“You need surgery.”
“We have to perform another test.”
“It’s time for your yearly physical.”
Do statements like these cause you to stress? You’re not alone! Many people believe that medical trauma can be caused only by some type of physical abuse in a medical facility (i.e., a doctor inappropriately touched a patient). This is simply not the case. Medical trauma is real (don’t let anyone tell you differently) and can be brought on many different factors. Most of these factors are unintentional, but nevertheless, they are genuine and require proper attention.
Causes of Medical Trauma and Their Effects
Waiting Time – Simply waiting to see your medical professional can be stressful. Whether you are waiting to hear back about scheduling an appointment or are just days/hours before your appointment, fear and doubt can grip your mind – making you a prisoner of your own thoughts. These thoughts can grow while you are sitting in the waiting room or the examination room.
Distrust of the Doctor or Medical Staff – Do you not trust your doctor or the medical staff? If a medical professional ignores and dismisses your concerns, or has a cold and unfeeling bedside manner, you will not be able to develop trust with that individual, no manner how educated and gifted he/she might be.
Bills and Insurance – Medical checkups and procedures can be costly. Worrying over bills and whether or not your insurance will cover the fees can weigh on your mind. Many people choose to go without seeing a doctor because of the monetary costs involved.
Lack of Education – In an age of accessing information with a few clicks, it is surprising to know that so many people don’t know or understand most of the diagnoses and procedures they face. It is the medical team’s duty to educate their patients on the problems and concerns at hand, the actions they will take, and what might be the effects afterwards. It is the patient’s duty to ask questions, but this too, can be stressful. Educating the patient should happen at any stage, from routine exams to high-level treatments.
Post-Surgery Complications – From cancer to setting a bone to getting a dental implant or taking a certain medication, there can be complications to any medical treatment. Such complications can lead to pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and mental concerns.
Fear of Pain/Pain Tolerance Levels – The fear of pain and having a low tolerance for pain is a strong trigger for medical trauma.
Difficult Childbirth – Perhaps a mother experienced a difficult birth (e.g., a breech baby, the use of forceps, or a c-section), that mother may have difficulties with post-natal checkups and even considering having another baby – even if she always wanted another! A woman doesn’t even need to have experienced the childbirth personally to have trauma. Childbirth trauma can also be experienced by watching someone else struggle giving birth.
Childhood Trauma – As discussed in previous blogs, individuals who have experienced may not have developed the trust that others have with society, especially with those in authority like doctors. A doctor may be working with the best interests of his/her patients, but if the patient has difficulties in relying on others, that doctor will have to EARN that patient’s trust.
Medical Trauma Effects
The thoughts and emotions that run through the body will vary from person to person. They can range from non-emotional to extremely stressed. The emotional trauma related to medical procedures is often NOT discussed. This leaves the patients with self-doubt, little support, and delayed healing. During the recovery time, other mental and physical health issues (listed below), can appear, hindering the healing process.
Moving Forward
We have come a long way in the world of medical advancements. However, understanding and treating medical trauma is still in infancy. Emotional trauma from a medical procedure is genuine, but often hidden or not discussed, and can have lasting effects. When we are working with the whole body – both body and mind – there can be a disconnection between the two. The emotional and psychological responses are governed through the brain and cannot be controlled. The body's ability to perceive is essential to re-establish trust (i.e., the ability to feel safe and whole) with throughout the body.
If you have experienced the stress or trauma from a medical procedure, speak out! Be your own champion. Find individuals, both from personal relations and in the medical world, who will work with you to heal physically and mentally. Remember that mental health IS physical health. And, finally, remember to be patient with yourself. Self-compassion is critical in recovery.