"Dismissal"

Hi, I’m writing to give feedback about an experience I had recently at Monk Bretton Medical Practice, during an appointment with one of the doctors.

This wasn’t the first time I left that surgery feeling worse than when I walked in. I went there in a state of distress, dealing with ongoing mental health struggles, emotional abuse history, panic attacks, and a lot of cognitive fog.

I tried to open up, even though I find it really hard to express myself under stress — and still, I felt completely dismissed. Not just unheard, but indirectly blamed for how I feel. I mentioned that I’ve had contact with someone who’s been emotionally abusive in the past, and the response I got was basically that antidepressants won’t help if I am still putting myself in that situation.

That kind of comment, especially when you’re already blaming yourself for everything, is more damaging than helpful.

I also spoke about my cognitive decline and panic symptoms, but they weren’t taken seriously at all. The appointment itself felt rushed, cold, and mechanical. No eye contact, fast talking, barely a moment to process or feel safe. Later I found out that six patients were seen in under 30 minutes — no wonder it felt like I was being pushed through a conveyor belt.

This was déjà vu from a year ago, when I was physically unwell and told the doctor I was vomiting from anxiety. Instead of listening, I was told to go to hospital and my anxiety was dismissed completely.

I’m not writing this out of spite. I’m writing this because care should feel safe — especially for people dealing with trauma and mental health issues. I deserve trauma-informed, compassionate support. We all do. Right now, I don’t feel safe coming back to this practice. And I wish things could be different.