Medical Trauma Resources

How to be a Patient

by Sana Goldberg, RN

This book is written by an experienced Registered Nurse and public health advocate. She provides expert advice on navigating the health care system, including chapters on ” How to choose the right Primary Care Provider” to ” How to talk to providers”. This is an excellent resource to help you navigate the medical system.

Managing the Psychological Impact of Medical Trauma

Dr. Michelle Flaum Hall

This book is geared towards mental health and medical clinicians; however, it can be extremely helpful to patients in expanding their knowledge of medical trauma.

This is the first book that was written about medical trauma.

The Body Keeps the Score

by Bessel A. van der Kolk, M.D.

This is a great book to learn more about trauma and trauma effects on the body and mind. Dr. Van der Kolk is a worldwide expert on trauma.

This is a great book to learn more about trauma and trauma effects on the body and mind.�

Cancer-related Post-traumatic Stress and PTSD

Article incancer.org

The article discusses the prevalence, causes, symptoms, and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in cancer survivors.

Medical Trauma and Children

Article inThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Many resources on child trauma.

Medical Trauma and Heart Attacks

British Heart Foundation

The article explains that it is common for people to develop PTSD after experiencing a heart event, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest, and offers insights on managing the emotional aftermath

How PTSD Affects Physical Health

Article in U.S.Department of Veteran Affairs

This article discusses how trauma can have negative effects on physical health

How Long COVID Contributes to Symptoms of PTSD

Article inNew York Medical Collage

The article discusses a study revealing that long COVID patients are at a greater risk for developing anxiety and PTSD,

Brain Hemorrhage Survivors Experience PTSD

by Christopher Fisher, PhD

The article in the BMED Report discusses the high rate of PTSD among individuals with a particular condition and the associated study that investigates this prevalence.

Online Support Forums

  �Check out health-related forums:

Inspire for peer support 
Patients Like Me 
The Mighty 
Trauma Survivors Network�

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Storytelling

Storytelling can be healing and transformative. Organizations like Health Story Collaborative may offer storytelling workshops for those who have experienced medical trauma.

 The websitePulseswas developed by Dr. Peter Selwyn as an outlet for patients to express their experiences.

Therapy and Counseling Services

Seek out therapists or counselors specializing in trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in your area.

Psychology Today’s therapist directory can help you find mental health professionals.�

Childhood Trauma & Physical Health

This website discusses how adverse childhood experiences (ACE) impact our health and mental health as adults  CDC website.

Medical Trauma Clinician Fact Sheet from the International Society for Trauma Stress Studies

 Trauma Stress Studies (ISTSS)

The Medical Trauma Clinician Fact Sheet is geared towards clinicians, but it is full of great information and can be helpful for you when talking to your healthcare provider about medical trauma.�

Download Fact Sheet

Treating Medical Trauma: A Workbook for Therapists and Survivors,

by Michelle Flaum and Sacha McBain (2026, PESI)

This is a workbook being developed by the leaders of research and treating medical trauma, which will be released in 2026. Stay tuned for updates!�