They slide into my DMs, claiming they possess the answer to my ailments. With promises to reverse my type 1 diabetes through essential oils, supplements, and special diets, they assure me that I’ll have boundless energy, sleep soundly, and strengthen my muscles. Brain fog? A distant memory. I’ll be a superhero, completely healed from autoimmune and chronic illnesses. How lucky am I?
I roll my eyes and delete their “hey, friend” messages. I simply don’t have the time, energy, or money for their nonsense. (Besides, they reached out just to highlight what’s “wrong” with me, then oh-so-kindly offer their “help.”) The truth is, I’ve come to terms with my health status and work diligently with genuine medical professionals—far removed from MLM salespeople and self-proclaimed health experts—to manage my conditions. Despite my resilience and knowledge, I often find myself frustrated by the toxic and ableist health culture surrounding us. And it turns out, I’m not alone.
A recent social media post by Mia Johnson caught my attention. A self-described “disabled mom of two” and a “writer, content creator, advocate” based in Toronto, Mia detailed the dangers of misleading health claims aimed at those of us living with chronic conditions. With multiple diagnoses, including autoimmune diseases, migraines, and arthritis, she relies on mobility aids like a cane and wheelchair.
Many women I know who face health challenges like mine are incredibly intelligent and adept at self-advocacy, yet we can still fall victim to the “get well now” mentality. Mia explains, “The medical ableism and gaslighting we experience push us into self-advocacy, but they also expose us to new vulnerabilities every day.”
The Consequences of Wellness Culture
What’s the consequence? We’re bombarded with ads for detox plans and miraculous supplements, filled with enticing wellness jargon that suggests they’ll improve our health. Given the long waits for medical appointments, we might be tempted to try something new, hoping for symptom relief. As Mia points out, we often think, “What do I have to lose?”
The psychology behind our susceptibility to these dubious claims is complex. Systemic ableism leads us to value bodies based on their “appearance” and “performance.” As patients and consumers, we must decide whether to accept this narrative or reject it. Mia insists, “We must critically assess everything” while being ready to learn and unlearn our internalized ableism.
Regardless of how accepted we are by family and friends, we know we don’t fit the mold. The world is not designed for those with disabilities or differing abilities. We’ve all felt the pressure to push through, appear less sick, or prove our worthiness. Chronic illness forces us to constantly validate ourselves while managing our health, which is exhausting. Then, opportunistic companies swoop in, promising to lighten our load with their “scientific” solutions and glowing testimonials.
The Blame Game
Another tactic used by ableist health companies is the blame game, as Mia notes, “feeding internalized ableism and reinforcing gaslighting.” Phrases like “no more excuses” and “your health is in your hands” are commonly used to lure in vulnerable consumers. These products can pose serious risks, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Mia emphasizes that “the marketing appeals to our need for validation.” When our bodies fail us, we often feel like failures ourselves, leading us to believe that more effort or discipline might lead to healing.
Taking Control
So, we recognize that wellness culture and pseudoscience are detrimental, especially for those of us with chronic health issues. What can we do about it? Sure, we could delete our social media accounts, stop watching TV, and ignore all advertisements, but that’s not feasible—too much has already been taken from us.
Mia stresses the importance of taking control. We need to “be aware of the media” and curate our social media feeds. If an account promotes products that are ableist and unproven, we should unfollow it. Instead, we should focus on activities that genuinely support our health, like therapy, meditation, affirmations, and setting boundaries.
Rather than ignoring deceptive marketing, we should call out ableist tactics and educate our families to do the same. If we find ourselves drawn to a glossy ad promising a cure, we need to show ourselves some compassion and ask why we felt that pull. Is there a part of our health—pain, mobility, body image—that requires attention?
Mia also cautions against rushing into any programs or products. Remember, the urgency is part of the marketing strategy. If we want to explore areas of our health, we should pause, reflect, consult with our medical professionals, and make informed decisions. It’s equally essential to consider the emotional and mental aspects of any health changes.
I’ve noticed that not only do MLM representatives use the “hey, friend” tactic, but so do various companies. Social media influencers, paid handsomely to promote vitamins, food products, and diets, often target those of us with specific health needs. By using relatable individuals, companies create a sense of familiarity and community, luring us into believing we can be stronger, more attractive, and full of energy.
Managing multiple diagnoses is exhausting in itself, and dealing with companies that exploit our unique needs requires even more energy. Mia and I agree that we must be more discerning than the average consumer and reject the notion that we are less worthy because we are differently-abled. Companies will exploit our insecurities at every turn, so it’s up to us to firmly decline their offers.
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Search Queries
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In summary, it’s essential for individuals with chronic illnesses to recognize the toxic aspects of wellness culture, which often preys on their vulnerabilities. By critically examining the messages we receive and prioritizing our mental and emotional health, we can reclaim our narratives and make informed decisions about our well-being.
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