I really love this article, and hearing from someone who has spoken to many immunocompromised people, as it makes me feel that our voices are getting heard and it is possible to communicate these issues with others who are understanding. I especially identified with: "Many immunocompromised individuals experience chronic symptoms-when the brain experiences a chronic symptom such as pain, this is interpreted in the brain as a chronic stressor, which changes the neurological pathways in the brain and contributes to symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In addition, many immunocompromised individuals have experienced both passive and active trauma/neglect at the hands of the medical system, and this is often invalidated or downplayed. It can often feel like immunocompromised individuals are living in an alternative world that a majority of society knows little about, which can be further traumatizing and ostracizing."
I really love this article, and hearing from someone who has spoken to many immunocompromised people, as it makes me feel that our voices are getting heard and it is possible to communicate these issues with others who are understanding. I especially identified with: "Many immunocompromised individuals experience chronic symptoms-when the brain experiences a chronic symptom such as pain, this is interpreted in the brain as a chronic stressor, which changes the neurological pathways in the brain and contributes to symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In addition, many immunocompromised individuals have experienced both passive and active trauma/neglect at the hands of the medical system, and this is often invalidated or downplayed. It can often feel like immunocompromised individuals are living in an alternative world that a majority of society knows little about, which can be further traumatizing and ostracizing."
So glad you felt heard and validated, Shea! Thanks for sharing.