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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

Psychologist

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: Unfairworld
Unfairworld
July 1st, 2017 6:53pm
You need to describe everything you feel. Trust your doctor and tell him the situation around the problem
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2017 12:23pm
Be honest. This is the best thing you can do. Be honest about your symptoms,why are you seeing them and confide in them with your fears by asking questions. Let's say you are with your GP and have some weird symptoms ask them "Could this be a symptom of ...because I am very concerned". As a person that suffers from health anxiety that is the best thing you can do. This and therapy.
Profile: Kate
Kate
August 4th, 2017 3:35pm
It's important to be open with your doctor and ask for what you need. It's also important to find a doctor that you feel comfortable having these conversations with. They may not be the right doctor for you and that's ok. Don't be afraid to have an honest conversation about your expectations and what you hope to get out of treatment.
Anonymous
March 1st, 2018 2:54am
The best thing you can do is describe your situation to the best of your ability, and tell them straight-up what you need from them.
Profile: Hollie9181
Hollie9181
March 1st, 2018 7:19am
You should be absolutely clear about what you need, the more specific you can be the more they can help you. Not all doctors have a background in mental health and are not experts in complex needs. Talk to a therapist who will work with you to understand you needs and create a treatment plan which your doctor will understand. Give them as much information as you can about your thoughts and feelings as well as information on what has changed in your daily life due to your condition. Another helpful tip is to talk slowly, succinctly and try to keep emotions out if your conversation, it will make you easier to understand.
Profile: CallMeAnon
CallMeAnon
March 1st, 2018 2:12pm
Make it clear to them what your needs are, its important to be very clear so that your doctor understands you properly. dont feel ashamed to say anything to them
Anonymous
March 4th, 2018 4:44pm
You can get what you need from your doctor but asking for necessary information and resources from them about an illness you had, flu shot or if you are experiencing unwanted feelings that you think may need an eye on.
Anonymous
March 7th, 2018 4:01pm
Open up to your doctor, trust them, be honest and they should be there to support you with the issue at hand
Anonymous
March 10th, 2018 5:25pm
You need to know that what matters most is you, and to always be completely honest with the doctor and yourself. If something’s not right or you feel like no progress is being made, don’t be afraid to speak up! Your well-being is the priority, and you won’t offend the doctor by being honest. And, there are plenty of doctors out there. Sometimes we just don’t click with the first doctor we try. Honesty is key in helping yourself and your doctor do the best possible to help you. :)
Anonymous
April 4th, 2018 6:30pm
Write down what you need to say before you go in to see the Doctor. Speak calmly and with confidence.
Profile: Bubbleycatylistener
Bubbleycatylistener
April 6th, 2018 9:24am
If you need something from your doctor it is important you first book an appointment and during the appointment you talk about what is wrong with you and why you need medication, tablets etc. Once the doctor knows what is wrong with you he/she can tell you what medication you need or if you even need any
Profile: ThingsGetBetter20
ThingsGetBetter20
April 11th, 2018 8:56pm
Tell them the truth, in how you feel and what your symptoms are. Make sure they have a clear understanding of the way you feel to assist them in getting you the correct help.
Profile: Chippy09
Chippy09
April 12th, 2018 6:08am
Being honest regarding your history, either medication or experiences, is important to get what you need from your doctor.
Profile: hollyliz35
hollyliz35
April 15th, 2018 6:33am
To get what you need from your doctor you have to be completely honest and truthful with them. Tell them what's been going on, even if it sounds sad or crazy or weird. Everything you say, your doctor will take into account and tell you what's right for you.
Anonymous
April 18th, 2018 1:40pm
By being calm and honest when speaking with my doctor, and listening to his/her advice. If I am too afraid to be honest, it might be a good idea for me to bring someone with me to appointments.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2018 4:30am
Be honest about your situation, or at least don't lie. You may not get all you wished for or expected, but they will try and give you what they believe is best.
Profile: SweetKate
SweetKate
May 3rd, 2018 12:02am
It really depends on what kind of doctor you mean. With a physician it's important to be concise and exact with your symptoms. Don't stretch the truth to try to get them to "take you more seriously". They can see and respect the truth. With psychiatrists, the same goes. You need to be upfront and honest. More importantly though is that you include ALL of your symptoms, none are too minor to 'skip'. I recommend that you work on a list over a week period of all the symptoms you notice, and hand the list to your psychiatrist. they will ask you to go into more detail about these symptoms, and they will be the best party to judge what measures should be taken from there. It's important to not hold anything back out of a fear of "making a big deal of it". Your health is important- advocate for it!
Anonymous
May 4th, 2018 5:43am
Being completely honest and transparent- doctors need to be able to understand and have full details in order to help, diagnose or prescribe... if you withhold you’re not doing self care, helpfulness or diligence to yourself- do self care and be truthful and authentic
Profile: incredibleTree19
incredibleTree19
May 11th, 2018 5:36pm
Say what you need, and give feedback on whether it's working or not. Give context for your concerns. Ask about and make sure you understand your treatment/diagnosis. Advocate for yourself, and speak up. This may require some energy, but it is definitely a good use. It may also be a good idea to seek a second opinion, if possible.
Anonymous
May 12th, 2018 4:29pm
Be honest to your doctor. Open up to him/her about everything and be specific about what you need and about what you think he/she needs to know.
Profile: QuirkyGirlSparks
QuirkyGirlSparks
May 18th, 2018 2:11am
Be honest with your Doctor. Do not hide anything. If you are hearing things, feel suicidal, feeling agressive, depressed...tell your doctor!
Profile: humbledbygrace
humbledbygrace
May 20th, 2018 11:17am
Be honest with the doctor. Tell them how you really feel, how long you have felt like that. Be guided by the doctor. They may not prescribe medication straight away, because there are other options that may work, either with or without the assistance of medication.
Anonymous
May 31st, 2018 2:44pm
When you want something from your doctor, First off you need a doctor you can trust and that you know will work with you, and wants to help you. Make sure you establish a relationship with them. Then you have to be clear about the symptoms your having, and be able to show him/her the problems your having. Maybe write all your symptoms down, so don't forget to tell him/her something during the visit. Schedule an appointment, and make sure you show up on time. If you by some reason you have to miss the appointment always make sure you call and reschedule. If you don't call in and just blow it off, it wastes their time when they could be helping another patient, then that leads them to think your not serious about the appointment to begin with. Make sure you are honest with them, and usually most doctors will be willing to work with and you can get what you need.
Anonymous
June 10th, 2018 2:28am
One way is to ask. I know that seems really simple, and I know it is way easier said than done. However, it pays to be assertive. Or, at least, open up a dialogue and be tell your doctor what you need. You can always switch doctors if you find your current one unwilling or unable to help.
Profile: generalanesthetiics
generalanesthetiics
June 13th, 2018 1:39am
Communicate openly and effectively. Doctors are human too and may not always understand right away. If you are not feeling helped it is always okay to seek help from another doctor or therapist till you find the right fit for you.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 7:39am
you can ask your doctor what you need for this. or if your doctor will provide you what you are seeking. though doctors will go by how the doctor feels about it. but be aware to talk about your doctor about what you need and be honest.
Profile: BeTheChangeYouWant
BeTheChangeYouWant
June 15th, 2018 3:50pm
Be honest, clear, and open with your doctor about the full truth of your symptoms and needs. Don't exaggerate, but don't sugarcoat or leave out things you are embarrassed about or don't want to admit either. Your doctor isn't psychic, and without clear and honest communication from you (even if it is difficult to talk about or open up about) they will not be able to diagnose and treat you properly to give you the care you need and deserve.
Profile: LanLaLand
LanLaLand
July 8th, 2018 11:26pm
With complete honesty, doctors expect you to tell them everything about your history, sometimes even things you wouldn't consider important, is vital for a doctor to help you. And if it doesn't work out, try another doctor, you can always get second opinions
Profile: kindPanda75
kindPanda75
July 11th, 2018 9:52pm
By giving the Doctor a accurate account of what symptoms you have they will be able to prescribe the correct medication
Profile: SeaShell55
SeaShell55
July 13th, 2018 3:14am
Explain clearly the issue and make sure they understand, if you feel unheard you can see another doctor and get a second opinion. Seeing a family doctor isn't the only option, there are clinics.