On Wednesday, March 24th the CCA community came together to unpack the uncomfortable topic of medical trauma and stress. Many, if not all of us, in the CCA community struggle with some level of anxiety, sadness, and other emotional upheaval before during and after medical appointments and surgeries.
Together with the guidance of Dr. Cynthia Monheim-Jans of Barrow Neurological Institute, Cleft and Craniofacial Care Center, we shared what happens to us before, during, and after these medical interventions. We talked about the ways our bodies and minds are affected, and some ways we can better manage what feels so unmanageable. Dr. Monheim-Jans shared some additional solutions like talking with a therapist, mindfulness techniques, and even medications to be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor or psychopharmacologist.
It was a productive hour and fifteen minutes together, where we really only touched the tip of the iceberg of this very important mental health topic. Mental health coping techniques are some of my favorite things to share with friends and family (whether they want to hear about them or not). Please review these older posts filled with information and coping strategies that I believe you will find useful whether stressed at work or in the days before that big surgery.
Start With Self For Mental Health
Ask The Therapist: Getting That Guilt Under Control
Why You Should Write To Improve Your Mental Health
Reuters: Children With Craniofacial Conditions Experience Increased Rates of Anxiety and Depression
We hope to have a recording of the presentation that Dr. Monheim-Jans gave up soon in our video library and on our Youtube channel. Stay tuned!
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