gaslighting is happening to you, especially when you’re assuming your doctor knows best, says Sacks. “Spotting the signs of gaslighting
is the first step,” says Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., senior vice president for Northwell Health’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health, a professor of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, and a coauthor of Heart Smarter for Women: Six Weeks to a Healthier Heart. “If you feel your concerns are
being minimized or ignored, if you feel that you are being spoken to in a condescending or dismissive way, if your concerns are attributed too quickly to anxiety, stress, hormonal issues, or weight, trust your intuition!” In some cases, it will be easy to
recognize medical gaslighting, says Vergnaud, especially if you know there is something wrong with you, and especially if your healthcare provider dismissed your symptoms as being caused by your gender, age, sexuality, or irrelevant medical history without doing further testing. “But in other cases, it might
not be as obvious, especially if your symptoms are vague, you’re embarrassed by your symptoms, or you yourself aren’t sure what’s going on,” she adds. Some phrases that could also be
indicators of medical gaslighting include: “It’s all in your head.” “That’s normal for your age.” “I’m sure that’s not. . .” (prior to testing) “It’s just a bit of swelling.”
PROTECT YOURSELF If your gut tells you something isn’t right, speak up. “Get comfortable with being a
firmer advocate for yourself,” Rosen tells Newsmax. “Imagine how you would advocate for a family member who wasn’t receiving the care they deserve.” Don’t be afraid to ask the
clinician to better explain their thoughts on your symptoms and concerns, and request further testing and evaluation. You may also suggest getting a second opinion. “Empower yourself to be a better
advocate for your healthcare. We know that healthcare visits are 15 minutes, so how do you make the most of your 15 minutes?” Be prepared. Keep a symptom
journal, advises Vergnaud. Bring notes about your symptoms, concerns, and questions to the medical appointment. Ask a trusted friend who knows you to come along so that you have another, less anxious pair of ears to listen to what is being said and to help you decipher the information, says Sacks. “Come to each appointment
prepared with your medical history, family history, current and previous medication lists,” says Rosen. “Get comfortable asking for
a second opinion or specialist recommendation and expressing that you disagree with what you’re being told. “And finally, be comfortable about
finding another doctor who you feel will better address your concerns and provide more of a partnership.” Anxiety during a doctor’s
appointment can cloud judgment and courage. Sacks recommends using mindfulness techniques before arriving or while listening to the doctor to help you think more clearly and advocate for yourself, if needed. These include deep breathing in
and out, chanting, or finger tapping exercises that can help keep you centered. Vergnaud says that patient
advocates, professionals who mediate between you and your doctor, can also help you address any conflicts that may arise. Most hospitals have patient
advocates in-house and you can contact the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy,
nahac.com, to find an advocate in your area. Vergnaud affirms that medical gaslighting is common, and while some cases may be intentional, others are unintentional and influenced by unconscious bias. “Outdated gender biases that
paint women as hysterical, or attribute all their symptoms to their menstrual cycle, can still influence medical decision-making today and, as a result, female patients may have serious symptoms more frequently dismissed,” she says. Older individuals are also similarly
gaslit and told their symptoms are “normal for their age.” Rosen predicts change is on the
horizon. “I believe we are training doctors
differently than when I was in school and training,” she says. “The paternal manner in which medicine was practiced is no longer the accepted approach. Instead, we know that patient-centered care [and] true partnerships are the best way to foster good outcomes.”
AUGUST 2023 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 83
DRAZEN ZIGIC©ISTOCK
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