Breaking the Cycle of Medical Gaslighting: Trusting Your Body and Your Voice
Have you ever felt unheard or dismissed by a doctor when describing your symptoms? You’re not alone. Medical gaslighting happens when healthcare providers downplay or disregard a patient's concerns, often attributing symptoms to stress, anxiety, or exaggeration. This was a reality for Kimberly, the founder of The Guides Holistic Therapies, who experienced extreme pain that doctors dismissed—only to later discover through bloodwork that there was indeed something wrong.
How to Advocate for Yourself in Medical Settings
Medical gaslighting can leave people feeling helpless and questioning their own experiences. According to Psychology Today: “Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare professionals dismiss or downplay patients' symptoms, often attributing them to psychological causes without proper evaluation. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women, people of color, and marginalized groups, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Recognizing signs of medical gaslighting—such as being told "It's all in your head" or "You're overreacting"—is crucial. To combat this, patients should advocate for themselves by seeking second opinions, requesting comprehensive tests, and trusting their instincts. Healthcare providers must also be aware of their biases and engage in open, empathetic communication to ensure all patients receive appropriate care.”
Here are proactive steps you can take to ensure your voice is heard and your symptoms are taken seriously:
Keep a Symptom Journal – Write down every symptom, when it occurs, its severity, and any patterns you notice. Bringing a detailed record to your appointments helps create a clear picture for healthcare providers.
Trust Your Instincts – If you feel like something is off in your body, believe yourself. Your lived experience matters, and no one knows your body better than you do.
Ask Questions – If a doctor dismisses your concerns, ask for explanations, alternative tests, or referrals to specialists.
Bring a Support Person – Having an advocate with you can make a significant difference in ensuring your concerns are acknowledged.
Seek a Second Opinion – If you feel dismissed, find another provider who will take your symptoms seriously.
The Guides Holistic Therapies: A Place Where You Are Heard
At The Guides, we believe in truly listening to our clients. We know how frustrating and invalidating it is to be gaslit by the medical system. That’s why in every session, we provide a safe space where you are believed and encouraged to use your voice. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, unexplained symptoms, or emotional distress, we work together to explore solutions that honor your experience.
Even when concerns fall outside our scope, we have a vast network of wellness professionals in San Diego—including functional medicine doctors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and holistic specialists—who can help you get the answers you deserve.
You Deserve to Be Heard
If you’ve ever been dismissed by a doctor or felt like your symptoms were ignored, know that you are not alone, and there is hope. At The Guides, we create a space where your experiences are validated, and we work together to find the right path toward healing. Your health matters, and your voice matters.
Book a session with The Guides today and take the first step toward being truly heard and supported.
