5 Things You Need to Know About Chronic Illness-Induced Trauma
1. The Journey of a Chronic Illness is Nonstop
Surviving an assault or witnessing a tragic event is time-limited. It happened, and then it stopped. That type of trauma makes you scared this particular event will repeat itself. However, if you have a chronic illness, it does not end.
You may always be dealing with the same symptoms every day or the fear of a relapse. These are trauma triggers that you face daily that tell you a threat exists in your body. You cannot run away from your body, so you have no choice but to confront this battle all the time.
2. Internal Trauma
Abuse or being in combat tends to happen outside of ourselves. With a chronic illness, there are external sources of trauma like the scars you may get from surgeries or speaking to medical professionals.
Illnesses are different because they happen inside of us. We may think we are feeling fine, but there could be a problem with your internal organs without feeling pain. We cannot walk away from our body’s triggers, and it is hard to find control in a chronic illness.
3. Always on High Alert
You are taught in therapy for PTSD that you don’t need to be on high alert as the traumatic event is over. However, it never feels over when your chronic illness stays with you. Your doctor could be telling you to keep an eye on your symptoms or any changes in health. Being on full alert because of the doctor’s orders can make it hard to take your mind off your illness. If you are locked in a heightened state, this can increase your trauma symptoms and even your chronic illness symptoms.
4. Added Worries
When a chronic illness takes over your life, all you can do is think about it. It is not like a single traumatic event where it happened once, and you can move forward with your life. A chronic illness can make you scared it will get worse and how much time you have left. You constantly panic about the future, making it hard to focus on the present. You cannot help but ponder what your life will be like going forward.
5. Chronic-Illness Trauma is Not in Your Head
Doctors may have told you that the trauma you are experiencing from your chronic illness is “all in your head.” What you are feeling is not imaginary. Your emotions are valid and worthy of attention.
If you are still struggling from the trauma your chronic illness has brought you, we are here to help. Learn more about our trauma services, and contact us soon.