Author talk with Dr Gillian Deakin

Come and listen to Dr Gillian Deakin talk about her new book, 'What the Hell is Wrong with me: How to recover from pain, fatigue, weakness and other undiagnosed symptoms.'

Dr Deakin has collaborated with experts in functional conditions from around the world, but credits most of her understanding to her patients who have shared their journeys, allowing her to develop a clear way to describe what is happening in your body and what to do about it.

'What the Hell is Wrong with Me?' shares many of these patients’ stories. For optimal health, Dr Deakin says the key lies with your body spending most of its time in what she calls ‘restorative’ mode, which is when the body can restore normal function. Spending too much time in the opposite ‘defensive mode’ is what causes and perpetuates functional symptoms.

‘Your functional symptom is a physical stress response. A stress response occurs when your usual state is disrupted by some event – for example, an illness, excessive physical demands, psychological stressors or exhaustion. The body strives to restore order by turning on mechanisms to help you survive the threat. This can produce many different types of symptoms. The symptoms can be fleeting, or severe or prolonged,’ says Dr Deakin.

'What the Hell is Wrong with Me' will tell you what you need to know about your symptoms and many others, the factors that come together to cause these symptoms, and how to resolve your symptoms.

"As an outstanding science communicator, Dr Deakin takes us on a journey into the latest mind-body research which provides a framework for understanding and managing these complex symptoms. With great warmth, she gives voice to the many patients she has seen, who share their stories, frustrations and hopes for the future.

In a way, this book is like a tool kit for those who want insights and answers. It’s for doctors, patients and consumers who want to be able to understand and manage these symptoms more effectively. 'What the hell is wrong with me?' most importantly reassures anyone with functional symptoms that they are not alone."
Dr Caroline West, GP, Health broadcaster