ITS NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD - Navigating Medical Dismissal & Anxiety

FAQs

• Who is this for?

  This workshop may be for you if you:

  • live with chronic illness, chronic pain or ongoing unexplained symptoms
  • have left healthcare appointments feeling unheard, dismissed or overwhelmed
  • find it difficult to explain a long or complicated health history
  • experience anxiety before, during or after medical appointments
  • want practical ways to prepare for appointments and communicate what matters
  • are supporting someone navigating a complex health journey

• What does the workshop cover?

  Together, Totally Fine Co. and Within Reach Psychology will explore:

  • what medical dismissal can look like, including the less obvious forms
  • how previous experiences can influence anxiety around healthcare
  • why complicated health stories can be difficult to communicate in short appointments
  • practical ways to organise and communicate your health story
  • how to prepare questions, priorities and goals before an appointment
  • understanding your capacity when living with chronic illness
  • recognising when your body needs you to slow down
  • setting boundaries during flares and periods of reduced capacity

• What will I leave with?

  This is designed to be practical, not just a conversation about what is wrong with healthcare.

  You’ll leave with:

  • a clearer understanding of medical dismissal and healthcare anxiety
  • a simple framework for preparing for medical appointments
  • strategies for deciding what information matters most in an appointment
  • practical questions you can use when you are unsure what happens next
  • tools for recognising and communicating your capacity
  • a workbook you can return to after the session

• What should I expect?

  This is an informal, supportive online workshop.

  Camera on or off is completely up to you. You are welcome to participate, listen quietly, take a break, lie down, bring food or do whatever helps you participate comfortably.

  There will be time for questions at the end of the session. You never have to share personal health information or speak if you do not want to.

• Is this workshop only for people with a diagnosed chronic illness?

  No. You do not need a diagnosis to attend. This workshop is for anyone who has experienced difficult healthcare interactions, ongoing symptoms, healthcare anxiety, chronic illness or challenges communicating their health story.

• Do I need to have my camera on?

  No. Camera on or off is completely up to you. You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable.

• Will there be time for questions?

  Yes. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the workshop.

• Will I receive anything to use after the workshop?

  Yes. Attendees will receive a practical workbook designed to help you apply what we cover to your own healthcare experiences and appointments.