It's Not in My Head! : How to Spot & Deal with Medical Gaslighting

It's Not in My Head! : How to Spot & Deal with Medical Gaslighting

Maria Aloysius

What's Medical Gaslighting? 

When doctors/ medical professionals minimize, dismiss your illness or symptoms of your illness. They tell or make you believe your illness is all in your head! Be informed that medical gaslighting is a form of medical malpractice!

How Can I Recognize Medical Gaslighting?

1. Doctor constantly interrupts you, not allowing you to speak or elaborate on your symptoms and does not practice listening!

2. Doctor minimizes your level of pain and suffering. At times, making fun or belittling you!

3. Doctor is rude and even mentions blames your symptoms on your mental health

4. Doctor doesn't answer your questions and doesn't give you the relevant information or tests that is needed to rule out symptoms/illnesses

How can I deal with Medical Gaslighting?

Tip 1 Bring along your spouse/family member/loved one to appointments

Why? They can listen to what the doctor is saying and most importantly, ask questions! They can validate your experience because they live with you! 

Tip 2 Get a 2nd opinion / Change your doctor

Why? Life's too short. Trying to convince doctors who do not believe your symptoms/illnesses is ridiculous. Don't stress yourself. Save energy and time by switching to a more competent doctor who actually listens as well as empathizes. If you can, look for a doctor who has lots of experience with an illness or has the illness himself/herself!

Tip 3 Listen to your body!

Your gut will say no. Your body will say no! And NO means NO. You will know which doctor is competent/experienced enough to help you with your illness right off the bat. 

Tip 4 Speak up for yourself!

Comes a time when you just have to speak up! If you feel uncomfortable, or being belittled or not heard by the doctor, speak up! Put them in their place. They may be doctors but they don't know EVERYTHING! Advocate for yourself. No-one knows you and your pain better than YOU! Keep record of symptoms too for the next doctor who will help! 

TIME TO LIGHT THESE MEDICAL GASLIGHTERS ON FIRE!