What Is Medical Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where someone makes you question your own reality, memory, sanity, which in turn makes you doubt yourself.
MEDICAL GASLIGHTING is when a healthcare provider downplays, dismisses, or even invalidates your symptoms and/or concerns. This can lead to the patient feeling confused, scared, and doubtful of their own body and feelings.
Some examples of Medical Gaslighting include:
The provider telling you, the patient, that it’s all in your head. Sometimes they will say it’s just anxiety.
Dismissing severe symptoms as “Normal” or as the patient being over dramatic.
Blaming symptoms on weight, life stress, or mental health history.
Ignoring patient reports of symptoms- including significant pain.
Who is mostly affected by Medical Gaslighting?
Minorities and LGBTQ individuals
Invisible Illness Sufferers
Consequences of Medical Gaslighting
Delayed or missed diagnoses.
Prolonged suffering and emotional distress (anxiety, PTSD).
Loss of trust in healthcare providers, leading to avoidance of future care.
What do I do to fix this?
Bring support, such as an advocate.
Challenge dismissal calmly
Document the interactions
You know your body best. Your symptoms are real, and you deserve compassionate, effective care. Don’t give up until you find a provider who listens to you and helps find you answers.
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