Experiencing Medical Neglect: When Physical Health is Overlooked Due to Mental Illness

I share my personal experience, as a 32-year-old with a history of mental health issues, to highlight a critical issue in healthcare: the medical neglect that occurs when a patient's physical health is overshadowed by their mental illness. This isn't a rare occurrence; it's a systemic problem that affects many individuals in the United Kingdom and potentially worldwide.

My Story: A Lifelong Struggle

My health has significantly declined over the years, largely due to the neglect and misunderstanding from my healthcare providers. The physical symptoms I face include frequent blackouts, extreme weight fluctuations, severe migraines, coughing, heart palpitations, chest pains, numbness in arms and legs, extreme shortness of breath, and night-time episodes of breathlessness. These symptoms have not only impacted my quality of life but have also caused me to become socially isolated, unable to leave my home for extended periods.

Explored Symptoms and Misunderstandings

Many of these symptoms, such as coughing, heart palpitations, and breathlessness, are often dismissed as psychosomatic, primarily due to my diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and the development of anxiety over the years. However, these symptoms are not just psychological; they have a tangible, physical impact on my life and overall health. For instance, the frequent breathlessness at night and during physical exertion is not just a psychological manifestation; it is a serious medical issue that requires immediate attention.

Documentation and Medical Records

During my most recent visit to the doctor, I encountered a significant breach of trust. Instead of treating me with the seriousness of my condition, the medical team dismissed my symptoms and refused to take any further action. They even went as far as sealing my medical records, making it difficult for me to seek help from other providers. The doctor's statement, as a direct quote, was not only dismissive but outright offensive. They said, “You’ve already had a basic blood test and an MRI only a few years ago that’s way more than most people already! You should be grateful we even see you at all! If you try and decide to seek ‘help’ at the time I have mentioned being desperate enough to go to a lawyer but later lost your last remaining support, then we’ll have no choice but to decide you’re having a psychotic break! I mean look at the way you’re sitting with you hands in your lap and saying you think you deserve to be treated well to be treated equally! I think you’ve been treated enough!”

The Red Flashing Warning

The most egregious act by the medical team was writing a permanent red flashing warning in my medical records. The warning stated: “Warning! Do not under any circumstances treat this patient for physical illnesses. Patient is psychotic, attention-seeking, time wasting! Patient can not and should not be treated for any so-called ‘physical’ ailment. Thank you!” This warning prevents any other doctor from considering my physical symptoms, despite the clear medical evidence of my conditions.

The Impact of Continuous Neglect

The continuous neglect of my physical symptoms has had a profound impact on my life. The severity of my symptoms continues to worsen, and the fear of another fatal episode is ever-present. I am unable to go outside or have a normal life due to the constant fear of a medical emergency. My only friend and companion, a fur-ball, is all I have left to keep me going. But even with this small comfort, the lack of medical support is overwhelming.

Call for Change

This story is not an isolated incident. It highlights the need for a change in how mental and physical health are perceived and addressed in the medical community. Every patient deserves empathy, understanding, and appropriate treatment, regardless of their mental health status. This is a call to all healthcare providers to recognize the validity and severity of all symptoms, especially when they are psychosomatic. It is essential to address every aspect of a patient's health to ensure their best possible quality of life.

Conclusion

Medical neglect, especially when mental health issues are involved, can lead to serious health complications and even death. It is crucial for healthcare providers to understand that physical symptoms, even if they appear to be psychosomatic, should be taken seriously and treated accordingly. The story of this 32-year-old individual is a stark reminder of the need to end medical neglect and ensure that all patients, regardless of their mental health status, receive the care they deserve.