If it weren't for alternative methods, I wouldn't be here - of that I'm certain.
In my experiences (other than my a-fib/atrial flutter episodes), when left to typical western/allopathic medicine, both in the medical arena and the mental health arena, I was made much worse and never felt heard, be it trying to share my history, or trying to advocate for myself to share how incredibly problematic their "help" was becoming to my well-being.
Each of them ignored the childhood sexual abuse/teen rape/multiple instances of adult domestic and sexual violence and would go straight to prescribing meds for "severe adhd"/"severe depression"/"severe insomnia"/"severe IBS"/"severe anxiety", etc. A severe damn life, pretty much, made more severely dysfunctional and physically dis-eased with the buffet of meds I was told to take. They prescribed, right off the bat, the highest dose of vyvanse for adhd, xanax for anxiety, ambien for insomnia - and told me if I couldn't stay asleep after I took it to go ahead and take another xanax and that should do it, and some kind of pill to keep me from puking for the IBS. Then threw in a few supplements to help the depleted vitamins and minerals from taking the meds (that was the words of the psychiatrist).
I felt like I was gonna have to scrape my ass off the ceiling for a few weeks after that. Then they switched to adderall/wellbutrin/and several others I can't recall at the moment. Then switched again. None of which helped me and all of which the side effects were too intense for me to keep trying. I learned that pills don't teach skills and I stopped seeking their help. I went to a new psychiatrist approved by my insurance and he only made eye contact once, only spent 15 minutes with me as he read the notes I brought to the appt., and immediately prescribed effexor for depression, handed me my papers back, and said if it didn't work, call him for another appt. It didn't work and the side effects from it were even more intense.
Talk therapists ignored the reports of sexual and domestic abuse. They wouldn't respond to me sharing it and never included it in any discussions. One of them fell asleep while I was telling her. Another treated sessions like it was f'n bible study. Another talked down to me in a major paternalistic manner. These were the licensed professionals recommended and approved by insurance. That avalanche of attempted help just kept picking up speed as I searched for medical help for major pains and such, too. I was told I needed a complete shoulder replacement by an orthopedic surgeon, if I ever wanted pain relief. But when I went back to pick up my records, he wrote down, "No surgical intervention recommended at this time." WTF?
That's when I sought out the local sexual and domestic abuse shelter for recommendations of counselors and learned I could go to their office and meet with their highly certified counselors at no cost. That experience was the most healing talk therapy I ever had. EVER. I can go back anytime, if needed. The only qualification is that you experienced either sexual or domestic abuse in your lifetime. The lady I was meeting with is now the executive director and can no longer see clients for counseling, unfortunately. But there are others I could see if need be. That's where I learned the details of PTSD and was "unofficially" diagnosed.
In my attempts to find healing, I was fortunate enough to find various local wellness workshops that were either free or of little cost and discovered more about acupuncture, chiropractic care, acupressure, myofascial/craniosacral massage therapy, sound healing, neurofeedback, reiki, iridology, flower essences, herbal tinctures, food as medicine, breathing techniques, etc., etc. I was also introduced to a community organization that you could barter time for services rather than money, called an hOUR economy. That enabled me to experience many of the options, and then some, at no cost. I'd barter child care, animal care, house sitting, they'd use my brain machine, I'd help in the gardens, in the yardens, around the house, provide transportation, etc.
I continue to use many of the above as needed, some of which I can easily do on my own without needing a practitioner present. Having built those connections several years ago makes it possible to receive lower costs than if I were just now seeking them without previously knowing them. How do I pay for it? I was able to save money when I was still working full-time, and have an incredibly supportive and generous husband, and when my mom passed, the sale of her estate afforded me options of having my needs met for a bit without worry (knock on wood). My nervous system is beyond grateful for finding what became true and genuine healers into my life and helping me recognize that what I'd been taught to trust as the only "legitimate" places to seek help can be some of the most dangerous. Grateful to have had a chance to learn, unlearn, and still be able to talk about it.
Oh hell no. You did NOT just say that to me.
Who was part of one of the most prestigious Sports Med departments, in one of the best hospitals, in the country. I received a written apology from the insurance company, not long after. My then-husband’s company had already switched insurance providers, by that time. I wasn’t the only one who was treated so poorly, for calling to enquire about what’s standard medical care, on this coast.
