Are You Medically Gaslighting Yourself?

Ever felt uneasy or unsure about your health journey? Patient insecurity is a real challenge many of us with chronic illness face, but awareness is key to overcoming it.

After years of fighting to be heard by medical professionals — to be seen as more than a normal lab sheet, I developed patient insecurity that resulted in compulsive research and irrational decisions in an attempt for answers and help.

Can you relate to any of these internal struggles?

• Maybe my symptoms aren’t as bad as I think they are.
• I shouldn’t have said that in my doctor’s appointment. It probably hurt my chances for help.
• I don’t believe a word that physician said. They are all dismissive and awful.
• Maybe I should send a portal message, but I’m sure they will think I’m a bother.
• Ugh, I shouldn’t have sent that portal message. I was impulsive.
• I know I should stop Googling, but I have to find answers.
• Why won’t doctors take me seriously? Is it how I present myself in appointments?

Patient insecurity is the feeling of doubt, fear, or uncertainty that individuals experience regarding their symptoms (E.g., “Am I making too big a deal out of it?”), what we said or didn’t say in appointments, treatments (E.g., “Maybe I didn’t give that med a good enough try.”), or healthcare providers. It can manifest in various ways, from questioning how you feel to spending too much time researching in the quest for validation.id or didn’t say in appointments, treatments (Ex: Maybe I didn’t give that med a good enough try.), or healthcare providers. It can manifest in various ways, from questioning how you feel to spending too much time researching in the quest for validation.

What Causes Patient Insecurity?

While not an extensive list, here are some possible causes of patient insecurity:

1. Lack of Information: Not fully understanding one’s condition or possible condition, as well as feeling like physicians are not communicating well with you or making you feel like you don’t need all the information.
2. Fear of the Unknown: Uncertainty about the future and outcomes can trigger insecurity.
3. Comparison: Comparing one’s progress or condition to others can fuel feelings of inadequacy. How this sounds in my head, “Doctors see so much worse than me. They think I’m wasting their time.”
4. Past Experiences: Negative experiences with healthcare providers or treatments can linger, causing insecurity. Medical gaslighting is a significant trigger of patient insecurity.

How to Help Overcome It

1. Educate Yourself: Ask questions, research your condition and set of questions (not mindless googling), and seek reliable information (PubMed, NIH & major teaching hospitals) to empower yourself.
2. Communication: Openly discuss concerns with a therapist or trusted physician.
3. Support System: Lean on friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and understanding.
4. Focus on Progress: Celebrate small victories and focus on your journey rather than comparing yourself to others.
5. Mindfulness: Practice techniques like deep breathing to manage anxiety and stay grounded. I like to redirect my thoughts in the garden. Busy hands, quiet minds, and all that.

Struggling with your health involves so much more than physical symptoms. The emotional side can be just as complicated and exhausting. Please remember that it’s okay to feel insecure at times. It is an absolutely valid emotion during a chronic illness journey. By taking proactive steps and seeking support, you can start to navigate with confidence and resilience.