It's Not All In Your Head

Ever had one of these phrases thrown at you? Whether from a doctor, a friend, or even a well-meaning family member?

Just try yoga!

You just need to lose weight!

The pain can't be that bad.

That's just anxiety talking. 

That's rare, there's no way you have that!

You're fatigued? well, we all get tired!

You're just tense!

You're too young for that!

Your pain is manageable! 

It's all in your head!

Dr. Google Strikes Again!

If any of those sound familiar, you’ve likely experienced something called medical gaslighting.

What is Medical Gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting happens when a healthcare provider (or anyone, really) minimizes, dismisses, or questions your symptoms in a way that makes you doubt your own body. It's the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) implication that you're imagining things, overreacting, or being dramatic.

And for those of us living with chronic illness, rare disease, or invisible conditions, it’s not just frustrating—it’s dangerous.

Why It Hurts

When you're repeatedly told that your symptoms aren’t serious, or worse, don’t exist, it chips away at your confidence. You start second-guessing what you feel. You stop advocating. You shrink yourself to make others more comfortable and that silence can delay diagnosis, treatment, and healing.

Medical gaslighting isn’t just bad bedside manner. It’s a form of systemic bias and it disproportionately affects women, people of color, disabled individuals, and those with chronic illness.

So, What Do We Do?

We start by recognizing it and naming it. Then we reclaim our power with tools, language, and community.

We take notes to our appointments. We request that things be documented. We wear cute outfits and comfortable shoes. We say no to explanations for people who don’t want to understand. And we remember: You are not too sensitive. You are not imagining it. You are not alone.

Want Help?

I created a Medical Gaslighting Toolkit based on my own journey through cancer, chronic illness, and years of being dismissed. It includes:

✔️ Medical Gaslighting Overview

✔️ My Story

✔️ Response & Conversation Templates (to use with Medical Professionals)

✔️ Response & Conversation Templates (to use with friends and family)

Because if the system isn’t built for us, we build our own toolkit.

Grab the Toolkit Here → MEDICAL GASLIGHTING TOOLKIT

You deserve to be heard.