Now, before we jump in, let me preface by saying I'm not a doctor, and this isn't medical advice. But what I am is a clinical hypnotist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, someone who's walked the path of reversing Type 2 diabetes and shedding 100 pounds along the way. And my mission? To empower others to do the same.
So, in this third installment of the medical gaslighting series, I want to pose a question: Has your doctor ever looked you in the eye and said, "I don't know"? It's a moment of vulnerability that's all too rare in today's medical landscape.
You see, I've heard plenty of phrases from doctors over the years—"I've tried everything," "It's all in your head," or the classic, "Let's try this." But seldom do we hear those three humbling words: "I don't know." It's as if admitting uncertainty is a taboo, a sign of weakness rather than honesty.
But here's the truth: uncertainty is part and parcel of the medical profession. Medical science is always changing, morphing, and much of what we once thought was cold, hard, facts look silly in hindsight. It's a sobering reminder that medicine is as much art as it is science.
Take, for instance, the saga of Ancel Keys and the dietary fat-heart disease hypothesis. For years, we bought into it hook, line, and sinker, ignoring dissenting voices in the name of conformity. It's a cautionary tale of how entrenched beliefs can blind us to the truth.
And when it comes to gaslighting, there's nothing more insidious than dismissing a patient's concerns as "all in your head." Sure, everything we experience passes through our minds, but that doesn't diminish its validity. Yet, all too often, doctors brush off symptoms they can't explain, leaving patients frustrated and unheard.
But why does this cycle persist? Is it ego, fear of litigation, or the control of insurance companies dictating care protocols? Perhaps it's a combination of all three. Regardless, it's a form of gaslighting that's become ingrained in the fabric of modern medicine—an institutionalized denial of ignorance.
And let's not forget the glaring gap in medical education when it comes to nutrition. Doctors, already burdened with a mountain of knowledge, often punt dietary concerns to nutritionists who may be just as entrenched in the status quo. It's a vicious cycle perpetuated by what I like to call the Standard American Diet (SAD)—a diet that's anything but nourishing.
So, where does that leave us? Well, for starters, it's a wake-up call to pay attention, to question, and to educate ourselves. I'm not here to offer answers or advice, but rather to encourage you to seek understanding and take control of your health journey.
Joseph Onesta, Type 2 Mentor, signing off. Thanks for joining me on this exploration of medical gaslighting. Until next time, stay curious and stay empowered.