A lot of us feel a little blue during the holiday season. But for some, that blueness is much more significant. It can be a medical diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety that disrupts their lives.

And as good as medicine has gotten over the years, we still do a pretty rotten job when it comes to talking to patients about their mental health. There's this stigma that if life is pretty good, and you have a lot going for you, you should just be able to pick yourself up by the bootstraps.

So, how can clinicians broach the subject of mental health with patients who may need support? And how do you start a conversation with your doctor if you happen to be struggling?

On this episode of Tell Me More, I introduce you to a patient of mine named Amy who describes the physical symptoms she’s experienced off and on since college and discusses how she was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression.

We explore why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if medication isn’t working, and Amy explains what she did beyond taking citalopram to engage in self-care and improve her mental health.

Listen in for Amy’s advice to clinicians on being compassionate to patients with mental health issues and learn how to open up to your doctor to improve your mental wellness and enhance your quality of life!

Key Takeaways How Amy experienced mental health symptoms in college but didn’t understand the diagnosis

Why it’s crucial for clinicians to show their work and explain the why behind a treatment

Amy’s physical symptoms of brain fog, exhaustion, IBS and a short fuse

How Amy was finally diagnosed with anxiety and seasonal depression (and how those conditions manifest differently in different seasons of life)

What Amy did to improve her mental health beyond taking medication

Amy’s willingness to share her mental health challenges with others

How having a full serotonin bucket gives Amy the mental clarity to pause before she reacts

Amy’s advice to clinicians on how to speak to patients with mental health issues

What drove Amy’s decision to stop taking her medication (and how she felt when she had to start again)

Amy’s advice for listeners on how to talk to clinicians about your mental health

Why it’s crucial for clinicians to be open to feedback if the first prescription isn’t working

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Email christine@christinemeyermd.com