333
niamh333
June 10th, 2017 10:47pm
I guess that depends on what you need from your doctor but my best advice is this: Go in there, and tell the full truth. It may be difficult but spare no detail as the more information you can give, the more informed a decision the doctor can make. This means you will likely get the treatment you need.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2017 3:04pm
For you to receive proper help from your doctor it is best to be completely honest and clear as to what you need help in.
Anonymous
June 15th, 2017 7:50am
I personally make a list that I take into my appointments so that I remember to ask what's been on my mind (sometimes I still forget things though), other than that I think it's always just best to be open and honest (chances are they've heard it all before and more!)
Profile: rinkuandriku
rinkuandriku
June 16th, 2017 5:13am
When consulting your doctor, always try to be upfront about how you're feeling and what you need. Ask for whatever you need and explain your reasons to justify the request.
Profile: HattieMae
HattieMae
June 28th, 2017 4:06pm
Firstly it's hard to know with 100% accuracy what you need in order to get better. You may want a certain reaction from your Doctor (like compassion, honestly, accountability), but what you need is based on the judgement of that professional. You may want compassion, but a dose of reality may be better for your mental health. It's weird how our mind work that way. So in order to give your Doctor all the information she/he may need, complete and open honesty is required, and only then can you get closer to what you really need.