It's Therapeutic Thursday at Aortic Hope.
Many of us in the community may still be experiencing fear, "scanxiety" or overwhelming sensations triggered by certain medical procedures or tests.
Medical trauma is a term that refers to the psychological and emotional impact of experiencing or witnessing a serious injury, illness, or death. Medical trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Some common signs of medical trauma are:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of the event
- Avoidance of reminders of the event, such as places, people, or activities
- Feeling numb, detached, or disconnected from others
- Feeling anxious, fearful, angry, guilty, or ashamed
- Having trouble sleeping, concentrating, or remembering things
- Having changes in appetite, mood, or energy level
If you or someone you know is suffering from medical trauma, it is important to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or medication. These treatments can help you cope with the distressing emotions and thoughts, and reduce the negative impact of the trauma on your life.
You do not have to suffer alone. There is hope and healing for medical trauma.