Darlene, usually I just balabber and let the doc sort out what he or she thnks is important. I just say what I need to just then. Not so strategic, maybe, but it works for me.
((((((rhon))))) I do agree that you need to have someone, a friend or sympathetic family member who can give you the heads up. You don't want to get so bad that you crash and burn before you get help. when I crashed after my first son was born, the only person who took me seriously only spoke Finnish. NOT A GOOD SCENE! Maybe if you presented it in those terms (ei. understand so you can help me help myself), your folks might listen better. It gives them a way to be "useful" Just a thought and I really hope you can find someone to listen to you irl