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According to recent statistics, medical gaslighting is a common issue for women around the world. In a survey of over 500 women, nearly half reported that they had experienced medical gaslighting in some form. This can take the form of being told that their symptoms are all in their head, that they are exaggerating their symptoms, or even being told that they are simply seeking attention. Unfortunately, this form of mistreatment can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and even despair. In this blog post, I'll explore the issue of medical gaslighting and how it affects women in particular.
According to a recent study in the journal BMJ Quality and Safety, women are more than twice as likely to be misdiagnosed with a serious condition than men.
Women are also more likely to be misdiagnosed with a serious condition than men when they have the same symptoms.
The most common misdiagnoses for women are related to heart disease, stroke, and cancer, which are three leading causes of death for women.
Gaslighting by Medical Professionals Can Include:
1. Refusal to acknowledge or address the patient's concerns regarding their symptoms.
2. Dismissing the patient's pain or discomfort as "all in their head."
3. Downplaying the severity of a condition or denying its existence.
4. Failing to provide patient education or resources to better understand their condition or treatment options.
5. Making the patient feel as though they are wrong or exaggerating their experience.
To be fair, I think a lot of this happens subconsciously, even when the medical professional isn't aware they're doing it. This practice has become so ingrained in the patient-provider relationship that it feels like part of things, a harmless by-product of the back and forth communication process. This won't change until the problem becomes a public, open dialog, and everyone takes stock of how their preconceived beliefs influence how they think, speak and treat others, not just patients.
The good news is that with social media, in particular video posts, medical gaslighting is now a growing topic that even medical professionals are weighing in on. This discourse is a great sign! Physicians and the like are recognizing there is a problem, and opening up the discussion for solutions. I encourage you to share your story, take part in the discourse, and keep this matter in the forefront of everyone's minds. That is how change will happen.
In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to help you avoid being gaslit during medical appointments.
Ways to Combat Medical Gaslighting
1. Educate yourself about your health condition. Read up on the symptoms and treatments associated with it, and ask your doctor any questions you may have.
2. Keep records of your medical visits and treatments, including any medications you take, symptoms you experience, and any tests that you have undergone.
3. Be an active participant in your healthcare decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express your opinions.
4. Speak up if you have any concerns about your diagnosis or treatment, such as if you don’t believe the diagnosis is accurate or if you think a different treatment might be more effective.
5. If you feel like you’re not being listened to, consider a second opinion from another physician.
6. Find a support system, such as a mental health professional, family member, or friend, who can provide emotional support and help you advocate for yourself. Many will advocate taking this support person with you to appointments, as having a "witness" will prevent some of the more blatant forms of gaslighting.
7. When possible, seek out medical providers who specialize in your condition and have experience treating it.
Remember, not one single soul on this planet knows your body like you do. You've lived in it 24/7 for your entire life. You know when something is off, when the thing that's bothering you isn't normal. You know, so don't let anyone make you second guess what you know is true, Become your own best advocate; as there is no one better suited for the job.
Love & light,
Jane
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