The MS Boost: MS diagnosis and trauma – the unspoken shadow to chronic conditions

“I do think it's being talked about more now, and I think it's really important for people to be seeing that there's no shame in having a trauma response to pain, and it's very treatable, trauma is very treatable. But the first step to treating it, of course, is to recognise like, ‘Oh, I think I'm having a traumatic response to my illness, my diagnosis etcetera.’ ”

In this episode of the MS Boost, psychotherapist Katie Willard Virant discusses the impact of a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and how it can be a source of trauma for some people . We discuss how the shock of receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can cause long-lasting trauma, affecting peoples’ perceptions of themselves and their interactions with the healthcare system. Katie emphasises the importance of recognizing these trauma responses, such as fear, dissociation, and anxiety, as legitimate and treatable conditions.

We also touch on the significance of healthcare professionals validating people' experiences, the role of social support and trust, and the potential for post-traumatic growth. Katie offers insights into therapy as a tool for processing trauma and strategies to help people who may feel stuck in the trauma of diagnosis.

This episode provides a deep dive into the emotional complexities of receiving a diagnosis of a chronic condition, and tips to help you move forward.

With thanks to Katie Willard Varant.

You can read the episode transcript here.

For more support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at, www.lifeline.org.au, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or access free, confidential support online, www.beyondblue.org.au

Reach out for support:

MS Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au

Get in touch to share your comments and suggestions about this episode, or for future guests and episode topics by emailing education@ms.org.au

Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discussions or reference to medications or treatments by podcast guests, do not necessarily represent the views of MS Plus and should not be seen as either an endorsement or rejection of a treatment.

MS Plus does not recommend any specific treatment for people living with MS. Decisions about any treatments, taking into consideration the potential benefits and side effects for each individual’s circumstances, should be made in careful consultation with the person’s neurologist or health care professional.