Medical trauma is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of living with a chronic illness. It can be caused by a series of things including a traumatic T1D diagnosis story, ongoing invasive medical procedures or an unpleasant hospital stay. Regardless of the reason, these experiences can have long lasting implications, particularly for those living with type one diabetes who require ongoing medical care.
Understanding Medical Trauma
Let’s start first with an understanding of medical trauma. Medical trauma is emotional and psychological distress as a result of a medical procedure, diagnosis or interactions with healthcare professionals. It can show up in various ways including anxiety, depression and PTSD-like symptoms which may present as heightened reactions, unwanted memories of the of the trauma, and feelings of avoidance of doctors and hospitals.
Medical trauma often goes undiagnosed for a variety of reasons. First, it may be hard to know if what you’re feeling is trauma. As a general rule, we tend to underestimate our own traumatic experiences. Second, most of our healthcare professionals are not trained to recognize medical trauma and may be focused on the care they need to provide for the individual at that time. From time to time we may encounter a situation with a healthcare provider in which we feel a lack of empathy which can feel dismissive. Finally, we may struggle to verbalize what we are feeling and be unsure of where to turn.
As a result, the individual or caregiver may sense that their feelings are minimized or dismissed altogether. This can actually exacerbate the trauma and keep individuals from getting the care they need. Medical trauma can be acute and episodic in nature or can be ongoing. Regardless of its length, it is important to address.
Overcoming Medical Trauma
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others can provide validation and comfort.
- Educate Yourself: Understanding your type 1 diabetes diagnosis and ongoing management can help you feel in control of your illness and empower you to make informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to do your own research from reputable resources, have open dialogue with your healthcare provider and advocate for yourself as needed. You know your body best.
- Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Prioritize self-care routines that nurture your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- Therapy and Counseling: Consider seeking therapy or counseling from a licensed mental health professional who specializes in medical trauma. EMDR (eye movement desensitization therapy) and other evidenced-based therapies can help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms.
- Advocate for Change: If you’ve encountered traumatic treatment in a healthcare setting, consider sharing your feedback with hospital administration or seeking support from patient advocacy organizations. Your voice deserves to be heard and can lead to important change in our healthcare system.
There is significant evidence to show the correlation between chronic illness and medical trauma. Therefore we need to educate ourselves on this important topic and know where and when to seek help. Addressing medical trauma is nothing to be ashamed of and you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you want to address your medical trauma with a mental health therapist who understands living with type 1 diabetes, contact us at www.type1talktherapy.com or 832-521-8809.
