Okay, so you might be tempted to ignore this tip at your next appointment — but hear me out. Following it could be extremely important!
When your doctor asks questions about your mental health, substance use, or medication adherence, be honest. I know it can be tempting to leave out those supplements you buy online, or to say you only drink two alcoholic drinks a week instead of the eight you actually consume. Do you remember to take your eye drops every night as prescribed? No? Tell the truth. They aren’t asking to cast judgment — they’re asking so they can reach a more accurate diagnosis or prescribe the right dose of medication.
Imagine you’re on blood pressure medication but, because of laziness, busyness, or brain fog, you don’t always take it. Now imagine your doctor believes you do take it consistently. They see your blood pressure is still high and increase your dose. Then, when you do take it, your blood pressure plummets. Yikes! If they had known the truth, they could have helped you set up reminders and emphasized the importance of taking your medication — without the risk of overdose.
We often feel like we’re about to be judged or reprimanded for being truthful, but more likely your doctor will appreciate your honesty and build a safer care plan around it. Again, no shame! (And if they do make a derogatory comment, try responding with: “Doctor, I don’t appreciate that. I assumed you asked because it was important, so please respect my honesty.” That should do the trick.)
One more thing: be open about how your physical symptoms affect your mental health. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or your mood is affected, your doctor may create a care plan more urgently and offer additional support such as counselling.
Times are changing. In both Canada and the UK, initiatives are underway to reduce the power imbalance between doctors and patients and give patients more say in their own care. I’ve also noticed a shift from “old-school” thinking to a new, more patient-focused approach. I believe this shift has softened judgment from doctors.
So yeah… be honest. It should serve you well.
Less health stress, yes?
A published author and musician, Susie currently lives in the UK. Find her on Instagram @authorsusieschwartz, and at www.lesshealthstress.com . (Email: info@lesshealthstress.com) The 2nd edition of her book, ‘Help the Doctor Help You!’ is available now on Amazon.
