Young people & their health

Mmmkay, so I don’t really know where I’m going with this, but I thought it’d be an interesting discussion. Also sorry in advance because I have a habit of making posts right before I go to bed 😴

⚡️TLDR; questions at the bottom ⚡️

Throughout my childhood, Mum was always the one in charge of my health. At 14, we agreed that I was ready and capable to advocate for myself regarding my mental health. This worked out really well, and I felt more confident in myself and my recovery when I was in charge of it.

At 16, she came to the doctor with me so I could get birth control. From there, she told me my health is my business and I should be the one making decisions. From then on, I went alone.

If I see the doctor asking for a referral to a mental health specialist, they happily write one up. However, just after I turned 19, I was having issues with the pill. I wanted to try a different method. I went to the doctor alone and described my symptoms. She went to write up a referral to my psychologist until I stopped her. She was 95% sure it was my anxiety, and not the pill.

I went back with mum a few months later. We saw my regular GP. He wrote me a script for the mini pill.

I’ve had a lot of issues with my stomach since I was a very young child. I never lied to my mum about my pain or discomfort. She knew when I needed to rest, when I needed medicine, or when I needed the doctor.

My pain became quite horrible when I was 14. I remember going to the sick bay at school almost everyday, in tears, begging them to call mum. They wouldn’t. They labelled me as a hypochondriac, and sent me back to class. I couldn’t focus. Sometimes, a five minute walk home would take 10. What changed between age 14 and 19?

⭐️ if you’re comfortable sharing, what was/is your experience with advocating for your health as a young person?

⭐️ has the response to you and your health changed as you’ve grown older?

⭐️ if the response is different, why do you think that is?