How to Deal with Medical Gaslighting: 8 Tips to Empower You

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You may have come across the term ‘gaslighting’ while scrolling on social media or discussing a harmful relationship with a loved one. Unfortunately, this tactic isn’t confined to only personal relationships or politics; it can also manifest in healthcare settings. Indeed, even medical and mental professionals may dismiss your concerns and convince you that your experiences are a figment of your imagination. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to deal with medical gaslighting to safeguard your well-being and find the best healthcare provider for you.

What Is Medical Gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting occurs when a healthcare provider dismisses or invalidates their patient’s concerns, symptoms, or experiences, leading them to believe it’s ‘all in their head’. Additionally, research shows women and people of color are most affected by this tactic. In fact, seventy-two percent of women say they’ve experienced medical gaslighting, and data from emergency departments across the United States revealed that individuals from Black, AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), and Latino communities were at a higher risk of having their stroke symptoms incorrectly diagnosed.

How to Spot Medical Gaslighting

Medical gaslighting isn’t always the easiest to catch. Due to various reasons, including vulnerability, fear, and even a gap in knowledge, the emotional impact can cloud your ability to trust yourself and spot the manipulation. However, there are several ways to increase your awareness by observing when a healthcare provider:

Dismisses or minimizes your symptoms, suggesting they are not significant enough, just in your head or psychosomatic
Attributes your physical symptoms to mental health issues without thorough evaluation or consideration of other causes
Labels you as a hypochondriac or implies you have health anxiety
Doesn’t ask follow-up questions or refuses to discuss your symptoms
Shows a lack of empathy and compassion towards your concerns
Blames your experiences on other causes or directly on you
Consistently interrupts or ignores you when you share your experiences
Pressures you to believe their suggested treatment is the only one available
Discourages your request for a second opinion or makes you feel guilty for inquiring
Causes you to feel confused, scared, uncomfortable, and unable to trust yourself