Carving out time for your mental health is never easy, even when the kids are back at school and you finally have some time for yourself again. It can be especially difficult to make time for your mental health when you have other health problems contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation. And when healthcare professionals chalk up every problem you face as anxiety, it can be discouraging, and make it difficult to seek treatment for bigger health problems.
For too long, healthcare providers have used a woman’s mental health symptoms as a scapegoat for other major health issues, which has resulted in women not feeling heard or respected, or being misdiagnosed entirely. But Hancock Health sees the whole you, and no matter what you may be feeling, we’ll listen and work with you to get to the bottom of your symptoms and help you live a healthier life.
Your Symptoms Don’t Define Who You Are
We spoke to Kelle Zeabart, a licensed clinical social worker at Hancock Health, who described some of what her patients feel when they are experiencing symptoms that are often overlooked.
“For example, if a woman is being seen for increased pain, increased fatigue, and GI discomfort, she might be told her symptoms are just anxiety, needing to change her diet, or increase her physical activity,” said Zeabart. “While that may be true, there are sometimes no further questioning, testing, or referrals to investigate underlying conditions that just go unseen and leave women feeling like they haven’t been heard.”
Additionally, Zeabart said some of her patients deal with stigma when discussing sexual and reproductive health.
“It’s a topic that many people find hard to speak about, whether that’s due to discomfort or feelings of shame,” said Zeabart. “It is courageous to make that appointment and share concerns, questions, and symptoms to a doctor. But again, there are times these symptoms are minimized or just attributed to mood, stress, anxiety, or sadness rather than understanding and investigating an underlying cause.”
But part of what Zeabart loves about working with Hancock Health is knowing all providers strive to treat each person individually, and address their unique needs through active listening, thorough assessment, and adopting new technology and treatment options.
“I think it comes back to the mission of Hancock Health. We’re a strong, caring community partner, and we help heal, improve health, alleviate suffering, and deliver acts of kindness one person at a time,” said Zeabart. “We have so many support groups for expectant mothers, those experiencing PTSD, recovery programs, and so much more.
“It’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes, one needs a little extra help, guidance, support, or reassurance to navigate current symptoms, stressors, and so on. Seek help when you’re ready. We’ll be here.” Browse our website to learn more about what services are available to make health possible for you.