Medical Gaslighting: Tell Me a Time You Were Dismissed By Your Doctor
Can you remember a time when you were medically gaslit?
Medical gaslighting is the act of a healthcare provider ignoring or dismissing a patient's concerns or complaints and leaving them without a clear treatment plan, often stating that the patient has an unspecificed mental illness or is dealing with symptoms of stress.
If your doctor has ever told you that it was all in your head, you're probably just stressed, try to think more positively--and failed to actually try and understand and solve your problem-- you've experienced medical gaslighting.
If you feel comfortable sharing, please include your story to this thread and tell us: how did you react? Why do you think your doctor treated you like that? Did you know that it was gaslighting at the time it was happening?
I visited a doctor, expressed my worries about several symptoms related to a thyroid condition. However, the physician immediately dismissed my concerns, told me that my symptoms were due to stress and suggested that I simply get more rest.
, That is so horrendous to me. Did you seek a second opinion and get some help? - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
Just last month, I shared a new symptom with my neurologist when it happened, I thought I was dying. During the appointment I asked him what he thought it was, he shrugged his shoulders and said I don't know. I don't know that I'm going back to him.
, wow, I'm sorry you had that experience. I was spoiled in my younger years. I had two doctors that would say I brought them the strangest things, lets figure out what it is - no ego, and neither afraid to spend some time, and break out the books. I knew they were special, I'm not sure I realized just how special they were. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
I was pregnant with twins and very ill. I was told it was 'pregnancy symptoms' and was dismissed. A week later, we were diagnosed with Stage 4 Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Both twins and I almost died due to miscommunication and bias.
, I'm glad that you all made it. That's very frightening! I hope there were no long-term effects. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
In 1995, my first symptoms of lupus was joint pains. I went into the ER to get my wrist check due to severe pain in my joint. X-rays were done and nothing was found. No other test were done, I was dismissed and told to Go home.
, I'm glad you were able to get a diagnoses and hopefully some relief. I think because ED doctors see people with acute symptoms, they should be familiar with what to look for rather than turning people away who need help. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
