25/01/2026
Pathologisation is a tactic. If your abusive partner is pushing you to go to a doctor or psychiatrist, or keeps calling mental health teams about you - you must understand that this is a tactic of the abuse itself.
Pathologisation is a form of gaslighting, controlling and reframing you as mentally unstable that can be used against you later on.
Many victims of abuse have already been pathologised by their parents, families, partners and friends - and the impact is devastating - and can last decades.
This is why I fight so hard to reach millions of people every month about this topic - because one day - this might be you.
If you are being abused right now, and you have noticed that your abuser consistently suggests that you have undiagnosed mental disorders and need to go to hospital or a doctor - seek support urgently from confidential specialist abuse services and explain what they are doing to you. Do not go to the doctor or hospital with your abuser - and if they forcibly take you or threaten you, try to pass a note to ask that your partner is not allowed into the room with you - so you can tell them what is happening. Show the professionals this post, if it is easier than explaining it.
Professionals reading this - you MUST become responsible for spotting this pattern. If a partner or family member seems very pushy and insists on speaking for or explaining the patients ‘mental health issues’ - ask to see the patient alone and check that they are not being abused, controlled or harmed in some way. SPOT THE SIGNS OF PATHOLOGISATION TO PROTECT YOUR PATIENTS.
Pathologisation is the process whereby your natural and normal emotions and behaviours are recast as mental illnesses. It happens to thousands of people - in every country in the world.