Don’t Let Yourself Be Dismissed: Why Speaking Up About Your Health Matters

Before I was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, I knew something wasn’t right.

I went to my GP around 46 times trying to understand what was happening to me. I was experiencing changes to my speech, movement, coordination, tremors, brain fog and other symptoms that were affecting my everyday life.

But I was repeatedly told it could be anxiety, depression or stress.

I was prescribed different medications for anxiety and depression. I was told not to stress and encouraged to try things like yoga.

But the symptoms didn’t go away.

Eventually, I saw a private gp and my sister pushed for me to see a neurologist, and I was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease.

That experience taught me something I’ll never forget:

Don’t ignore what your body is telling you.

You don’t need to know what is wrong. You don’t need to diagnose yourself.

But if something has changed, keeps happening or doesn’t feel normal for you, say so.

Ask questions.

Write down your symptoms.

Take someone with you if you need support.

And if you feel your concerns haven’t been addressed, ask what happens next.

Being persistent doesn’t mean you’re being difficult.

You know what is normal for your body.

Healthcare professionals have medical expertise, but you have the lived experience of your symptoms. Both matter.

My diagnosis changed the way I approach healthcare. I learned that advocating for yourself isn’t about knowing more than your doctor — it’s about making sure your experience is heard.

So if something doesn’t feel right:

Speak up.

Ask questions.

Keep advocating for yourself.

Because your symptoms matter.

Your voice matters.