Adrenal fatigue falls into a broad category of non-specific symptoms that doctors have a hard time understanding, and if they cannot offer a specific diagnosis, many physicians will assume that the patient is seeking attention or is a hypochondriac.
Patients with Adrenal Fatigue are often told that their symptoms are all in their mind. I know because that happened to me. Yet, how do you communicate with and convince your doctor to look further? No matter what your particular medical condition may be, you can take initiative and begin your search by just using some simple steps.
Believe in yourself and be an advocate for yourself. This could the hardest step, but if you educate yourself about all the possibilities of your situation then this will give greater confidence when talking with your doctor. The internet is a great resource. It is just like the great “library in the sky”. However, don’t be satisfied with the first information you find. Continue to research multiple sites – both medical sites and holistic. Don’t be afraid to be the detective. Ask questions. I held tight to the belief that I had an actual physical problem, and I had to find my own answers. And, I eventually did. Educating yourself about all the possibilities is empowering and will give you more confidence when you do talk to a doctor. Be persistent. This is critical step. My search for help was nine years, and that took persistence. I saw many doctors, and I tried many therapies. Through that journey I also empowered myself to find answers, although it wasn’t always easy.
To be the patient advocate for yourself, you must accept that it is okay and necessary to ask questions. I encourage everyone to keep a journal of questions and answers.
