Many survivors of trauma may find healthcare appointments triggering. Our support cards have been specifically designed to help individuals communicate this when attending such appointments. Simply keep your support card in your wallet or pocket and hand it to a health professional at your next appointment.
Support Card…
To the healthcare provider…
“As a result of the experiences I have been through, I find attending A&E, healthcare appointments and medical procedures difficult to manage. They often cause me a great deal of distress and anxiety and may bring on panic attacks and flashbacks”.
During my appointment please…
- allow me to have someone with me for support.
- explain to me what you are going to do and why before you do it.
- ask me before touching me.
- allow me to stop it if I need to.
- allow me to take the appointment at my own pace.
- try to listen to me, as I sometimes find it hard to explain myself.
- try to be patient and understanding if I experience flashbacks.
Birth Support Card…
To the healthcare provider…
“As a result of the experiences I have been through, I may find my antenatal and postnatal appointments, as well as the birth of my child difficult to manage. They could cause me distress and anxiety and may bring on panic attacks and flashbacks”
During my appointment please…
- allow me to have someone with me for support.
- allow me to take the appointment at my own pace and to stop if I need to.
- familiar faces will help where possible/prefer female staff.
- explain to me what you are going to do and why, before you do it.
- ask me before touching me.
- please be clear and direct, and help me to stay focused on the present.
- try to listen to me, as I sometimes find it hard to explain myself.
- try to be patient and understanding if I experience flashbacks.
- internal examinations can trigger dissociative episodes, increase anxiety and although necessary I would prefer to keep them to a minimum.
Request your
FREE
Support Card
