To be annoyed at GP attributing physical health problems to mental/emotional state

[Betty789]

I have ongoing unresolved health issues.

Might be long covid, or an autoimmune issue...lots of investigation going on.

It is very frustrating, and it's causing me no end of stress and worry as I don't know what's wrong and I'm worried I won't be able to keep working.

Whenever I have a bad spell, or am in for tests, the GP always makes a comment about my emotional state. Today I was in for bloods and was explaining my concerns about seeming to catch so many more bugs now, which impact on my ongoing condition. I wondered if there was some reason my immune system was low, and she waffled something me being susceptible to catching things with my "physical and emotional stress".

I also noticed in my notes that she had put me down as being "distressed" at some point.

What I am, is incredibly pissed off that i have experienced this spell of ill health which is currently unexplained and with no end in sight! Prior to becoming ill I was not stressed or distressed in any way, and I don't understand how this has somehow become part of my "case"!

AIBU to think it is unhelpful to have this emphasis on my (presumed) emotional state in my notes? I really just want to find out what's wrong with me!

I absolutely do not doubt that mind and body are linked. I've seen friends and family suffer various physical ailments, some quite serious and alarming, during periods of stress/bereavement/distress. In no way am i disagreeing with this. I've also seen friends with chronic conditions have flare ups in similar circumstances.

However I was in a period of my life where I was happy, very fit and healthy, and suddenly became ill. Subsequently I've definitely had periods where my mental health has suffered, as I am increasingly anxious about what the future holds.
But whatever is wrong with me, it is definitely physical in origin.

Yes I hear you .Physical causes and diagnosis should be made foremost and mental health only mentioned after this .
I have inflammation but this is probably what’s wrong with me but drs presume inflammation is causing depression. Ah it is frustrating to say the least.
Stress is a cause of disease not the diagnosis. Do I make sense? Not sure to be honest !

Oh definitely! And I imagine it's equally frustrating for those who do have genuine mental health issues, it seems to be difficult to get these taken seriously or treated properly too.

I have muscular pain and twitching all over which has lasted for nearly a year. I’m terrified and yes I am very anxious. The GPs just keep shrugging and telling me there’s nothing wrong, all my blood tests are clear. They keep pointing out that I’m very anxious and that’s what’s causing it - but the anxiety is the result of these scary unexplained symptoms not the cause! I am actually in a very happy and stable period of my life which is being ruined by these symptoms, my life would be great otherwise!

@Saramiah that is it exactly! I was in such a good spot before this happened. Work going well, some financial issues resolved, and I was really enjoying fitness/training. Then all ruined out of the blue.