Sigh.. the lonely path

That's the problem though, how do you say anything without it appearing like a whine or accusation that I know better than professionals (sure I'm the one living with this, but I think we've all found that others seem to know best where we're at irrespective of what we say)... The alternative is to give into the circus and circle jerks... But yeah, meh

Doctors easily intimidate me. Beyond that, I'm usually reluctant to voice anything the doctors may receive as criticism. Consequently over the years I've built up a lot of things I'd say if I were someone else and not myself.

The unfortunate result is that I often understate my distress.

Those times when I judge it necessary to be direct, I carefully compose what needs saying before the meeting and don the necessary persona.

if you say you cannot establish rapport because you notice she feel insecure or uncomfortable with you, would that be OK to say?
Good luck!

Thanks, I took your advice and said something close to that.

Transpires she wrote a hell of a lot of notes... and in the transcription got a few things wrong (not quite what I said) which the Dr picked up on and queried with me to confirm that it was misleading information (was quite surprised considering how many people he must see each day/week that he remembered little details like the course I was studying etc). He advised that the once monthly appointments are not ideal and that his door is open whenever a crisis arises which was reassuring... acknowledged my concern that 'getting an appointment by the receptionists' could result in a wait... but that I had to weigh up 1 of 2 things... if it was urgent, I should get myself into who ever is available as there are notes on the system... yet if I can hold on, it would be preferable for me to see him as a slot becomes open.

Advised that I should 1 stick with the medication... and 2, try not to take extra pills... ask to see someone. With regards to the crisis team, he said that in severe crisis... I can call them and he would recommend that.

Wants to see me again next week. Credit where credit is due, he's a really nice bloke and does seem to genuinely care.

Asked if about the reduction in hours and if it had been useful to which I said yes, absolutely (afternoons I am so drained)... but I said that I couldn't keep doing it as my boss has already thrown little warnings (not in a harsh way) that prolonged reduction of hours would impact on the business. He (dr) cynically smiled at that... told me to play things by ear and that if things get to much I should talk to him about it again.

Can you avoid the T?