Illness trauma is a psychological and emotional reaction to a medical diagnosis or a long-term illness. It may include feelings of shock, fear, denial, anxiety, depression, and anger. People can experience illness trauma when they or a loved one is diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness, such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or HIV/AIDS. Illness trauma can also be caused by treatments for an illness, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or dialysis.
Symptoms of Illness Trauma
Illness trauma can affect people in different ways. Common symptoms include:
• Feelings of helplessness, fear, and sadness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Difficulty making decisions
Causes of Illness Trauma
Illness trauma can be caused by a number of factors, including:
• Fear of death
• Fear of the unknown
• Loss of control
• Fear of pain
• Stress of treatments
• Fear of disability
• Financial concerns
• Grief over loss of function
• Loss of identity
Treatment of Illness Trauma
Treating illness trauma usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and medication. The goal of treatment is to help the person cope with their illness and manage their symptoms.