Your Number Story

SPOTLIGHT

Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Nadine Burke Harris talk ACEs.

HOLIDAYS CAN BE HARD

Heal
Myself

Talk to your doctor

Limited access to mental and behavioral healthcare is a major issue in the United States. It might be challenging to find someone who takes your insurance (or accepts sliding scale for those of us without insurance), but it’s worth it. If you have a doctor you trust, talking with them is a great place to start. Here’s how you can prepare:

THINK AHEAD

It’s easy to get flustered or overwhelmed when in the moment, so take some time to make a list of concerns you’d like to talk to your doctor about. How are you feeling? Is there anything worrying you? Has something big changed in your life? Do you have questions you’d like to ask? Write these down so you’ll have them to pull out when you’re at the appointment.

MAKE A LIST

Make a list of all the medications you’re taking.

SHARE YOUR HISTORY

It will help your doctor to know your ACEs history, if they don’t already, and about any mental health history that runs in your family.

BE HONEST

Be honest about your feelings, emotions, and physical symptoms. Your doctor can help you the most when they have the complete picture. And if you’re not clear on something, don’t be shy about asking questions.

GET SUPPORT

If going to the doctor makes you feel anxious, reach out to a friend or family member for support. Let them know you’re going and how you’re feeling, and check in with them when you’re done.