The Invisible Workload of Getting Well
Did you hear about the social media influencer who recently got caught faking her enrollment in a Physicians Assistant program at Duke University?
This is bonkers!
Deep down, we know social media is a scam, but it is a really good one. We fall in love with charismatic personalities who share their life and recommendations to such an impressive level that we forget to vet their credentials.
Not only are patients navigating timing of supplements, prescriptions, appointments, labs, meal planning and sleep routines — now patients have to scrutinize where those recommendations came from.
Are you following the wise words of someone who is licensed or registered in their field, or are you being bamboozled by someone who is really good at marketing an idea? Someone who has made beautiful Reels and TikTok’s that make you feel “oh, this person finally gets what is going on with me!”
And honestly, they might be right. Or, they might be really wrong.
Currently, my algorithm is highlighting to me what ‘every doctor has missed’ about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition attacking your thyroid hormone function. Since I watched one Reel all the way through, I see them over and over again from different people who share:
Their diagnosis was missed
They should be taking a supplement for their thyroid
They should also be taking a supplement for their digestive system
They should also be taking a supplement for their gall bladder
They should also be taking a supplement for their liver
Do you see the pattern? They are selling something! They are selling an online workbook, a supplement, a meal plan and way to “get well fast, without using prescription medication”.
It is exhausting the invisible workload put on patients to get well. Not only do patients have to buy-in to what their doctor is saying, they also have to evaluate the other information that is thrown their way on a daily basis.
Some of these online suggestions are great and very helpful, it just depends.
I strongly believe in open conversations with my patients about the things they see online. Maybe they come across something that I have never heard of that will be really helpful in their case. Or, it opens up a good opportunity to build more trust because we talk through what they have seen and I can help fill in the blanks. Either way, the patient and I can learn something with that conversation.
Dr Hall, ND
If this perspective resonated with you...
These reflections are inspired by conversations I have every day with patients navigating chronic illness, fertility, hormonal health, and the realities of everyday life.
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