Caring for yourself when a doctor's appointment is triggering

You've taken an inventory of your healthcare experiences and goals, you've prepared yourself physically and emotionally and you've practiced asserting your needs clearly at the doctor's office. And the experience was STILL painful in some way.

First of all, I'm so sorry.  

Sometimes you can do all the "right" things and still experience pain and suffering. For example, not being heard, not being taken seriously, and not being seen as a whole person. This is painful stuff and few people talk about how to handle it. If you are trying to navigate your healthcare interactions with mindfulness, assertiveness, and an Intuitive Eating/HAES-informed view, the likelihood is that you will face some challenges and triggers. 

Here are some thoughts about how to soothe your soul when that happens:

- Repeat after me: "Even though I've found a new way of relating to my body, a lot of people, including medical professionals are still confused. This is hard work. I'm doing my best and I deserve compassion."

- Do something nice for yourself physically like taking a bath or shower at your perfect temperature, snuggling up on the couch and watching your favorite shows, or being sure to feed yourself a favorite comfort food. 

- Write a letter to the individual, office, or organization that failed to meet your needs. Maybe you send it or maybe you don't, but the point is to express yourself fully.

- Connect with someone who gets it - sharing your experience with someone who understands can be incredibly normalizing and relieving. You are wired for connection and when you feel triggered (and dysregulated), it's so important to find ways to reconnect (and regulate) with another nervous system(s).

- Join the Intuitive Eating for Life Community and connect with your fellow members. They get it and they are here for you.

Please don't give up or give in. This is hard work and it takes practice. You are on the right path and, I hope, the world will catch up in time.