In this episode, Emily Parks, a patient advocate and professional living with a chronic illness, shares her personal journey with medical PTSD, starting from her diagnosis at birth with a gene mutation affecting her GI system. She talks about the lack of mental health support in her medical treatment and how she learned to manage her condition and advocate for herself within the healthcare system. We touch on the importance of recognizing medical PTSD, understanding its triggers, and learning how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers to ensure better care and support. Emily emphasizes the power of language in expressing our experiences and the need for literature that accurately reflects the trauma associated with chronic illness and medical treatment. We cover practical tips for managing medical PTSD, such as setting boundaries with healthcare providers, seeking therapy, and finding coping mechanisms that work for you. We discuss the importance of building a respectful relationship with your medical team and how to advocate for your needs in a healthcare setting. Welcome to the Conversation!  00:03:57 - Emily Parks' Personal Medical Journey 00:08:41 - Defining Medical PTSD 00:10:10 - Examples of Medical PTSD 00:14:28 - The Impact of Medical PTSD on Cancer Patients 00:18:12 - The Term "Non-Compliance" in Medical Notes 00:19:51 - Medical Gaslighting Explained 00:29:27 - Building a Trusting Relationship with Healthcare Providers 00:31:09 - The Importance of Language in Expressing Medical Trauma 00:33:06 - Practical Steps for Accessing Care with Medical PTSD 00:34:11 - Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Teams 00:37:10 - Coping Mechanisms and Self-Advocacy 00:44:55 - Resources and Articles on Medical PTSD 00:47:38 - The Importance of Patient-Centered Care 00:51:07 - The Power Dynamic Between Patients and Providers 00:52:31 - Strategies for Communicating with Healthcare Providers +++++++++++++++++++++ Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events Follow us on Instagram SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/ Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/ About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity. Support the show