Medical Gaslighting

Type C people - who avoid conflict and always maintain a pleasant facade - can find navigating the medical system very challenging, especially those dealing with chronic or invisible illnesses. It can be difficult to advocate for ourselves and to argue with respected physicians. Women are particularly vulnerable to being ignored by doctors; there is a long history of women being viewed as hysterical and as hypochondriacs. Two terrific books on this topic are Unwell Women by Elinor Clighorn and The Lady’s Handbook for her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey; both explore personal journeys of navigating the medical system with mysterious conditions and having to fight tooth and nail to be heard and treated.