No one knows your health status better than you do. That doesn't stop people from jumping in with their own opinions, even if they should really think twice before talking. Sometimes, people feel justified in telling you you're overreacting to your own symptoms.
There is a lot of accessible information about health care and health conditions nowadays. That's good news when you need to find an answer to a question, but it sometimes means people think they know more than they really do. That can lead to awkward conversations where someone says "I'm sure it really isn't that bad" when you talk about your health.
We'd love to hear about your experiences:
- Has anyone ever told you that you were overstating your symptoms?
- How did their doubt about your symptoms make you feel?
- Who said it? A friend? Family member? A doctor or nurse?
- How do you respond when someone doesn't believe you about your health?
- Did it affect your relationship with that person?