Ep. 21: Reclaiming Life part 1: On Narcissism, POTS, Long-COVID and Beyond with Hannah Jenkins

Welcome to episode 21 of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, where we explore the mind-body intersection of trauma and chronic illness.In this deeply moving episode, our host Dr. Erin Hayford sits down for part 1 with Hannah Jenkins, who courageously shares her journey through suppressed grief, anxiety, and a lost sense of self that culminated in profound physical symptoms that arose after moving back to the U.S. from Germany.Facing dismissive diagnoses and a healthy dose of medical gaslighting, Hannah's story illuminates the harsh realities of navigating mental and physical health struggles exacerbated by military deployment, COVID-19, and a lack of proper medical support.Together, Dr. Erin and Hannah delve into the importance of recognizing trauma as part of the healing process and the Sacred Illness™ paradigm that emphasizes self-healing and the mind-body connection.Listen as Hannah candidly unfolds her battles with medical uncertainty, the negative effects of a narcissistic parent, and the pivotal moment of understanding the role her nervous system plays in her illness, the importance of regulating it, and her ambitions to become a trauma-focused therapist.Hannah’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. Her experiences underscore the necessity of seeking alternative treatments, trusting one’s instincts, and the potential for healing beyond the confines of Western medicine.Join us in this episode as we explore the depths of human vulnerability and the transformative power of addressing trauma head-on.Tune in next week for part 2 of our conversation. Enjoy! From the video: "It still doesn't take away the grief or the suffering that comes along with [being sick] or the anger or wishing I didn't have this, but I at least am like, oh, this makes complete sense now. I understand the connection between my traumatic past and my chronic symptoms." Key topics:04:56 Struggling to fit in after military moves.08:26 Testing positive for COVID the first time.11:30 Struggling through health setbacks, seeking alternative medicine.15:39 Living with narcissistic mother and ensuring identity crisis.19:14 Realized family dynamics after living abroad.22:30 Healing and new beginnings after difficult past.25:47 Healing uncovering pain, leading to self-discovery.28:45 Struggle with identity and overcoming ingrained beliefs.39:23 Validation and understanding are crucial for healing.41:58 Questioning the diagnosis and relentless pursuit of answers.48:23 Thinking outside the box to create change.53:28 Illness led to purpose, focus on health.54:14 Understanding nervous system, symptoms, self-care, prevention.____If you find the information contained in this podcast helpful or inspiring, you are invited to join Dr. Erin and the Sacred Illness™ Program where you will be guided through this exact process, tailored to fit your individual needs, in order to achieve sustainable health and deep healing like never before.Check out https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness-program for more information!____Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way? If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!Click here to apply: https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest____Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic#suppressedgrief #anxietysymptoms #panicattacks #reflux #postpartumrage #militarydeployment #isolation #adjustmenttolife #ElPaso #cancerconcerns #higharousalstate #traumaimpact #sacredillnessparadigm #mindbodyconnection #fightorflightstate #histamineintolerance #naturopathicdoctor #complexPTSD #nervoussystemregulation #traumatherapy #EMDR #mentalhealthcrisis #healthstruggles #nervoussystemhealing #chronicillness #COVID19symptoms #negativeinternalmonologue #narcissisticparent #childhoodtrauma #emotionalshutdown #toxicattachmentstyles This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredillness.substack.com/subscribe