How to Handle Medical Gaslighting: 6 Practical Tips

Navigating the healthcare system can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with long-term health conditions. But what happens when the professionals you rely on for care dismiss your concerns, make you doubt your symptoms, or suggest that your issues are "all in your head"? This phenomenon, known as medical gaslighting, is a deeply invalidating experience that many individuals face when seeking medical care. The good news? You can take steps to advocate for yourself and ensure your health concerns are taken seriously.

This article explores six practical strategies to combat medical gaslighting, based on insights from Stuart McCoo, a seasoned expert in navigating complex systems. Whether you're experiencing chronic symptoms, dealing with a dismissive healthcare provider, or simply trying to get the care you deserve, these tips will empower you to take back control of your healthcare journey.

Understanding Medical Gaslighting

Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare providers dismiss or minimize a patient's symptoms, often attributing them to psychological factors or labeling them as insignificant. This can leave patients feeling invalidated, confused, or even questioning their sense of reality. Over time, this dynamic can erode trust in the medical system and lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments.

The first step in fighting back against medical gaslighting is to recognize it for what it is. If you've ever walked away from an appointment feeling unheard or doubted, you're not alone - and it's not your fault. Here are actionable steps you can take to advocate for yourself.

1. Trust Your Experiences and Document Everything

One of the most critical things you can do is trust your own body and symptoms. As Stuart McCoo emphasizes, "You know yourself better than anybody else." If something feels wrong, it probably is - and you have every right to seek answers.

Before attending your appointment, write down key information about your symptoms:

Dates when symptoms began or worsened
Patterns or triggers you’ve noticed
How the symptoms impact your daily life

By organizing your thoughts and presenting your concerns clearly, you can share not just how you feel but also provide objective details. For instance, instead of saying, "I feel unwell," try something specific like, "I’ve had consistent pain since August 15th that has worsened over time and now prevents me from sleeping or performing daily tasks like cooking." This level of detail helps ensure your concerns are harder to dismiss.

2. Bring a Trusted Advocate

Having someone you trust accompany you to medical appointments can be a game-changer. This could be a friend, relative, or caregiver who understands your situation and is willing to act as your advocate.

Not only can they provide emotional support, but they can also:

Take notes during the appointment
Reinforce your concerns if they’ve witnessed your symptoms
Offer an additional perspective to the healthcare provider

As McCoo explains, walking in with someone shows a united front and makes it more challenging for your concerns to be dismissed. Additionally, their presence may give you the confidence to assert yourself more effectively.

3. Be Clear, Detailed, and Specific

When communicating with healthcare professionals, specificity is your best ally. Avoid vague statements like, "I just don’t feel right." Instead, frame your concerns around measurable impacts and observable changes in your life. For example:

"I’ve been unable to sleep for the last three weeks due to intense headaches."
"The pain in my knee has become so severe that I can no longer climb stairs without assistance."

This approach positions you as a credible source of information and demonstrates that you’ve thought carefully about your symptoms. It also shifts the conversation from subjective feelings to objective impacts, which can lead to a more productive discussion.

4. Know Your Rights and Advocate for Them

Many patients are unaware of their rights within the healthcare system, which can make them vulnerable to dismissal. McCoo strongly advocates for educating yourself about these rights, including:

The right to be heard and taken seriously
The right to access your medical records
The right to request a second opinion

If you feel your concerns are being brushed aside, calmly remind your provider of these rights. For example, you might say, "I appreciate your perspective, but I’d like to explore a second opinion to better understand my options." This isn’t about being difficult - it’s about ensuring you receive proper care.

5. Escalate When Necessary

If your concerns continue to be dismissed despite your best efforts, it may be time to escalate. Here are some steps to consider:

Request an appointment with a different provider or specialist.
File a formal complaint if you feel your care was inadequate or dismissive.
Ask your provider, "What are the next steps?" to keep the conversation moving forward.

It’s important to approach escalation with a proactive mindset. As McCoo notes, the healthcare system can be complex, but persistence often pays off. Remember: advocating for your health is not being pushy - it’s prioritizing your well-being.

6. Respond to Negative Test Results with Persistence

Hearing your test results came back "negative" can be both a relief and a source of frustration, especially if your symptoms persist. In these moments, McCoo advises patients to pause and ask, "What are the next steps?"

A negative test result doesn’t invalidate your symptoms or mean there’s no problem. Instead, it’s an opportunity to explore other diagnostic avenues. Be prepared to remind your provider that while the results are reassuring, your condition still needs attention.

Final Thoughts: You Are Your Own Best Advocate

Medical gaslighting can leave you feeling powerless, but it’s crucial to remember that you are your most important advocate. By trusting yourself, documenting your symptoms, and standing firm in your pursuit of answers, you can overcome dismissive attitudes and secure the care you deserve.

The journey may not always be easy, but giving up is not an option - your health is worth fighting for.

Key Takeaways

Trust your body and instincts. You know your experience better than anyone else.
Document your symptoms in detail, including dates, patterns, and impacts on daily life.
Bring a trusted advocate to appointments for support and reinforcement.
Use clear, specific language when describing your concerns to healthcare providers.
Educate yourself about your rights, including the right to a second opinion.
Be prepared to escalate by seeking alternative providers or making formal complaints.
Respond to negative test results by asking, "What are the next steps?"

By following these steps, you can navigate the healthcare system with confidence and ensure your voice is heard. Remember: persistence and self-advocacy are key to overcoming medical gaslighting and securing the care you deserve.

Source: "Five Tips to Manage Medical Gaslighting" - Stuart McGoo (Talk To Stu), YouTube, Aug 12, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeUkNmoCkk

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.

Loading video player...