Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can be a traumatic event. For some people, receiving a difficult diagnosis can cause PTSD and mean they need counseling for traumatic stress disorder to make sense of their diagnosis. If you’ve received a rough diagnosis and think you might need trauma therapy to get over the traumatic experience so you can focus on your physical health instead, read on to learn about ways to get help from trauma therapists and the people you trust the most.
Reach Out to the Pros
It can be difficult to make that first call to set up a therapy session with an experienced clinician to begin the treatment process of trauma therapy. However, in meeting with a professional trauma therapist, you’ll be able to work off a treatment plan to get the tools you need to manage symptoms of trauma. In getting effective treatment for your traumatic experience with a hard diagnosis, you’ll not only experience personal growth, but reduce suicide risk, learn how to manage stigmatization, and find different ways to cope with your new life circumstances.
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with HIV and your positive test result caused stressful situations with yourself and your loved ones. In going to therapy to learn how to make sense of your diagnoses and how to manage relationships, you’ll be in a better position to focus on your health rather than the emotional trauma of your diagnosis. In meeting with a therapist, you’ll be able to build a new life plan, come to terms with your diagnosis, and learn how to grieve your former health while finding hope for the future.
The great news is that it’s easy to find psychotherapy online. Start with a Google search for trauma therapy and consider a residential program for people suffering from a traumatic experience. You’ll thank yourself for it later and might even enjoy the ability to get away for a bit.
Know Your Legal Options
Unfortunately, many chronic illness diagnoses come with a variety of treatment plans, medications, and prescriptions. For some people, one of the biggest worries of being diagnosed with a chronic condition is whether or not their medications will be safe. One great way to deal with anxiety around this concern is to do some research. For example, in researching the Paraquat settlement and lawyers who work hard for fair compensation for victims, you’ll be better informed to make the right decisions for you.
When considering medications, trials, or how you’ll approach your chronic health treatment plan, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about all of your options and concerns; including the legal ones.
Identify Your Support Team
Having a strong, identified personal support system is another great way to cope with the trauma of being diagnosed with something serious. Take the time to write down a list of the friends and family you trust most so you can refer to it on hard days or when things feel hopeless. This list could even include your therapist.
Turn to Your Doctor
The ability to open up to your healthcare providers is important for recovery and your overall mental health. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider to sit down and have an honest conversation with you. In getting answers to the things you’re worried about, you’ll help reduce the trauma of a chronic diagnosis.
Not everyone will need an intervention after a traumatic diagnosis. However, if you or someone you love is looking for supportive counseling or another form of treatment to make the transition into focusing on managing your illness, it could be a good idea to find the right therapist to help out. Whether you seek online therapy or therapeutic intervention in person, being willing to talk about the traumatic experience is a great first step in improving your overall mental health. Best of luck to you as you attend your first session with a trauma specialist and work through your difficult diagnosis.
