Medical trauma is a serious issue, and it’s one that affects women at a higher rate than men. Studies show that women are twice as likely as men to experience some form of a traumatic event. When it comes to medical trauma, that rate can be even higher. Medical trauma can have both physiological and psychological effects. Sadly, it often occurs during a negative experience in a medical setting.
Signs of Medical Trauma
The signs of medical trauma are similar to those of other types of traumas and can include:
- Anxiety related to a medical issue
- Aversion to medical professionals or doctors
- Depression and fear
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Mood disorders or strong emotional responses
- Nightmares or other sleep disturbances
- Body aches.
If you’ve experienced a negative event in a healthcare setting and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help.
Causes of Medical Trauma
There are many situations that can lead to medical trauma, and some of the most common include:
- Child birthing experiences
- Cancer
- Heart attacks
- ICU stays
Childbirth
Childbirth trauma is a particularly sensitive issue, and it’s one that affects many women. Around 45% of women who have given birth report experiencing some form of trauma, and the leading causes include emergent c-sections, obstetrician abuse, and visits to the NICU. It’s important to note that trauma can also be a result of physician and medical staff mistreatment. This includes discrimination with care, non-confidential care, physical or emotional abuse, or even forced procedures.
Heart Attacks
Cardiac arrest remains the number one killer of both genders, with women being more susceptible to severe consequences due to their atypical signs and symptoms. Rather than the traditional chest constriction felt by men, women may experience breathlessness, discomfort in the neck and jaw area, dizziness, exhaustion, stomach upset, and sweating. Unfortunately, women are not always taken as seriously as men in medical contexts which can result in incorrect diagnoses and further harm.
Believability
It is a sad reality of our society that women are not regarded with the same level of believability when self-reporting their state of health as men. Getting a full examination and accurate diagnosis often requires multiple visits and second opinions.
If you have difficulty speaking up for yourself, now is the ideal time to start. Women face an uphill battle, so do your best to be your own advocate. Stand up for your health, both mental and physical.
Make a Positive Change
As a female, it is essential to be aware of your situation and take a stand for yourself, so you don’t make yourself more vulnerable. Acknowledge your injury and be conscious that you are entitled to recover from whatever has happened to you.
There are ways of dealing with and strategies that can help you with this journey. If you or someone near you has endured distress caused by a medical incident, know that you or they don’t have to go through it alone.
Contact us for a free consultation and learn how you can break free of the medical trauma holding you back. Read more here: Trauma Treatment