Few things are more frustrating than feeling unheard or outright dismissed when you know something isn’t right with your body.
You walk into your surgery hoping for answers, only to be met with dismissive comments, rushed explanations, or vague reassurances that “it’s nothing to worry about.” But if your symptoms are affecting your life, they are something to worry about. When your doctor won’t take you seriously, it’s important to advocate for yourself and make sure you get the care you deserve. Here’s how to do exactly that, and ensure your concerns are properly addressed.
1. Come prepared with notes.
Walking into an appointment with a clear list of symptoms, questions, and concerns can make a huge difference. Doctors often work within tight time limits, and if you’re trying to remember everything on the spot, it’s easy to forget important details.
Write down when your symptoms started, how often they happen, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life. That makes it harder for your GP to brush off your concerns and helps you stay focused if the conversation starts to drift.
2. Be direct and persistent.
If your GP dismisses your concerns, don’t just accept it and move on. Politely but firmly restate your symptoms and why they’re affecting your quality of life. Try saying things like, “I understand that you’re not concerned, but this is really impacting me, and I need to find out what’s causing it.”
Many doctors assume that if a patient isn’t pushing for answers, their symptoms must not be that severe. Making it clear that you are serious about finding a solution can change the way they approach your case.
3. Use very specific language if you can.
Doctors hear a lot of vague complaints like “I just don’t feel right” or “I have no energy,” which can be difficult to act on. Instead, describe exactly what’s happening with clear, measurable details. Say things like, “I’ve had severe stomach pain after meals at least four times a week,” or “I’ve been having dizzy spells that last several minutes and make it hard to concentrate.” The more precise you are, the harder it is for them to wave it off as unimportant.
4. Ask for tests directly.
Some GPs hesitate to order tests unless they see a clear, urgent need. If they don’t suggest one, ask outright: “Can we do bloodwork or imaging to rule out potential causes?” or “Would a scan help us get a clearer picture of what’s going on?” If they push back, ask them to explain why they think testing isn’t necessary. If they can’t give a solid reason, it may be a sign that you need to push harder — or get a second opinion.
5. Bring someone with you.
Having another person at your appointment can add credibility to your concerns. A friend or family member can back you up, help you stay on track, and even ask questions on your behalf if you start feeling overwhelmed. Doctors also tend to take patients more seriously when they see that someone else is there to support their concerns. It makes it harder for them to dismiss what you’re saying as an overreaction.
6. Keep a symptom diary.
Track your symptoms over several weeks, noting when they occur, their severity, and any possible triggers. If you notice patterns—such as symptoms worsening at certain times of day or after specific activities — that information can be extremely helpful. Presenting a clear, detailed record of your symptoms can be more effective than simply describing them from memory, making it easier for your GP to connect the dots.
7. Don’t let them rush you.
Doctors are often under pressure to keep appointments short — you’ll get about 10 minutes from an NHS GP — but that doesn’t mean your concerns should be pushed aside. If you feel like they’re trying to move on too quickly, say, “I don’t feel like we’ve fully gone over my symptoms yet,” or “I need to make sure we address everything today.” Standing your ground ensures that you get the time and attention you deserve, even if they’re eager to wrap up the conversation.
8. Ask for a second opinion.
If your doctor isn’t taking you seriously, you don’t have to stay with them. You have every right to seek a second opinion from another GP at the practice, and in some cases, this can be the key to getting a proper diagnosis. Another doctor might have a different approach, more experience with your symptoms, or simply be more willing to investigate thoroughly.
9. Request a referral to a specialist.
If your symptoms aren’t improving and your doctor isn’t offering any real solutions, ask for a referral to a specialist. Say something like, “Since this hasn’t improved, I’d like to see someone who specialises in this area.” If your GP refuses, ask them to document their refusal in your medical records. That often makes them reconsider, as they know it could be questioned later.
10. Be firm but polite.
It’s easy to feel frustrated when you’re not being heard, but getting angry can sometimes make a GP even more dismissive. Instead, stay calm and assertive. Say, “I appreciate your time, but I need to make sure we’re exploring all possible causes.” Doctors are more likely to work with you if they see you as an informed, reasonable patient rather than someone they need to “manage.”
11. Do your own research, but be careful where you look
Reading up on your symptoms can help, but stick to reputable sources like the NHS website, medical journals, or recognised health organisations. If you find something that fits your symptoms, bring it up as a question rather than a diagnosis. Say, “I read that this could be linked to X condition — do you think that’s worth investigating?” GPs are more likely to consider your input if you frame it as a discussion rather than presenting them with a self-diagnosis.
12. Document everything.
Keep a record of every appointment, including what was discussed, what tests were ordered (or refused), and any next steps your doctor recommended. If your concerns are repeatedly ignored, having a detailed record can help if you need to escalate the issue later. It also prevents miscommunication, making it easier to track whether your doctor is following through on what they said they would do. It also helps to ensure you have an account on the NHS app and have requested access to your full medical files, so you can see what’s being documented there.
13. Don’t let them blame everything on stress or anxiety.
While stress and anxiety can affect your health, they’re not a catch-all explanation for every symptom. If your doctor keeps dismissing your concerns as “just stress,” — which sadly happens a lot to women in particular — say, “I understand stress can have physical effects, but I want to make sure we’re not overlooking a medical issue.” Many serious conditions are misdiagnosed as anxiety, so don’t accept this explanation without proper testing.
14. Trust your instincts.
No one knows your body better than you. If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Keep pushing for answers, seek second opinions, and don’t stop until you feel heard. Advocating for yourself in a medical setting isn’t always easy, but your health is worth it. If one doctor won’t listen, find one who will. You deserve proper care, and the right doctor will take your concerns as seriously as you do.
