10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing Medical Gaslighting

Medical gaslighting happens when healthcare providers dismiss, minimize, or misattribute your symptoms. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to advocating for better care.

1. Your Concerns Are Attributed to Stress or Anxiety

While stress can affect health, it shouldn’t be the default explanation for every unexplained symptom, especially without proper investigation.

2. You’re Told “You Look Fine” or “You’re Too Young”

Invisible illnesses are real. Age and appearance don’t determine the validity of your symptoms.

3. Your Pain Is Minimized or Dismissed

Comments like “everyone has aches and pains” or “just take some ibuprofen” ignore the severity and impact of your experience.

4. You’re Made to Feel Like You’re Wasting Their Time

Rushing through appointments or acting annoyed when you ask questions creates an environment where you can’t advocate effectively.

5. Normal Test Results End the Conversation

“Everything looks normal” should be the beginning of detective work, not the end of your medical care.

6. Your Weight Is Blamed for Everything

While weight can impact health, using it as the sole explanation for all symptoms prevents proper diagnosis.

7. You’re Told It’s “Just Hormones” or “Part of Aging”

These may be factors, but they’re not acceptable standalone explanations without proper investigation.

8. Your Medical History Is Ignored

Providers who don’t consider your past diagnoses, surgeries, or family history aren’t getting the full picture.

9. You Feel Worse About Yourself After Appointments

Good medical care should leave you feeling heard and hopeful, not defeated and questioning your sanity.

10. You’re Discouraged from Seeking Second Opinions

Confident providers welcome additional perspectives. Defensiveness is a red flag.

If something feels off about your provider’s response, it probably is. You deserve compassionate, thorough care.