Yes, Lyme Disease can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For many people living with chronic illness, their bodies process the experience as ongoing trauma. I have developed a clinical expertise treating Lyme Disease and Bartonella patients using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). It has been a very effective form of treatment and I have noticed major improvements in the functioning and mood of my Lyme patients.
Traumatic events disrupt the functioning of the limbic system in the body. When the body is fighting Lyme Disease, it gets locked in a pattern of fight or flight in response to the brain infection. It is the body’s natural response to being attacked by bacteria. The body is severely stressed by the persistent nature of Lyme symptoms, in addition to the psychological battle of wondering when it will improve. Chronic illness is traumatic due to the powerlessness and fear about the future that the patient feels. The endless search for the right treatment or doctor, relying heavily on the support of others, questioning your own cognitive functioning when experiencing brain fog, feeling the loss of your prior identity, and wondering if you can get out of bed each day...are some of the common struggles I hear from my Lyme patients.
I find that EMDR decreases the intensity of this fierce “battle” with the disease and helps clients unlock positive resources to help manage their symptoms. I often see self esteem issues, grief, depression, and anxiety arise due to one’s decreased capabilities and identity loss. EMDR is able to address these issues at their core to loosen their grip on the individual and to open the door to hope.
Grief is a large part of the struggle with Lyme, as patients often have to adjust their expectations, dreams, and goals due to the toll that the symptoms take on their bodies. Social anxiety and low self-esteem often arise, as patients lose faith in their own ability to socialize, worrying about their low energy levels and that others will focus on their weakened state. Depression is very common because of the drastic change in lifestyle, tendency to isolate, and lack of hope for the future.
Lyme Disease is not purely a medical condition...it has a tremendous impact on emotional health as well.
It takes incredible psychological strength to continue to persevere and endure agonizing medical treatments in the hopes of improved health. I have great admiration for all my Lyme patients as they continue to forge forward and fight this insidious disease and it is very rewarding to offer EMDR to provide relief.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR for Lyme Disease, please contact me at CY@carolynyateslmft.com