It’s exhausting when your body is screaming for help—
and the only thing the medical world seems to hear is the word “anxiety.”
I know anxiety.
I know depression.
I know what it feels like to spiral into panic or sadness or tremors.
But I also know my body.
I know when something is different.
I know when something is wrong.
And today?
I’m dealing with tremors so strong my hands shake.
Fluttering in my chest that steals my breath.
Muscle weakness that leaves me feeling like I’m made of paper, making even driving difficult.
And yet…
over and over again…
I hit the same wall.
“It’s just your anxiety.”
“Just breathe.”
“You’re probably overthinking.”
🧠Anxiety Isn’t an Excuse to Dismiss Symptoms
Anxiety doesn’t erase the possibility of real, tangible, treatable health issues.
Just because I have a mental health diagnosis doesn’t mean I stop knowing my own body.
And this?
This is where the system so often fails people like me—and maybe people like you.
When a doctor sees “anxiety” in your chart, it can color everything you say.
Symptoms that might raise alarms for others get brushed aside.
Pain gets minimized.
Fear gets patronized.
And the scariest part?
Serious conditions can be missed because of it.
🗣 We Need Better Communication—From Both Sides
I’m not here to bash healthcare workers.
Many are doing their best in an overwhelmed, broken system.
But we need a better way.
We need providers who listen first—and label later.
We need to feel safe saying, “Yes, I have anxiety… but this feels different.”
We need room to explain, without fear of being brushed off.
And maybe we also need better tools for ourselves, too:
- Clear symptom tracking: Writing down what we’re experiencing—when it started, how it feels, what triggers it—so it’s harder to dismiss.
- Bringing an advocate: A spouse, friend, or family member can help reinforce that something new is happening.
- Asking direct questions: “Can you explain why this doesn’t warrant further testing?” “What would you recommend if anxiety wasn’t a factor?”
Because anxiety doesn’t mean imaginary.
Depression doesn’t mean untrustworthy.
And PTSD doesn’t mean we can’t tell when something in our body has shifted.
đź•Ż You Deserve to Be Heard
If you’re fighting this battle too—if your symptoms are being dismissed or minimized because of your mental health history—I see you.
I believe you.
I stand with you.
You are not “dramatic.”
You are not “hysterical.”
You are not “too sensitive.”
You are a human being who deserves care, respect, and answers.
And if you’re reading this as someone who loves someone with anxiety or PTSD—please know:
One of the greatest gifts you can give is believing them.
Sitting with them.
Backing them up when their voice shakes too much to fight alone.
đź’¬ Have You Ever Felt Dismissed By a Doctor?
If you’ve experienced this frustration too, I’d love to hear your story.
Let’s talk about it. Let’s demand better together. Share what helped you get through. We can figure this out TOGETHER!
Because mental health matters.
And so does every other part of us.
Light and Love ~Mandy
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