I frequently receive unsolicited messages promising miraculous cures for my health conditions. Claims of reversing my type 1 diabetes through essential oils, supplements, and special diets flood my inbox. They insist I can regain energy, sleep soundly, and enhance my strength, all while vanquishing brain fog. The promise is alluring: to transform into a superhuman, free from my autoimmune and chronic illnesses. But I simply roll my eyes and delete these messages. I lack the time, energy, or finances for such gimmicks, especially when they often surface from individuals who aim to highlight my perceived flaws before offering “help.”
I’ve come to terms with my health status and work diligently with qualified medical professionals—not MLM representatives or self-styled wellness advocates—to manage my conditions. Despite my resilience and knowledge, I remain frustrated by the harmful, ableist wellness culture that seeks to exploit those of us with chronic illnesses. And I am not alone in this sentiment.
A recent post by Mia Thompson caught my attention. Mia, a self-identified “disabled mother of two” and an advocate based in Toronto, outlined how dangerous misleading wellness claims can be for individuals living with chronic health issues. Her list of diagnoses includes autoimmune diseases, migraines, osteoarthritis, and Raynaud’s syndrome, and she relies on mobility aids like a cane and wheelchair.
Many women I know, who share similar health struggles, are intelligent and capable self-advocates; however, we often fall victim to the persuasive “get well now” narratives. Mia notes, “The medical ableism and gaslighting that shape our experiences can push us into self-advocacy and research but also expose us to further vulnerability.”
What follows is a barrage of ads promoting various detox plans and miraculous supplements, filled with enticing wellness jargon meant to persuade us of their benefits. We find ourselves questioning whether these products might genuinely provide relief, particularly when faced with long waits to consult our medical specialists. As Mia aptly puts it, we think, “Well, what do I have to lose?”
The psychology behind our susceptibility to these dubious claims is complex. Systemic ableism influences how our bodies are valued based on “appearance” and “performance.” As patients and consumers, we must decide whether to buy into this culture or reject it. Mia emphasizes the need to “examine everything” while being “open to learning and unlearning.” This entails doing the hard work of confronting our own internalized ableism and “reparenting” ourselves.
Regardless of acceptance from family, friends, or society, we know we are not the norm. The world is not designed for the disabled or differently-abled individuals. We have all been made to feel that we need to exert more effort, endure discomfort, or conform to certain appearances to be taken seriously. For those of us with chronic illnesses, proving our validity is an exhausting endeavor, compounded by the constant pressure to manage our health.
Companies often swoop in during our most vulnerable moments, tempting us with promises of relief through their so-called “science” and testimonials. Another tactic employed by these ableist health companies involves using language that fosters internalized ableism and reinforces gaslighting. Phrases like “no more excuses” and “your health is in your hands” prey on our insecurities. Such products can pose risks not only to our physical health but to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well. Mia observes that “the marketing can appeal to a part of us that desperately seeks validation.” When our bodies fail us, we often feel like failures ourselves, believing that if we simply tried harder or were more disciplined, we would be healed.
It’s clear that wellness culture and pseudoscience are particularly harmful to those of us already navigating chronic health challenges. So, what can we do? We could delete our social media accounts and avoid all advertisements, but that’s not a feasible solution. Enough has already been taken from us.
Mia asserts that we must take control. We need to “be aware of the media” and curate our social media feeds. If we encounter accounts promoting ableist and unproven products, it’s time to unfollow. Instead, we should focus on activities that genuinely support our health, like therapy, meditation, setting boundaries, and taking breaks from the online world.
Rather than ignoring the existence of manipulative marketing, we should challenge ableist and gaslighting tactics when we see them and encourage our loved ones to do the same. If we find ourselves drawn to a flashy advertisement claiming to offer a cure, we must practice self-compassion and reflect on why we felt tempted. Are there aspects of our health—like pain levels or mobility issues—that require our attention?
Mia also advises against rushing into any new program or product purchase. Remember, urgency is often a marketing strategy. If we’re genuinely interested in exploring a health change, we should pause, reflect, consult our trusted medical professionals, and make informed decisions. Exploring the mental and emotional dimensions of health changes is equally important.
I’ve noticed that not only do MLM representatives use the “hey, friend” approach, but companies do as well. Social media influencers are often compensated handsomely to promote vitamins, food items, and diet plans to their followers, including those of us with specific health requirements. By enlisting relatable figures, companies create a facade of familiarity and community to entice us into believing we can become better, stronger, and more vibrant.
Managing multiple health diagnoses is challenging enough without the added burden of people and companies trying to exploit our unique needs. Mia and I agree that we must adopt a more critical perspective than the average consumer and reject the notion that we are deficient because of our differences. Companies will continue to prey on our insecurities, and it’s up to us to firmly decline their advances.
For more insights into navigating health and wellness in a thoughtful manner, check out this post on home insemination, which offers valuable information on related topics.
Search Queries:
- How to navigate wellness culture as a chronically ill person?
- The impact of ableism on health marketing.
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- Understanding the psychology behind wellness trends.
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Summary:
Wellness culture often exploits those with chronic illnesses, promoting dubious products and services under the guise of health benefits. Individuals with chronic conditions, like Mia Thompson, face additional challenges due to systemic ableism and misleading marketing tactics. It’s crucial to be critical of wellness claims, prioritize genuine health support, and challenge ableist narratives while navigating personal health journeys.