I hold no shame in admitting I have Medical PTSD. Three practitioners diagnosed me with it. Many things caused it for me, many things trigger me and I am constantly seeking ways to help myself in this area. Almost anything medical, for me or a loved one, triggers me. It isn't just my health that does it.
I have used different things through the years. I would say EMDR and Somatic therapy are my favorites.
I admit to avoiding triggers as one way I have coped. Which has been borderline impossible many times. I am actively working on this still. I can now confront doctor appointments with more peace. But that is one tiny part for me.
I am still learning how to stand up for what I need and how to communicate to loved ones so they can support me with this. Dismissing me or my reactions actually makes me angry. Being told to CALM DOWN in any fashion upsets me. I desperately wish for understanding.
Weekly sessions are slowly helping me find solutions. I embrace the progress I have made so far.
"Gaslighting of Lyme patients is a big cause of medical trauma. Plus, there are studies on how trusting doctor-patient relationships actually benefit outcomes, so people with Lyme are often robbed of that opportunity." Kerry Heckman
"With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic events disrupt the structure and function of the limbic system – a complex brain structure responsible for basic emotions and drives – in particular the amygdala."
"Many who contract chronic Lyme disease develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the stress, pain, and suffering."
"Most patients with chronic illness who have been repeatedly misdiagnosed, and virtually unheard, wind up with some form of PTSD and adrenal exhaustion."
"While it is often associated with events such as an assault or disaster, post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in people with severe health problems."
THERAPY OPTIONS AND INFORMATION
LYME LITERATE THERAPISTS
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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