Can we talk to your doctor? (Communicating with Your Doctor)

When you were little, your parents made all the decisions about your health, took you to the doctor, and talked to you, right? But now you're a little older. You know a lot more about your body and your mind than you used to. So, you're probably willing to make some decisions about your health and talk about things yourself. That's a really good thing!

Why is talking to a doctor so important to you?

Think about it, when you take responsibility for your own health, when you are involved in it, you can make the best decisions for yourself. Then you have a much better chance of staying healthy. So, the best place to start is to have a good conversation with your doctor.

"A person who takes personal interest in their own health lays the best foundation for a healthy life."

Simply put, when you go to see a doctor, it's important to be open about your problems, your feelings, and your fears. This will help the doctor understand your situation and provide you with the best treatment.

How do you start this? Speak up for yourself, without looking at your parents!

It's very easy. When you go to the doctor, instead of waiting for your mom or dad to answer the questions the doctor asks, start answering them yourself. As you start talking about your own things, your mom or dad can gradually reduce the amount of talking they do.

A lot of times, when you take responsibility like this and talk about your own things, a lot of parents are really proud. It's a big boost for them too. They think, "Oh, my child is big now, they can talk about their own things." So, little by little, you can increase your role in your own health care.

Will there be times when the doctor only sees you?

Yes, definitely. When you get a little younger, like 13 or 14 years old, the doctor, the nurse at the clinic, or your mom or dad might leave the room for a while and talk to you alone. This is something that happens in a lot of clinics and hospitals.

Don't worry, this is completely normal!

At this time, you can feel more free and confident to talk to your doctor about anything that is on your mind, even things that may be difficult to talk about in front of your parents. Doctors are obligated to keep such things confidential (except for things that could harm you). So, this is a way to protect your privacy.

What are the important things to discuss with the doctor?

You can talk to your doctor about any health problem or any question that comes to your mind.

If you get sick or injured...

If you go to the doctor because you are sick or think you have a health problem, you should tell them exactly what your symptoms are.

• Since when has this problem been going on?
• What are the symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, headache, stomach ache)?
• Do these symptoms increase or decrease? Do they decrease/increase when you do something?
• Did you take any medication before this?

If you have an injury, be sure to give as many details as possible, such as how it happened, where you fell, and what you hit. In addition to the questions the doctor asks, be sure to ask if you have any questions. Never be shy about asking, "Doctor, I don't understand this, can you explain it again?"

If you have a long-term illness...

Some people have long-term illnesses. For example:

• Diabetes `(Diabetes Mellitus)`
• Asthma
• High blood pressure (Hypertension) (this can also occur in young people)
• Epilepsy

If you have a condition like this, talking regularly with your doctor or the nurse treating you is the best way to manage the illness well and stay healthy.

Imagine you have asthma.

• How do you use your inhaler?
• What do you do when you get tired?
• What are the triggers that make asthma worse? (e.g. dust, cold, certain foods)
• There are many things like this for you to know.

Talk to your doctor and explain all of this. If there's anything you don't understand, ask him or her ten times. Write down things you need to remember, such as the doctor's instructions and medication details, in a note app on your phone or in a small book. It will be very useful later.

Do we need to talk about mental health too?

Absolutely yes! Although this is a topic that many people avoid or are afraid to talk about, your mental health is just as important as your physical health, if not more so.

Remember, the problems in your mind, that is, mental health problems, can directly affect your physical health. Sometimes, physical illnesses can be caused by mental problems.

Therefore, don't be afraid or embarrassed to tell your doctor about any mental discomfort you are experiencing.

• Is someone constantly bothering or intimidating you at school, on your way to and from class, or online? Are you being bullied ?
• Are you under too much stress ? (e.g. exams, family problems, problems with friends)
• Do you witness or experience domestic violence ?
• Have you been, or are you currently, being abused in any way?
• Do you often feel sad, lonely, and uninterested in anything, a state of depression ?
• Do you often get angry and have difficulty controlling it? (Anger issues)
• Do you feel fear or anxiety for no reason? (Anxiety)
• Are there any unusual behaviors related to eating? (e.g., eating disorders such as inability to control eating, trying not to eat, vomiting after eating, etc.)
• Have you ever experienced a traumatic event? Does it still bother you?

Talk to your doctor about anything like this. Doctors are trained to listen to these things and help you. They don't judge you.

Whatever your problem, talking to a doctor or nurse about it can be the first and most important step in getting the help you need. They can ask you questions, listen carefully to what you have to say, and offer you solutions and ideas. They can prescribe treatment if you need it, or refer you to a specialist doctor, such as a psychiatrist, counselor, or other professional.

Should we get ready a little before seeing the doctor?

Yes, this is also very important. By doing a little preparation before going to see the doctor, you can make the most of the time you have.

• Write down questions: Write down any questions you want to ask the doctor on a piece of paper or on your phone beforehand. Otherwise, you may forget some things when you meet the doctor.
• Record your symptoms: If you need to, write down your symptoms, such as when they started, what they are, and what they are relieved by.
• Medication list: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking (even vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines). If possible, bring both the medication and the prescription.
• Old Reports: If you have previous medical reports, bring them with you.

When you're prepared like this, it's easier for you and for the doctor to get a clear picture of your condition.

What benefits do you get from talking to the doctor this way?

There are many advantages!

• The best treatment: If you tell us exactly about your condition, the doctor can give you the most suitable and best treatment.
• Understanding: You gain a better understanding of your illness and its treatment.
• Fear decreases: Fear and doubt caused by the unknown disappear.
• Responsibility is created: When you take responsibility for your own health, you gain greater confidence.
• Good Health Habits: You will become aware of the good health habits needed to stay healthy.
• Quick solutions to problems: As soon as a problem arises, you can talk to the doctor and find a solution.

Finally, I have to say... (Take-Home Message)

So, even if you're young, you now have the right to talk about your health, ask questions, and make decisions. Don't be afraid, don't be ashamed. Your doctor is like a best friend who will help you on your health journey.

• When you go to see the doctor, start talking to yourself .
• If it's not just your body but also your mind that's hurting, tell us about it.
• Ask questions, listen until you understand.
• Take note of what the doctor says.
• Take responsibility for your own health.

Keep these things in mind and start speaking in a new, confident way the next time you see the doctor. It will be a great help in taking charge of your future health! Wishing you good health!

Communication with the doctor, Youth health, Medical advice, Mental health, Chronic diseases, Health literacy, Doctor-Patient Communication