Medical Gaslighting

   I haven’t posted in a while. I have been going thru all the different testing, specialists, etc. trying to figure out what in the world is going on with my body. Still no diagnoses other than Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Medical Gaslighting

Definition- When a healthcare provider ignores or invalidates your concerns.

I have been seeing this term everywhere lately but had never really experienced it myself. Until now, that is. This week, I had one of my medical team tell me that most of my health conditions were due to “mental health disorders”.

(I must add to this post that I am in the care of a very skilled psychiatrist and my mental health is well taken care of.)

I have never felt more betrayed, devastated, hurt, embarrassed, all the feelings.

It really starts to make you believe that you are crazy. Your symptoms are all in your head right? I mean that’s what your Dr. Is telling you.

The Takeaway

As hurtful as this was, it has made me realize that I HAVE to advocate for myself. Dig deeper even when no one else is willing to. This is my only life. I will never get a “do over”. We know our own bodies better than anyone. I refuse to let anyone tell me I am not feeling what I am!

Trust yourself, take care of yourself, and never let anyone make you feel invalidated by things they cannot themselves see or feel!

We got this! Stay strong friends.

Please feel free to share your own stories with me! It is helpful to know I am not in this alone.