Navigating Adversity: Grief Counseling in Seattle for Coping with Medical Gaslighting
Chances are you know how it feels to be gaslit by someone and it feels awful. Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation leading to a person questioning their own experience, reality, or sanity. If you are a woman or a gender minority, there is a strong chance you’ve experienced this in a medical setting where it can lead to a diminished quality in care. Many clients I work with face this at some point. It’s natural to experience grief and anger around a broken system and big egos. You can take action to protect yourself and increase the quality of your experience.
Photos used from Pexels
Here are some pointers regarding how to handle medical gaslighting.
1) Do your homework: Research the doctor as much as you can and ask people you know about their experiences. If that doctor doesn’t work, keep searching.
2) Take a buddy: There is power in numbers. Ask a family member or friend you feel comfortable with sitting in on your appointment with you.
3) Take notes: Both before and during the appointment. Before your appointment, think about your goal for the visit. Write down specific items or questions you want addressed. At the appointment, have yourself or your buddy take notes.
4) Ask them to document their refusal: If you are seeking a test or intervention and they deny that request, ask them to document it in your chart during the appointment.
5) You have access to your records: You have the right to your medical record. It can be helpful to know what is in your record. Request a copy for yourself.
6) Have a team: For better or worse, sometimes a similar message needs to come from a fellow medical professional. If you have providers who you trust, sign a release of information form so they can speak to one another and have them advocate on your behalf.
Check out my other blog posts about Chronic Illness:
Seattle Grief Counseling: Validating Your Experience with Chronic Illness
Strength in Surrender: Grief Counseling in Seattle for Embracing Acceptance
Navigating Toxic Positivity: Grief Counseling Strategies in Seattle
A Comprehensive Guide to Grief Counseling in Seattle
Finding Home: Grief Counseling in Seattle for Embracing Your True Family
Strength in Adversity: Grief Counseling in Seattle for Embracing Resilience
Thawing the Freeze: Grief Counseling Strategies for Building Community in Seattle
Navigating Retirement Grief: Expert Grief Counseling in Seattle
If you’d like to learn how to navigate your health journey, build healthy boundaries, process grief, and work towards self acceptance, reach out for a free 15 minute consultation today here.
If you want to learn about my other specialities, click on each one to find more. They include infertility, pregnancy loss, medical trauma, health issues, and grief.