Coping After Medical Trauma
A trauma-informed worksheet identifying reactions after medical trauma, the hardest moments, what helped, and plans for feeling safer at future appointments.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Trauma-informed
- Approach / concern
- Trauma & PTSD
- Technique
- Trauma-informed
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Coping After Medical Trauma?
Medical trauma refers to psychological distress following illness, injury or medical treatment experienced as threatening. PTSD after medical events often involves fear of internal body sensations and avoidance of care.
Why it works
PTSD following medical illness and treatment is well documented (Tedstone & Tarrier, 2003). The enduring somatic threat model explains the ongoing threat felt from one’s own body after medical events (Edmondson, 2014).
When to use it
- After ICU, surgery, cardiac events or emergencies
- Chronic illness with traumatic episodes
- Avoidance of medical care
- Health anxiety after illness
How to use it in session
- Normalize reactions.
- Identify symptoms.
- Explore hard moments and resources.
- Plan safer medical visits.
- Refer for trauma treatment if needed.
Clinician tips
- Coordinate with medical teams.
- Address avoidance of necessary care.
- Include families who witnessed events.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get PTSD from a hospital stay?
Yes. Medical events can lead to PTSD, especially ICU stays and emergencies.
Will avoiding appointments help?
It may ease anxiety short term but can harm health; support can help you return to care safely.
References
Tedstone, J. E., & Tarrier, N. (2003). Posttraumatic stress disorder following medical illness and treatment. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(3), 409-448.
Edmondson, D. (2014). An enduring somatic threat model of posttraumatic stress disorder due to acute life-threatening medical events. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(3), 118-134.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
