I was in weekly talk therapy for PTSD and anxiety through a one year Community Care referral. At the beginning of January, I found out it had expired during an appointment with my psychiatrist. I told her my anxiety had been getting worse due to life stressors, but she said I couldn’t get another therapy referral and should just rely on my coping strategies. She compared therapy to using crutches after a broken leg and said you can’t rely on it forever.
The day after the US bombed Iran, I started having pain in the balls of my feet and in my hands. Since early March, my hands have become increasingly difficult to use. I struggle to grip things and can’t bend them. Daily living tasks have been so hard, like brushing my teeth or driving my car. I brought this up again at a follow up psychiatry appointment in mid April, and she told me that stress would not cause my hands to stop working. I felt dismissed and like my concerns were not being taken seriously.
This past week I finally saw a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. When I shared everything that had been going on, the doctor validated my experience and explained that stress can trigger flare ups and worsen symptoms. She said that psychological stress is linked to increased disease activity and flares in rheumatoid arthritis. Now I’m facing a lifelong condition that requires medication with some pretty intense side effects, and I’m feeling overwhelmed, angry, and honestly defeated. I keep thinking that if I had been able to continue therapy, I might have managed my stress better.
I know I can’t change what’s already happened, but I’m really struggling with it. Has anyone else experienced something similar with VA care, therapy access, or stress related flares? I’d really appreciate any support or advice right now.