I’ve been through hell because of medical gaslighting, plus an inept/oppressive medical system that refused to investigate symptoms of patients that were pushed into mental health care, ironically because of physical problems that were misdiagnosed and labelled as mental health problems. Once I started to get treatments, major mistakes were made and covered up. These caused permanent disability and could have killed me. The health system in my country protects itself with tight control. Attempts to report these mistakes led to relatiation, more oppression, more gaslighting … it was a nightmare I’m beginning to emerge from. I’m still getting dismissive comments from doctors though — for things that should be considered “medical emergencies”. There is no way to get a new doctor. We must get referrals. Some specialists are in short supply in our small country. My conditions aren’t severe at the moment, but one particularly worrying issue is ongoing 10 years without proper care. It’s ridiculous. As I type this, and read your words, I know I have to do more to be heard and get appropriate care. Thank you for your advice, and awareness of how common gaslighting is — it’s not about me. It’s about the doctor’s insecurities or system’s inefficiencies. I must find a way to get my needs met.