Common Questions about Medical PTSD
Don’t worry, there are no stupid questions.
What does Medical PTSD have in common with other forms of PTSD?
Events that precipitated PTSD may or may not have been life-threatening. Just as a person may or may not fear for their life during a physical attack – a person undergoing surgery for a non-life threatening condition still experiences the trauma of loss of control of one’s body as they undergo anesthesia or invasive procedures.
These experiences may have occurred as a one-time event or over the span of several years. Just as a life-threatening natural disaster might lead to PTSD, so too can a ski accident that resulted in serious injury. It’s also possible for traumatic experiences to span a long period of time. The ongoing stress of living in a home with an abusive parent can last for decades. Similarly, the steady stress of cancer treatment, scans, relapses, and remissions can be lifelong.
Both PTSD and Medical PTSD can happen within the context of relationships. For example, a survivor of childhood abuse or neglect might have experienced physical, emotional, or psychological mistreatment at the hands of his or her caregiver – one whose role is to keep the child safe. Whereas, a survivor of medical trauma might suffer this breach of safety with a trusted medical provider who administers painful examinations, performs unneeded or unsuccessful surgery, or prescribes a medication or treatment that leads to debilitating side effects.
Where does medical trauma take place?
It can happen in any facet of the health care system from the brick and mortar of a doctor's office or hospital to navigating insurance in the industrial medical complex. Similarly, it can happen while recovering at home when supports are lacking and you find yourself unable to perform simple tasks such as bathing, lifting, or cooking. Finally, it can happen during an emergency hospitalization or a planned outpatient visit. The place it happens can become a trigger. So, follow up care might fill you with dread.
What are the signs and symptoms of Medical PTSD?
Dread of medical appointments
Intrusive thoughts or memories related to medical trauma
Feeling like the illness or medical event is happening all over again
Isolating from friends and loved ones
Putting off medical care
Finding oneself stuck in a blame spiral
How does one heal from Medical PTSD?
There are nearly as many ways to heal from medical trauma as there are grains of sand. Well, maybe it’s just a fraction.
Still, there a lot of ways to heal!
Healing from Medical PTSD requires being attentive to the body, heart and mind. It’s a journey, really. It might include meditation practices such as metta or loving kindness meditation or diaphragmatic breathing. Maybe it’s tai chi, gentle trauma informed yoga (try this chair class), or other movement-based practices. Some people join survivor groups for folks with similar illnesses. These peer relationships can provide much needed support and understanding. Other folks find comfort in spending time with a beloved dog or cat. Art making can be soothing and help people make meaning of their experiences. EMDR with the right therapist can also be beneficial. For example, studies have shown reductions in PTSD symptoms for survivors of cancer and life-threatening cardiac events.
While there are many paths to healing Medical PTSD, no one should have to walk that path alone. If you know someone who might benefit from learning about Medical PTSD, please let them know that there is a therapist out there who can join them on the healing path.