The medical system is an important part of society that provides healthcare services to individuals who are sick or injured. It includes various professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other specialized personnel who have expertise in different fields of medicine. Unfortunately, some people experience invalidation when they visit the medical system. Invalidations occur when an individual's feelings, thoughts, opinions, experiences, or behaviors are dismissed as unimportant or incorrect. This can result in psychological effects that affect the person's physical and mental well-being.
Invalidation occurs when someone tells you that your thoughts, beliefs, or feelings are wrong without considering them valid. It can also happen when someone doesn't take your concerns seriously or makes you feel stupid for having certain views. When this happens repeatedly, it may lead to negative self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms make it difficult for the person to function normally in daily life and interfere with their relationships. Repeated invalidations by the medical system cause psychological harm to patients which require treatment.
Patients may be invalidated by medical staff due to a lack of knowledge, bias, or discrimination.
If a patient has a rare condition that the doctor is not familiar with, they may be doubtful about the diagnosis and prescribe unnecessary treatments. If the patient has a unique sexual orientation, religion, or race, the doctor might fail to understand their needs and preferences. This can lead to misdiagnoses, delayed care, and mistreatment. Invalidation also happens when doctors don't listen to the patient's complaints or dismiss them as unrelated to their health problems. The patient may become frustrated and lose trust in the medical system, leading to further emotional distress.
Repeated invalidation can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health. Patients who experience this may suffer from low self-confidence, poor social skills, difficulty managing emotions, and difficulty making decisions. They may also develop paranoia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or eating disorders due to feelings of shame and guilt. It can also affect their relationship with family members, friends, and colleagues, resulting in isolation, loneliness, and other mental health issues. Some people even start abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with the pain caused by invalidation.
It's essential for medical professionals to validate their patients' thoughts, beliefs, experiences, and behaviors. This includes listening to them actively, acknowledging their concerns, and providing explanations without judgement. Doctors should provide education and support to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. Patients need to feel respected, understood, and heard. Medical staff must be trained on cultural sensitivity and non-discriminatory practices to avoid invalidation. If you are being invalidated by your doctor, seek a second opinion or find another healthcare provider that understands your needs.
What psychological effects result from repeated invalidation by the medical system?
The experience of being consistently dismissed, ignored, disbelieved, or underestimated within the healthcare system can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, disappointment, helplessness, isolation, and even mistrust towards the providers who are responsible for one's care. Repeated invalidation may also impact one's self-esteem, confidence, autonomy, and sense of control over their health outcomes.