They slide into my direct messages, claiming to have the solution for my chronic conditions. They assert that they can cure my type 1 diabetes with essential oils, supplements, and meal plans. Promises of increased energy, restful sleep, and enhanced strength flood my inbox. They assure me that brain fog will vanish, and I’ll transform into a superhuman version of myself, free from my autoimmune illnesses. How fortunate I am.
I roll my eyes in disbelief and immediately delete their unsolicited messages. I lack the time, energy, or finances to entertain their dubious claims. (They reached out to me to highlight what’s “wrong” with my health, only to offer their “assistance.”) The truth is, I’ve come to terms with my health condition and diligently work with qualified medical professionals—not multi-level marketing salespeople or self-proclaimed wellness experts—to manage my ailments. Despite my resilience and knowledge, I still find the toxic and ableist wellness culture infuriating. And it turns out, I’m not alone in this sentiment.
A recent social media post from Mia Johnson caught my attention. Mia, a self-identified “disabled mom of three” and “writer, advocate, and content creator” based in Vancouver, shared her extensive list of diagnoses, which includes autoimmune disorders, chronic migraines, and fibromyalgia. She relies on mobility aids like a cane to navigate her daily life.
Many women I know who grapple with health issues are incredibly intelligent and adept at advocating for themselves, yet we are still susceptible to the enticing “get well fast” narratives. Mia articulates, “The medical ableism and gaslighting many of us experience push us into self-advocacy and research, but they also expose us to further vulnerabilities.”
What follows next is a barrage of advertisements promoting detox plans and miraculous new supplements, complete with persuasive wellness jargon. We might find ourselves contemplating whether these products could provide relief. As Mia points out, the lengthy wait times to see medical specialists can make us more inclined to try something new, thinking, “What do I have to lose?”
The psychology behind our susceptibility to these questionable claims is complex. Systemic ableism influences how our bodies are valued based on “appearance” and “performance.” As consumers, we must decide whether to accept or reject these narratives. Mia emphasizes the need to “examine everything” and be willing to learn and unlearn. This requires immense effort to unpack our own internalized ableism and to “reparent ourselves.”
Regardless of how accepted we feel by family, friends, or society, we know we don’t conform to the norm. The world is not designed for those with disabilities or chronic conditions. We have all been made to feel, at some point, that we need to try harder, endure more, or appear “sick enough” to be taken seriously. Those of us with chronic illnesses are continually proving ourselves while managing our health, and it’s exhausting. Then, opportunistic companies swoop in, promising to lighten our load with their “scientific” solutions and testimonials.
Another tactic employed by ableist health companies is the blame game, which, as Mia notes, “feeds internalized ableism and reinforces gaslighting.” They often utilize “tough love” messaging, like “no more excuses” or “your health is your responsibility.” These products can be harmful not only to able-bodied individuals but especially to those with multiple health diagnoses. The risks extend beyond physical health to mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Mia points out that “the marketing can validate a part of us that craves recognition,” making us feel like failures when our bodies don’t cooperate. If only we tried harder or were more disciplined, we could achieve healing.
So, we understand that wellness culture and pseudoscience are detrimental to everyone, particularly to those of us with chronic health issues. The question is, what can we do? Completely avoiding social media, television, and advertisements isn’t realistic. Too much has already been taken from us.
Mia suggests that we must take control of our health journeys. We should “be mindful of the media we consume” and revamp our social media feeds. If we encounter accounts promoting products or programs that we know are ableist and unproven, it’s time to unfollow. Instead, we can focus on activities that genuinely support our health, such as therapy, meditation, affirmations, and setting boundaries.
Rather than ignoring the presence of manipulative marketing, we should challenge ableist or gaslighting tactics when we encounter them and educate our loved ones to do the same. If we find ourselves drawn to a polished advertisement promising a cure, we need to practice self-compassion and reflect on why we were tempted. Are there areas of our health—pain levels, mobility issues, or internalized beliefs—that deserve our attention?
Mia also advises against hastily jumping into any program or purchasing a product. There’s no rush. The urgency is a marketing tactic. If we’re genuinely interested in improving a particular aspect of our health, we should take a moment to pause, reflect, discuss it with our trusted medical professionals, and make informed choices. We should also consider the emotional and mental dimensions of any health-related changes.
I’ve noticed that not only do MLM representatives employ the “hey, friend” tactic, but so do many companies. Social media influencers are often compensated handsomely to promote vitamins, food items, and diet programs to their followers, including those of us with unique health requirements. By leveraging relatable figures, companies aim to create a sense of familiarity and community to entice us into believing we can be healthier, stronger, more attractive, and more energetic.
Managing multiple diagnoses is already exhausting, and dealing with individuals and companies that seek to exploit our vulnerabilities demands even more of our energy. Mia and I agree that we must be more discerning than the average consumer and reject the idea that we are inferior simply because we are differently-abled. Companies will exploit our insecurities, and it’s up to us to firmly decline their advances.
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- How to navigate wellness culture as a chronically ill person?
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In summary, the wellness culture can be a harmful and ableist force, especially for those of us living with chronic health conditions. It’s crucial to recognize manipulative marketing tactics, engage in self-reflection, and make well-informed choices about health and wellness. By doing so, we empower ourselves and reject the notion that we are less than.
Keyphrase: wellness culture and ableism
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