I've had similar experiences so unfortunately I too know your frustration. It's painful when you finally give in and turn to the medical professionals for help only to be let down worse than ever before.

The medical systems are overloaded and in their own state of crisis and sometimes we are the casualties. You said you have a nurse who is advocating for your interests. That will help. I know other people who have turned to their members of parliment to get attention to their needs. Thier theory is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease so they never give up squeaking. It works for them. They get what they need when they need it because no one wants to listen to them go off on them.

Sad but true.... sometimes we have to fight for what we need. The irony is that it comes at us when we haven't much fight to give to the battle. Still we have to push on to get the help we need and find the workers who can do the job you need them to do when you need it. It's like going through a maze blindfolded but it is what it is.

Some of us can't operate in that system. Some of us do initially get sicker jumping through hoops, listening to uninformed advice, dealing with inhumane bureaucracies, fiddling with expensive and addictive medications and chasing doctors for new scripts. It takes time and a huge amount of effort to create a support team within the health care system. Some of us can't do that work of pushing and giving effort we don't have. No way, no how can we survive the bureaucracies. I have my own horror stories to recount as my rationale for 'opting-out'.

Some of us either find private help or we return to self-help and alternative approaches outside the mainstream system. That would be me. But it's not for everyone. There is an added risk to dealing with MI symptoms without the usual medical supports. There is an added stigma attached among medical professionals and among other MI's towards people who seek alternatives to the mainstream medical system. As a consequence of me not being able to function in the system I will never qualify for disability benefits because I am 'non-compliant'. I will never qualify for social assistance because I can't get a doctor to 'verify my un-employability'. I will never qualify for a lot of public services and benefits because I don't get mainstream medical attention for my MI. It has also cost me friends and family too. They think I don't want to get better. For them it's all about 'get on the meds'. They don't support the alternatives so they will tell me 'you are on your own unless you take meds'. They think tough love will change my mind.

I do see a doctor to maintain treatment for my thyroid condition. I always know I can call the mental health office when in crisis and maybe someone there will be able to help me get through the worst bits.

Therapy is a very personal thing. What works for one may not work for another. Becoming educated about MI has become my greatest asset. Finding PC and other support forums for peer support has also been a great help for me. Faith and spiritual beliefs have been especially helpful for me as well.

I'm glad you have someone advocated for you. That will be a great help. So often that's all it takes. Someone who knows how the system works --- working for you.

Take good care..... blessings..........