Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person makes someone question their own reality or feelings. In the context of chronic pain patients, gaslighting can occur when doctors dismiss or minimize the patient's pain experience, leading the patient to doubt their own symptoms.
A doctor might gaslight chronic pain patients due to a lack of understanding of chronic pain conditions, biases about pain being exaggerated or psychological, or pressures to avoid prescribing medications. This can result in patients feeling unheard, invalidated, and reluctant to seek further help.
Common phrases doctors may use that gaslight chronic pain patients include:
"It’s all in your head."
"You're probably just stressed."
"There's no physical cause for your pain."
"You don’t look like you’re in pain."
"Maybe you’re just trying to get attention or medication."
"Have you tried just resting more?"
These statements can undermine the patient's experience and hinder effective pain management.
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Have you ever felt shut down, dismissed, or misunderstood in the doctor’s office? You are not alone. Most people have experienced this at least once in their quest for a diagnosis of their “invisible illness”.
I’ve compiled a list of the most common responses that chronic pain patients have heard in the doctor’s office, and given you some suggestions on how to reply to keep the conversation going. This also puts the ball back in their court; it’s their turn to come up with the next step.
This is the verbal “armor” version for those moments when friends or family say something unintentionally (or intentionally) hurtful. The idea isn’t to fight back, but to set boundaries, protect your energy, and redirect the conversation.
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Start managing your chronic pain with a free download of Chapter One from Toni Renée’s book, The Chronic Pain Empowerment Plan. This chapter introduces the differences between chronic and acute pain.. Download your free chapter now and discover how small changes can make a big difference.
ePub Format
Start managing your chronic pain with a free download of Chapter One from Toni Renée’s book, The Chronic Pain Empowerment Plan. This chapter introduces the differences between chronic and acute pain.. Download your free chapter now and discover how small changes can make a big difference.