It’s Not All in Your Head

Facing judgment or dismissal from healthcare providers is an unfortunate reality for many patients. The feeling of having your illness brushed off with a casual "it's all in your head" can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening. Let's explore three scenarios where patients felt dismissed, each with a unique circumstance and approach to handling the situation.

Do not be tricked into believing that your illness is a figment of your imagination. Ignoring, judging, or dismissing your symptoms may cause psychological problems and make physical symptoms worse.

It’s not that your doctors don’t want to help you. They are not to blame for the limitations of our health care system. Science is evolving, and the problem may simply not be medically understood or the location of the pain cannot be found in the body at the time.

The US Medical System

In the world of conventional medicine, the predominant teaching revolves around the biomedical model. However, this model comes with its own set of limitations.

From a biomedical standpoint, illnesses are often attributed to biological factors such as chemical imbalances, bacterial or viral infections, or genetic predispositions. In this view, individuals are seen as victims of external forces that trigger internal changes leading to illness. This perspective often absolves individuals of responsibility for their illnesses, placing the burden of treatment squarely on the shoulders of medical professionals. Treatment methods such as vaccination, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy aim to alter the physical state of the body. Health and illness are seen as distinct states—you're either healthy or ill, with no middle ground. Additionally, the biomedical model tends to overlook the psychological roots of disease, focusing more on symptom management than addressing underlying causes.

If a medical doctor is unable to pinpoint the cause or solution to an illness, they may be operating within the confines of the biomedical model. This may lead them to overlook the intricate relationship between the brain and body. In some cases, patients may hear the dismissive phrase "it's in your head" and be referred to mental health providers. Unfortunately, this can convey the message that the illness is imagined or purely psychological, creating a reluctance to pursue therapy or counseling due to fears of stigma.

On the other hand, holistic practitioners, including naturopaths, doctors of osteopathy (OD’s), functional medicine practitioners, and professionals working in health psychology, adopt a biopsychosocial model. This approach recognizes that illnesses stem from a combination of psychological, social, and biological factors. Here, individuals are viewed as active participants in their health and well-being. The emphasis is on treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms. Patients are encouraged to take ownership of their treatment, whether it involves medication adherence or lifestyle changes. In this model, health and illness exist on a spectrum, with individuals moving back and forth between states. Psychological factors are seen not only as potential consequences of illness but also as contributors to its development and progression.

Empowering Yourself as a Patient

Communicate Clearly: When visiting healthcare providers, clearly describe your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any concerns you have. Be your own advocate.

Seek Second Opinions: If you feel dismissed or uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Different perspectives can offer valuable insights.

Do Your Research: Take the time to research your condition, treatment options, and potential lifestyle changes. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions.

Advocate for Yourself: If a treatment or approach doesn't align with your beliefs or preferences, speak up. Your healthcare should be tailored to your needs and values.

Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare team. Ask questions, express concerns, and seek clarification on any recommendations.

Explore Holistic Approaches: Consider integrative medicine, which looks at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This approach may offer a range of treatment options, including therapy, dietary changes, and alternative therapies.

Understanding Counseling Recommendations

Sometimes, a misunderstanding arises when a doctor recommends counseling without clearly explaining the reasoning behind it. Patients may wonder if the doctor sees their illness as somatic or simply recognizes the impact of stress on health.

If faced with a counseling recommendation, patients should feel empowered to ask questions. They can directly inquire about the doctor's perspective and whether they believe the illness is purely psychological. Patients should also express any concerns or uncertainties they have about the treatment plan, ensuring open communication with their healthcare team.

Underlying Psychological Issues

Many individuals I work with have a history of trauma, toxic relationships, or longstanding anxiety and depression predating their physical illness. These experiences are not fabricated, and it's crucial to recognize the role of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in the development and progression of illness. Physical healing often involves addressing underlying psychological issues.

Instead of dismissing the connection between the mind and body, consider that your body responds to how you navigate your thoughts and emotions. Your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions carry energy that continuously influences your well-being, either promoting ease or causing dis-ease. Taking this holistic view can empower individuals to explore various treatment options, including therapy, and to advocate for their health with a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.

Want to learn more about the relationship between mental and physical health? Here are some great resources:

When the Body Says No (Mate)
When the Body Keeps Score (Van Der Kolk)
Dodging Energy Vampires (Northrup)
Peter Levine books

Remember, you are an active participant in your healthcare journey. By taking proactive steps, advocating for yourself, and exploring various treatment options, you can empower yourself to navigate misunderstandings and find the path to healing that resonates with you.

In the end, your health and well-being are the top priorities, and you have the right to seek the care that aligns with your needs and values.