Comments on: When Having a Trauma-Informed Doctor Is a Matter of Life and Death

By: Untreated

Untreated — Sun, 21 May 2023 14:47:35 +0000

Thank you for this.

I have received similar treatment from doctors and reached a point where I don’t feel I can realistically subject myself to any further trauma from physicians.

What does that mean for me? That I know I have both physical and mental difficulties that need to be addressed. However, they won’t be at this point.

I live in the states. Callous disrespect for the patient and callous disregard for the consequences of patient outcome seem to be the norm. What is important it seems is bolstering the ability to ensure medical professionals receive no adversity to their decisions.

By: William

William — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 02:53:50 +0000

When i found out i had CPTSD , i joined two organizations , ACA ( adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families) and MISSD ( medication induced suicide prevention and education ) .I cannot recall the number of times over decades, at the ER that i was further traumatized , it was like they were all deaf . Daily email supports from Aca ,i am so grateful for .Its become less of a lonely track with the right diagnosis and the right therapy! +

By: Heidi Fischer

Heidi Fischer — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 02:18:05 +0000

In reply to Vicky.

So sorry that was your experience, it’s so tough when we are treated poorly. I’m glad you went for help and eventually got some. I hope if the need arises someday in the future you will receive compassionate care. Since the experience I described in my writing, I’ve had good and bad interactions – but I don’t regret getting the help I needed. Even if the system is terrible at times, we still deserve help and support. All the best to you on your journey.

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 09:44:19 +0000

In reply to Vicky.

I don’t know what to say to make you feel safer or better . May I just send you a virtual hug ???? please and never give up on the ER, as one bad visit is not the is all and end all to every ER staff shift.
Please, please if you need help with a mental health crisis go to the ER for help. There are some caring medical professionals in the Accident & Emergency Departments who do not sit in judgment when we walk in a distressed state or are agitated. I’m sure they have seen all sorts.
All the best my friends.

By: Vicky

Vicky — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:30:44 +0000

I also had a horrible and humiliating experience in the ER during a mental health crisis. When the medical assistant asked me what I was there for, all I could say was “I need help.” She looked at me with scorn and my guess is that she believed that I was med seeking. Then a huge male nurse came in and minimized my problem as if it was a joke. He was so big and with a booming voice that I felt frightened of him. I felt myself shrinking into a freeze mode. Finally the doctor came in and was kind to me and seemed to understand my problem although no diagnosis was given. He gave me some pills for the night to help me to calm down and an Rx for anxiety to fill in the morning. After they gave me the pills and waited for them to take effect, the nurse bruskly told me I could go. I fell apart and cried there on the table for a while and finally left the ER, feeling emotionally abused. I don’ think I will ever go to the ER again for a mental health crisis. It was a traumatic experience.

By: Heidi Fischer

Heidi Fischer — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:46:48 +0000

In reply to Heidi Fischer. The ???? was a heart emoji. Haha ops.

By: Heidi Fischer

Heidi Fischer — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:45:38 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth Woods. Thanks for reading and for your kind comment. ????

By: Elizabeth Woods

Elizabeth Woods — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 21:48:12 +0000

Thank you Heidi for this article. Doctors don’t know how to speak to someone with Complex PTSD, especially when we are triggered. Mental health has become a hot topic since the pandemic. I hope that things will change for the better.