You feel the subtle shifts in energy, the niggling pains that appear out of nowhere. But when you walk into the doctor’s office, they listen to you for about a minute, then stop you in the middle of your sentence.
The only thing you can think about walking out of your appointment is what they said — “You’re fine. Your mind is probably just playing tricks on you. There’s no need to worry”.
You know how you feel, but you can’t help doubting your health concerns. This is medical gaslighting.
Understanding medical gaslighting
Medical gaslighting occurs when a medical professional downplays your symptoms, dismisses your concerns, or blames them on stress, anxiety or even your gender.
It undermines trust in healthcare and leaves you questioning your reality, not to mention delays proper diagnosis and treatment, which may compromise your wellbeing.
Signs you might be experiencing medical gaslighting
So, how do you know you’re a victim of gaslighting by a medical practitioner? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Dismisses your concerns: The doctor suggests your symptoms are exaggerated.
- Blaming on emotions: When they attribute symptoms to factors like stress and anxiety.
- Minimises symptoms: The physician ignores or downplays reported health issues.
- Lack of investigations: Failing to conduct adequate tests or referrals.
- Gives contradictory advice: You receive conflicting or vague advice, or your treatment plan seems to change without clear reasons.
Why women are more vulnerable
A recent survey shows 72 per cent of women have experienced gaslighting in medical settings. This is due to a combination of historical, cultural and systemic factors influencing how health concerns are perceived and treated.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research compared to men. This has led to a gap in understanding how diseases manifest in women, leading to more frequent misdiagnoses.
Gender bias and stereotyping also affect women’s access to healthcare. You likely know someone who’s heard the “it’s your hormones” or “the issue is your weight” theory whenever they present less-understood symptoms. This means women are less likely to be referred for diagnostic tests, even though they are more susceptible to chronic illnesses, resulting in delayed or missed treatment.
How to advocate for your health
There are several things you can do to advocate for your right to medical care if you suspect your doctor is gaslighting you. Here are some tips:
- Prepare for appointments: Document your symptoms thoroughly in a health journal, noting their severity and when they occur. This will help you present yourself clearly and concisely.
- Ask questions: If your doctor asks if you have questions, request that they explain their diagnosis. After all, it’s your right to understand the treatments you’re being exposed to.
- Get a second opinion: Set an appointment with a different practitioner and get another perspective.
- Join a support network: Talk to friends and family about your experiences or share them with an online community. Knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly helpful and enable you to find a solution.
- Talk to a therapist: If the gaslighting incident makes you stressed or leaves you questioning yourself, it’s best to find a qualified therapist to work on your mindset.
Also remember to practise mental and physical self-care. They enable you to stay strong and focused on your wellbeing to recognise the signs of gaslighting in healthcare institutions.
Take charge and be heard
You must advocate for your rights if you feel unheard or dismissed by a healthcare professional. Seek a second opinion, ask questions and don’t settle for vague, unsatisfactory answers. When you understand how to recognise medical gaslighting, it empowers you to take the necessary steps to advocate for your health.
And remember to trust yourself. You know your body better than anyone else.
