We are all familiar with gaslighting in relationships. However, few realize that you can also experience medical gaslighting when you go to visit your doctor. It involves dismissing or trivializing a patient’s symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care. Women, in particular, are frequently encountering this problem. Here are 14 common statements used by healthcare professionals that can contribute to medical gaslighting.
1. “It’s just stress.”
Almost everyone feels stressed at some point. When your doctor gives you this as an explanation, it dismisses the possibility of underlying medical conditions. It undermines the legitimacy of the patient’s experience, potentially delaying the diagnosis of serious issues. Women, in particular, may have autoimmune diseases or hormonal imbalances that are causing the problem.
2. “You’re probably just tired.”
Telling a patient they are “just tired” minimizes their experiences and ignores the complexity of their symptoms. Fatigue can be a symptom of many serious conditions, such as anemia or thyroid problems. Visit a doctor who gives you a proper medical evaluation and does not brush your concerns aside. Getting more sleep is good advice, but you’re visiting your doctor for more information than what you can find on the Internet.
3. “It’s all in your head.”
It’s never crazy to be concerned about your health. Suggesting symptoms are psychosomatic without thorough investigation can prevent you from receiving proper medical care. Hearing this statement from your doctor may even deter you from seeking further help. Remember, you know your body better than anyone, and if you’re concerned, then seek out the assistance you need.
4. “You’re being too sensitive.”
Surprisingly, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have had an interaction with a doctor that was either unethical or unprofessional. Labeling a patient, particularly a woman, as “too sensitive” invalidates their feelings and experiences. When you visit a doctor, you should always feel free to discuss your symptoms openly. Being called “sensitive” is a form of medical gaslighting in its highest form.
5. “Try losing some weight.”
Doctors seem to love to tell us all to lose weight and that will cure all our problems. While weight can impact health, suggesting weight loss without investigating other symptoms can lead to overlooked diagnoses. This response implies that the patient’s weight is the cause of all health issues, which can be both incorrect and damaging. Be sure to voice your concerns with your doctor.
6. “Maybe you’re just hormonal.”
Hormonal fluctuations are a part of women’s health. However, citing them as the sole cause of all ailments is more damaging than it is helpful. This dismissive diagnosis can delay the treatment of diseases that are not related to hormonal changes. If your doctor uses words like “maybe,” consider finding healthcare somewhere else.
7. “That’s a normal part of being a woman.”
Every woman has a unique experience within her own body. Generalizing serious health issues as normal female experiences minimizes her health concerns. Conditions like endometriosis and PCOS are often overlooked as a result. Patients mistakenly accept their symptoms as typical female discomforts when there may be something more serious.
8. “You should just relax.”
Telling someone to “relax” has the same effect as telling them to “calm down.” It’s dismissive and sometimes offensive, especially to women who are worried that they’re being naggy or needy. A doctor telling you to relax can be off-putting and make you feel like you’re exhibiting crazy behavior. Plus, it overlooks potential health issues that could be causing your symptoms.
9. “It can’t be that bad.”
During medical school, most healthcare professionals learn that you shouldn’t assume you know how a patient feels. Yet, there are still doctors out there who may tell a patient that their symptoms ‘can’t be that bad.” This statement downplays the severity of the patient’s pain or discomfort, often leading to under-treatment or misdiagnosis. Pain is subjective, and dismissing it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and health outcomes.
10. “Are you sure it’s not just your period?”
The average woman starts her menstrual cycle between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. With that in mind, she’s familiar with her body and likely knows when something isn’t the same as period symptoms. Attributing all symptoms to menstrual cycles is an oversimplification that can prevent the recognition of unrelated health issues. This can result in serious conditions being overlooked.
11. “It’s probably nothing serious.”
Sometimes it’s more harmful to be reassured by a doctor than to get an outright honest diagnosis. When doctors use this phrase, it can discourage further exploration or second opinions. Down the line, serious conditions may be left undiagnosed. Patients may feel their concerns are unwarranted and hesitate to seek the care they need.
12. “Just wait it out.”
Telling a patient to “wait it out” suggests that their symptoms might resolve without treatment. This could be at the risk of taking care of possibly treatable conditions. Waiting it out is a dangerous strategy for diseases that are time-sensitive in terms of diagnosis and management. Always be proactive with your health.
13. “You’re overreacting.”
Some patients have a friendly rapport with their doctor. If they’re someone familiar, they may feel comfortable telling you that you’re overacting in a situation. Ultimately, this statement can make patients doubt their own experiences. For women, it reinforces the stereotype that they are emotional and irrational, particularly concerning their health.
14. “All tests are normal.”
Don’t be fooled by this seemingly reassuring diagnosis. At times, it could secretly be medical gaslighting in disguise. Using this statement to end a consultation can leave unresolved symptoms unaddressed. Doctors need to listen to their patients and consider alternative diagnoses or further testing if symptoms persist.
You’re Not Crazy
When it comes to your health and wellness, you’re not being overly dramatic or acting crazy. It’s perfectly okay to seek out consultation from a medical professional, even if it seems like something as minor as a hangnail. Look for these signs of medical gaslighting when you’re at your appointment, especially if you’re a woman. You deserve nothing less than empathetic, thorough, and effective medical care.
Read More:
12 Health Myths That Keep Fooling Us: Here’s Why They’re Wrong
How to Keep Healthy and Stay Out of the Doctor’s Office
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.