Real Stories, Real People | Overcoming Health Dismissal, Finding Answers, and Thriving

Have you ever been told your health symptoms are just "a part of getting older"?In this eye-opening episode of the TRUE Wellness Podcast, Dr. Dee sits down with Karen Larkin, a licensed clinical social worker and psychology professor, who shares her powerful journey of overcoming medical gaslighting, misdiagnoses, and years of frustration with conventional healthcare.Karen opens up about the moment she realized she needed a new approach to her health, how she took control of her wellness, and why questioning everything—especially in the medical system—is key to finding real answers. Her story is a testament to the power of advocating for yourself, trusting your instincts, and embracing a truly holistic approach to healing.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to Recognize Medical Gaslighting & Advocate for YourselfKaren shares her personal experiences of being dismissed by doctors, told her symptoms were “just aging,” and left without solutions. Learn how to push back, ask the right questions, and demand better care.Why Your Symptoms Are NOT “Just Part of Getting Older”From weight gain to insomnia, digestive issues to hormonal imbalances—Karen debunks the myth that these struggles are inevitable with age and explains how she took back control of her body.The Connection Between Stress, Lifestyle, and HealthDiscover how Karen’s high-stress career in a psychiatric emergency room, poor nutrition, and lack of self-care contributed to her health struggles—and the changes that made a difference.The Importance of Functional Medicine & Personalized WellnessKaren reveals how finding a holistic practitioner changed everything—offering real answers, customized solutions, and a wellness plan that actually worked.Three Powerful Steps to Start Your Own Health Journey1️⃣ Prioritize Real Self-Care: Move beyond surface-level self-care (like manicures or happy hours) and focus on what truly restores your health.2️⃣ Question Everything: Don’t blindly accept medical advice—ask why, demand explanations, and find a doctor aligned with your beliefs.3️⃣ Incorporate Meditation & Mindfulness: Karen shares how daily meditation transformed her stress levels, mindset, and overall well-being.🎧 Tune in now and discover how to break free from medical gaslighting and reclaim your health!FREE GIFT: The 21-Day Nervous System Calibration is designed to help you begin shifting out of survival mode and back into a state of regulation.  👉 go.thisisdrz.com/nervoussystemSchedule a FREE discovery call with Dr. Z and our team: https://go.southbaywellness.com/schedule-callThanks for listening to T.R.U.E. Wellness with Dr .Z, follow us on social media for more wellness inspiration.Watch the full episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsDrZInstagram: ThisIsDrZFacebook: ThisIsDrZYouTube: @ThisIsDrZLinkedIn: ThisIsDrZTikTok: @ThisIsDrZWebsite: www.SouthBayWellness.comThe information in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Dr. Z and her guests share perspectives and suggestions, not diagnoses or treatment. Always consult your own qualified provider.