Content Advisory + Reminder
Many people leave appointments feeling worse—not because they wanted special treatment, but because they wanted basic care: to be heard, taken seriously, and given a clear plan.
In Episode 6, “Medical Gaslighting,” Greg and Rich talk with Jay about how it feels when symptoms are dismissed and what to do next—especially when you’re tired, in pain, foggy, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Greg names common dismissive lines, such as:
Rich describes the pain of being rushed and interrupted:
Jay shares a key turning point:
What “medical gaslighting” really means (in plain language)
In this episode, medical gaslighting is described as what happens when a provider dismisses, minimizes, or invalidates real symptoms—sometimes so strongly that you start doubting your own reality.
Harvard Health explains that if you feel your doctor is dismissing your concerns, you may be experiencing medical gaslighting - and it can be unintentional, driven by things like poor communication, limited time, or uncertainty about what to do next. (Harvard Health)
And even when it isn’t “evil,” the impact can still be serious: delayed diagnosis, worse outcomes, and a deep loss of trust. (Harvard Health)
Greg, Rich, and Jay repeatedly come back to this: healthcare is full of pressures that can compress visits and push people toward quick conclusions.
That isn’t an excuse - but it is part of what you’re up against. Research interviewing primary care physicians has described how time constraints can distort decision-making, increase “shotgunning” labs, and push more referrals or escalations than a clinician might choose with more time. (JAMA Network)
A big takeaway here is simple:
If the system is rushed, you’ll often need a plan to protect your limited minutes.
Jay: cyclical vomiting syndrome, delayed imaging, and asking for the right specialist
Jay shares how assumptions can form early, especially when you’re young, and how long it can take to be taken seriously. He lives with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), which involves sudden, repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting that can last for hours to days.
One of the most practical lessons from Jay’s story is that self-advocacy doesn’t always mean arguing. Sometimes it means making one clear request, such as, “I want a pain specialist to consult.”
He also highlights the real stress many people feel around insurance transitions at age 26. Federally, young adults can typically stay on a parent’s plan until 26 if dependent coverage is offered (HHS)
Rich: TBI, Persistence, and the Power of a Symptom Journal
Rich reflects on navigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) care and how dismissal can occur, especially when symptoms are complex, invisible, or difficult to describe.
He shares what helped: journaling, bringing someone with him, and learning to be concise so he could protect his energy and reduce opportunities for interruption.
The CDC also notes that moderate to severe TBI can be a lifelong condition, with physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes—so needing ongoing support and careful follow-up is not “dramatic.” (CDC)
Greg: Chronic fatigue, delayed follow-ups, and the need for an actual plan
Greg describes the lived reality of chronic fatigue, how it can take over daily life, and how frustrating it is to receive results without a clear next-step plan.
A core message of the episode lands here: even if the plan is “we’re ruling out X and Y,” you deserve a timeline, clear thresholds for urgency, and clarity about what happens next.
The episode directly names disparities in maternal care, and it’s not abstract.
The CDC states: Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. (CDC) \
And organizations like the ASA have also highlighted systemic racism as a contributor to higher maternal mortality among Black women. (American Society of Anesthesiologists)
Important note CDC statistic is about pregnancy-related deaths; it doesn’t attribute the disparity to malpractice alone. (CDC)
The episode treats AI like a tool that might help shorten diagnostic journeys, but it can’t replace listening, context, or human judgment.
The National Cancer Institute has described research where AI may work best as an adjunct to radiologists rather than a standalone solution in tumor assessment.
NIH/NLM reporting has also emphasized that AI can perform well on diagnostic tasks but still make mistakes - especially when explaining reasoning, so human experience remains crucial.
And the equity concern is real: Reuters reported the NAACP urging “equity-first” standards so healthcare AI doesn’t reinforce existing disparities.
(Reuters)
Before Your Appointment
During Your Appointment
After Your Appointment
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We host free online support groups every week. Each group offers a safe, confidential space to connect with people who understand similar struggles and to find practical, emotional, and peer support. (KindnessrRX)
What you can expect in every group
Brain Injury Support Group — Understanding Life After Brain Injury \
Living with a brain injury can affect memory, mood, physical ability, and relationships. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing for years, recovery is often long and complex. This group offers a compassionate online community where members share experiences, offer practical tips, and support each other through the ups and downs of life after brain injury. (KindnessrRX)
Chronic Pain Support Group — The Silent Struggle of Living with Chronic Pain \
Chronic pain is persistent and often invisible, taking an emotional as well as physical toll. This group offers hope, understanding, and connection—helping members reduce isolation, build resilience, and find practical strategies for daily life. (KindnessrRX)
Mental Health Support Group — Understanding the Need for Mental Health Support \
In a world that often misunderstands mental health challenges, our Mental Health Support Group offers a welcoming space to discuss depression, anxiety, and overall emotional wellness. Through open conversation and peer support, members work toward breaking stigma and finding practical steps for healing and connection. (KindnessrRX)
To sign up, visit the calendar: Kindness RX · Events Calendar (Luma) (Luma)
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