I’ve been studying Neuroscience and trauma for a couple of years. It’s given me profound insight into my condition and the biology of what is happening in my body (I have Functional Neurological Disorder). By understanding the science of trauma and the body it’s given me a way to find a holistic path to healing and improving my symptoms. It’s also opened my eyes to the root issue of why medical gaslighting is so prevalent among trauma survivors.

If you have felt ignored, dismissed, and embarrassed by doctors, you are not alone.

I spent years in and out of hospitals. I started to question if I was crazy. I was in severe pain, but doctors told me I was fine.

I remember asking my primary care doctor about pain management in my early 20s, and he said, “You’re too young for that.” I was devastated; I could barely function because my back hurt so badly, and I didn’t know what else to do. So, for years, I stopped asking for help. I suffered as silently as possible until I couldn’t function anymore. I don’t want that for you because we deserve better.

When it comes to seeking medical care for trauma-related issues, you may find yourself facing a frustrating reality: the medical world often operates in black and white, while trauma is anything but straightforward. This is medical gaslighting.

This mismatch between your needs and the doctor’s training can result in significant challenges when seeking the proper care and support for individuals experiencing physical symptoms rooted in trauma.

In the medical community, the focus is on objective measurements and biomarker tests. (they are looking for concrete answers)

Basically, a yes or no answer that is right in front of your face. These tools are valuable for diagnosing and treating many conditions, but they may fall short when it comes to understanding the complexities of trauma.

Trauma doesn’t always manifest in easily “concrete” and “quantifiable” ways, and its effects can vary significantly from person to person. Does this mean it’s not as valid? Absolutely not.

This lack of alignment between traditional medical practices and the nuances of trauma can leave you feeling unheard and invalidated. It did for me, too. Symptoms that are dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare providers can exacerbate feelings of frustration and isolation, compounding the already challenging experience of living with trauma. Medical gaslighting is a very real issue in the trauma community.

It’s essential to recognize that trauma is a valid and significant factor in many health issues.

However, it’s often overlooked or downplayed because it doesn’t always fit neatly into medical training and practice parameters. This oversight can have severe consequences for those seeking relief from trauma-related symptoms, and that’s why you need to understand and advocate for yourself.

So, how can you bridge this gap and ensure you receive the care and support you need? How do we overcome medical gaslighting?

First and foremost, there needs to be a greater awareness and understanding of how trauma can manifest physically (which is exactly what we teach here).

As a society, we need healthcare providers to be trained to recognize and address trauma-related symptoms with the same level of importance as other medical concerns. Additionally, there needs to be a shift towards a more holistic approach to healthcare that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Ultimately, you must advocate for yourself and seek out providers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to your unique needs. Don’t give up. Navigating the intersection of trauma and medical care can present challenges; I want to tell you that there is hope for finding healing and support on your journey toward recovery.