When something is amiss with your health, visiting a doctor is top priority. If you have a medical condition, you need a diagnosis for your peace of mind and so you can get whatever treatment is necessary. Unfortunately, not all doctors are professional to the point of giving patients the courtesy of hearing their concerns. If your doctor has dismissed you, it’s considered medical gaslighting, and there are certain steps you can take to fight back.
Keep a Journal
If your doctor isn’t taking you seriously, keep a medical journal and write everything down. Note your condition, specific symptoms you’re experiencing and when they started. Also, jot down details of your encounters with the doctor and how they responded to your concerns. Did they refuse to help you? Did they tell you that your symptoms are “all in your head?” Such situations can have dire consequences if you have a serious medical condition that can threaten your long-term health or even your life. If this is the case, it’s sufficient cause to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Your journal can be used as valuable evidence if you file a lawsuit against the doctor.
Do Your Own Research
Research your symptoms on legitimate online resources, such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and WebMD, and take notes of your findings. These websites are reputable, so doctors might respond positively when presented with such information.
Advocate for Yourself and Use Resources
Women are more likely to be medically gaslit, and it’s even worse if you’re a woman of color. However, anyone from a marginalized group can find themselves in this situation. Doctors with biases may dismiss your legitimate medical concerns, but you don’t have to take it. Be strong and advocate for yourself. If your doctor refuses to hear you and won’t order diagnostic tests, there are resources available to you. Hospitals have ombudsmen or patient advocates who are trained to listen to your experience and help you. If you believe you’re a victim of discrimination by a doctor, you can file a complaint against them with the medical board.
Be Assertive and Concise
Be assertive with the doctor, but avoid an argumentative tone. This might be difficult if they seem unconcerned or condescending. Use concise language and explain your feelings about their response to your concerns. State that you want an evaluation to rule out potential causes of your symptoms. Stay firm, ask to be referred to a specialist and see how the doctor responds.
Bring a Loved One for Support
Bring a family member or close friend along to your doctor’s visits. They can serve as a strong support system when you express yourself and validate your concerns. Your loved one can also ask their own questions and discourage the doctor from gaslighting you.
Get a Second Opinion
Not all doctors are created equally. Even if one dismisses your medical concerns, that doesn’t mean the next one will do the same thing. Advocate for yourself by getting a second opinion. If it’s your primary care physician (PCP) who isn’t listening to you, see another PCP or a specialist. In the latter case, depending on your symptoms, a doctor who specializes in a particular area of medicine might have better knowledge of your condition. However, a different PCP might also listen to you and order diagnostic testing to get a better understanding of what’s going on with your health.
