#8: Medical Gaslighting: When Doctors Don’t Listen and Dismiss Your Symptoms

In this episode of the Vitality Formula, Dr. Marie Livesey explores medical gaslighting (or medical invalidation) through personal experiences, evidence, and insights on how patients can recognize and address this harmful phenomenon. Dr. Livesey opens with a powerful patient story, then defines medical invalidation, walks you through the emotional and physical consequences of medical invalidation, and offers concrete in‑the-moment scripts and self-advocacy strategies to reclaim your voice in medical settings. You’ll leave feeling more empowered to set boundaries, choose supportive providers, and rebuild trust in your body and medical care. What You’ll Learn:How to recognize the subtle signs of medical invalidationThe toll it can take — emotionally, physically, and relationallyScripts and strategies to respond in the momentHow to evaluate or exit from a provider relationshipWays to rebuild trust — with doctors, your body, and yourselfChapters00:00 Introduction to Medical Invalidation01:33 Understanding Medical Gaslighting05:43 Recognizing Medical Invalidation08:09 The Emotional and Physical Toll08:32 Strategies for Addressing Invalidation15:48 Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare17:04 Communicating with Unsupportive Friends and Family👉 Get Your Medical Invalidation Response Guide, a free quick‑reference tool to help you know what to say when dismissal arises.Connect with Dr. Marie today!Instagram: @dr.mliveseyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drmliveseyWebsite: https://www.livelyholistichealth.com/If you want a physician-led framework to help you think clearly about weight loss, hormone care, and modern health advice, you can download The Metabolic Clarity Guide .Connect with Dr. Marie today!Instagram: @dr.mliveseyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drmliveseyWebsite: https://www.livelyholistichealth.comThis podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a provider–patient relationship.