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Facing the harsh reality of feeling invisible in the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when battling chronic conditions. Donna returns to share her courageous journey through the maze of medical gaslighting, where her invisible illnesses were often dismissed. We unravel the staggering fact that obtaining a proper diagnosis for issues like autoimmune diseases can take nearly a decade. Learn how to empower yourself with essential strategies for advocating in medical settings, from tracking symptoms in a notepad to bringing a trusted ally to appointments. We also challenge the irony of doctors relying on Google and stress the power of self-advocacy in demanding more than just textbook answers.

The challenge of communication within the healthcare system isn’t just a personal struggle; it's a systemic issue affecting countless individuals. We reflect on the pressures medical professionals face to prioritize the number of patients over the quality of care, leading to ethical dilemmas and a sense of irrelevance among older patients. From navigating a cancer diagnosis during a pandemic to the hurdles posed by staff shortages, our conversation underscores the urgency of being a proactive health advocate. Tune in for heartfelt stories and practical tips, like refusing unnecessary procedures, to help you navigate these choppy waters with confidence.

Feelings of irrelevance extend far beyond the doctor's office. We explore how societal pressures can strain personal relationships, with unbalanced friendships and forgotten birthdays serving as poignant reminders. By sharing personal anecdotes, we emphasize the importance of genuine connections, empathy, and meaningful interaction in an age dominated by superficial social media exchanges. Through stories of disappointment and the power of kindness, we invite you to reflect on how small gestures can bridge the gap of irrelevance, fostering deeper connections in both our personal and communal lives.

Loneliness in the United States: A 2018 National Panel Survey of Demographic, Structural, Cognitive, and Behavioral Characteristics - Liana DesHarnais Bruce, Joshua S. Wu, Stuart L. Lustig, Daniel W. Russell, Douglas A. Nemecek, 2019

America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it : NPR

Marie Kondo Your Life: How To End Toxic Friendships, Bad Habits

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com