“It’s probably just stress.”
“You’re overthinking it.”
“Your tests are normal—nothing’s wrong.”
If you've heard something like this from a doctor and walked away feeling unheard or doubted, you're not alone. What you may have experienced is a growing phenomenon called medical gaslighting.
What is medical gaslighting?
Medical gaslighting occurs when a healthcare provider dismisses, downplays, or overlooks a patient's symptoms—making them question their own perception, judgment, or sanity. It can lead to missed diagnoses, delayed treatment, and deep emotional harm.
Originally rooted in the psychological concept of “gaslighting” (a form of manipulation that makes someone question reality), this medical counterpart has gained attention as more patients—especially women, minorities, and those with chronic illnesses—speak out about their experiences.
Real-world examples:
A woman with autoimmune symptoms is told she’s “just hormonal.”
A person experiencing chronic pain is accused of exaggeration or seeking drugs.
A teenager struggling with debilitating fatigue is told to “sleep more and stay off their phone.”
A person from a marginalised community is not taken seriously due to unconscious racial or socioeconomic bias.
Who is most vulnerable?
While anyone can experience medical gaslighting, research and testimonials suggest it's more common among:
Women, especially in reproductive or chronic pain issues
People of colour, who may face racial bias in healthcare
LGBTQ+ individuals, who may not feel safe or seen in clinical settings
Neurodivergent and mental health patients, often told “it’s all in your head”
Younger or elderly patients, whose symptoms are easily dismissed due to age
The impact is more than emotional
Medical gaslighting isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous.
Delayed diagnoses of serious conditions (like endometriosis, thyroid disease, Lyme disease, even cancer)
Mental health erosion, as patients internalize the belief that they’re “imagining things”
Avoidance of care, with patients losing trust in the system altogether
What can you do? – How to advocate for yourself
Being your own health advocate is essential. Here are steps to protect yourself and your wellbeing:
1. Track your symptoms
Maintain a journal of symptoms, triggers, duration, and how it affects daily life. Objective notes help reinforce your credibility during consultations.
2. Ask questions—without hesitation
Don’t be afraid to ask:
“What else could this be?”
“Can we rule out other possibilities?”
“Is there a reason you don’t think this test is necessary?”
3. Bring a companion
A friend or family member can not only offer support but also help you remember key points and back your claims if you’re dismissed.
4. Get a second opinion
A different doctor might see something the first didn’t. Never feel guilty for exploring other medical perspectives.
5. Trust your intuition
If something feels off, listen to your body. You know yourself best—even more than a medical degree does in some contexts.
The system needs to listen
While personal strategies help, the onus isn’t just on patients. The medical community must address systemic issues, from implicit bias training to making healthcare more inclusive, culturally competent, and trauma-informed.
Thankfully, the conversation is growing louder. More medical schools are integrating bias awareness modules, and patient advocacy movements are pushing for reforms worldwide.
Your story matters
If you’ve been a victim of medical gaslighting, know this:
You’re not “too sensitive.” You’re not exaggerating. And you deserve to be heard.
By speaking up, seeking support, and advocating for better care, we can collectively shift the narrative—from silence and dismissal to empathy and understanding.
