Feeling Dismissed? Finding Common Ground in Your Care

We’ve all had moments in care when something feels off. You leave the visit feeling uneasy; maybe your questions went unanswered, or your concerns were waved away with a quick 'you’re fine.' You replay the words in your head on your drive home, trying to convince yourself it wasn’t a big deal, but the feeling lingers.

Feeling dismissed can be painful. It’s not just about what was said, but about what wasn’t heard. When you’ve made the effort to explain what’s happening in your own body or life, and that effort meets silence or interruption, it’s easy to wonder whether your voice matters in the room.

Good care depends on trust and shared understanding. You bring lived experience, intuition, and the day-to-day reality of what’s possible. Your clinician brings medical training and perspective. When both are valued, care becomes clearer and more personal.

It’s okay to ask for that balance. You might say:
“I’m not sure this feels right for me.”
“Could we slow down and go over that again?”
“I want to make sure I understand what this means for my daily life.”

These aren’t confrontations. They’re connections. They show that you’re engaged and invested in your own well-being. Most clinicians welcome that honesty; it helps them see the full picture.

Sometimes, though, the mismatch runs deeper. You may sense that your concerns or values don’t align with your provider’s approach. If that happens, it’s okay to seek another perspective. A second opinion isn’t disloyal — it’s part of caring wisely for yourself.

No one should leave an appointment feeling smaller than when they arrived. Every patient deserves to be part of their own plan — not just the subject of it.

If you’ve been holding back because a previous encounter left you feeling unheard, the invitation is to start again. Gently. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your voice. Healing often begins in the simple act of saying, ‘This matters to me.’