It might be too much to ask someone in the middle of an episode in need to care to be their own advocate. But it is never too late to begin either.
In today's environment it is really important. I often see posts where the first visit is to a psychiatrist which is a doctor that specializes in brain focused mental health but by nature of being a doctor is more likely to start someone on meds immediately. Add in limitations on visits by insurance companies and you are probably not getting a full picture or care. That doesn't mean psychiatric meds aren't the answer or that all psychiatrists don't spend enough time. It just means your body and mind are intertwined and complicated. Knowing what questions to ask is helpful.
The link has great info. I wish I had seen it 40 years ago. I had to learn all that the hard way. A bit at a time. At first, the medical community intimidated me so much that I was afraid to ask questions. I thought doctors were gods. They aren’t, just humans. All the time I spent engaging with the medical community, I never had an advocate and sometimes I sure needed one. Hospitals should automatically offer the service. Same with the mental health side of it. Yes, sometimes pills are pushed as the first line of defense. Sometimes they are needed, but sometimes not. How can a really ill person (mentally or physically) be capable of rational decision making on their own.
We give our lives over to the care of strangers. Even though we know our bodies better than anybody else, sometimes an extra head that’s on our side can determine what kind of care we receive.
I actually remembered one example. Pharmacists are undervalued. The overdue for retirement doctor prescribed an additional med to a friend that the pharmacist was concerned about. He called the doctor and they argued for a few minutes. The patient went with the doctor. Within 12 hours he was in the er because of overdose. I heard once they should be a partner with the doctor. But doctors don’t seem to partner with nurses either. Very bad for patients especially when you are vulnerable.
Another option in that case is to bring a spouse or anyone familiar with your behavior to the meeting. They can offer more information and also be that citizen advocate.
I have a friend that could benefit from taking someone with him to office visits. He was having stomach problems and neglected to tell the doctor that he drank pepto bismol instead of water. Girl Scouts honor ✌️.
Good suggestion and advice for people who will take it.
A pharmacist may have saved a friends life. He wouldn’t refill a prescription for benzos. The pharmacist told him he didn’t want him to wind up like Heath Ledger. The friend got treatment and is in recovery. Yes, pharmacists are undervalued.
He’s unfamiliar with illness and relationships with doctors. He didn’t think it was important to mention it. His doctor was made aware of it, explained why it wasn’t healthy and his stomach is a lot better, of course. Information regarding how to help your doctors in diagnosing your illnesses needs to be upped, as well as bringing someone along with you when you might forget some important information.
Yes, and the same goes for your mental health. There are many different kinds of therapy, treatment modalities and therapists available to many of us any more. So the more time you spend researching what is available and determining what you think you need, the better chance you have of having a successful therapeutic outcome. Also, don't be afraid to fire a therapist that you don't think is helping you and finding one that will. It's really up to you.
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Remember to choose your own path in life! 
