Seeking Better Communication with My Doctor: A Call for Understanding
Hello everyone, I hope this message finds you well. I’m a 35-year-old man, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 14.5 stone. Currently, I’m on Espranor, which is a UK brand of buprenorphine. I have remained smoke-free for over eight years and do not consume alcohol or use illicit substances. For some time now, I've been grappling with General Anxiety Disorder, which I consider to be quite severe, as well as Tourette's Syndrome, albeit in a non-verbal form. I believe my anxiety has escalated into Agoraphobia, but my doctor does not share this view. Sadly, I've been confined to my home for almost three years, venturing out only when I consume a few strong drinks. This is particularly concerning for me, as I’m a recovering addict, celebrating 17 months of sobriety yet still engaged in a heroin maintenance program with Espranor. My appointments with CGL occur via video, and I always keep my camera off after verifying my identity. Social interactions are incredibly challenging for me due to the intense anxiety I experience around other people, even family members. Living with my parents, I find myself mostly isolated in my bedroom. This lifestyle has left me feeling profoundly lonely, paranoid, and utterly exhausted with how things are going. Over the years, my doctor has prescribed an array of SSRIs, SNRIs, and Lorazepam, which I first took at 19 and am now reconsidering at 36. I have also been in therapy for more than a year, striving to improve. What I truly desire is to reclaim my life—to return to university, re-enter the workforce, reconnect with friends from whom I’ve been disconnected for years, and support my family. I yearn for the ability to leave my room, let alone my house. What frustrates me is that my doctor’s go-to solution is to prescribe more SSRIs, despite my consistent feedback about the adverse effects they have on me: they often aggravate my condition, lead to depression, instigate suicidal thoughts (which I don’t have when I'm off these medications), and I once even found myself in a dangerous situation, stepping into traffic and getting hit by a car, while under their influence. I’m reaching out for advice—how can I effectively communicate my needs to my doctor? Is there an alternative treatment available that might work for me? I’m just so tired of this exhausting existence, battling anxiety around the clock, struggling to find restful sleep, and feeling like nothing more than an empty vessel. Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and I apologize for its length.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 11:10:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when coping with anxiety, especially when you feel your current treatment isn’t helping. Since you're seeking ways to improve your communication with your doctor and looking for alternative approaches to your mental health treatment, here are some key points and steps to consider.
Main Points
- Improving Communication with Your Doctor
- Exploring Alternative Treatment Options
- Prioritizing Self-Care and Support
Explanation
Effective communication with your healthcare provider is crucial in addressing your mental health needs, especially given your complex history. You’ve shown great resilience in maintaining sobriety and persevering through therapy, which is commendable. Since you feel that SSRIs have adverse effects, it's important to voice these concerns clearly and assertively in your next appointment.
Next Steps
1. Prepare for Your Appointment:
- List Your Symptoms: Keep a thorough record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and how you feel during and after taking medication. This can help demonstrate your struggles more clearly.
- Highlight Your Goals: Be specific about your aspirations (like returning to university or re-entering the workforce) and express how your current treatment is impacting these goals.
2. Communicate Openly:
- Use "I" statements to express your feelings (e.g., "I feel hopeless when I take SSRIs because they increase my anxiety and lead to suicidal thoughts").
- Share your desire for collaborative treatment options—ask if there are alternative therapies or medications, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness practices, or other medication classes like mood stabilizers or anxiolytics that might be less troubling.
3. Explore Additional Support:
- Peer Support: Consider contacting support groups for anxiety or Tourette's Syndrome, which can provide understanding and shared experiences.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice methods like deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage acute anxiety and foster a sense of calm.
4. Action-Based Therapy Focus:
- If psychotherapy hasn’t fully addressed your needs, look for therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care or exposure therapy, which may help with agoraphobia and anxiety.
Additional Notes
It's essential to advocate for yourself in a healthcare setting. If you feel your current doctor isn’t meeting your needs, it’s also okay to seek a second opinion. Your mental health journey is important, and finding the right therapeutic alliance can make a significant difference.
You're taking an important step by reaching out for advice, and reclaiming control of your life is very much attainable. Stay strong and keep pushing forward; support is out there for you. If you need more information or clarification on any of these points, please let me know!
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