Ep. 235: Medical Trauma and Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

In this validating episode, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. James Jackson, an internationally recognized psychologist, neuropsychology specialist, and pioneer in post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Together, they explore the often-overlooked reality of medical trauma and what true healing can look like after surviving critical illness.📖 His book Reclaiming Your Life from Medical Trauma offers a compassionate, practical guide to recognizing symptoms, finding effective treatment, and healing both brain and body. Visit his website HERE for more information and resources.🧠 Why trauma after ICU stays, birth complications, or serious illness is incredibly common—and often unrecognized💥 How survivors often draw a stark line between life before trauma and life after—and how healing reshapes that narrative🧩 The impact on mental health, relationships, parenting, and family dynamics😔 Why grieving your old life and identity is essential—and why it can’t be rushed or skipped⏳ Letting go of the idea that more therapy or support can “speed up” recovery🤝 The transformative power of support groups and being seen by others who truly understand🌀 How vivid, distressing memories formed during critical illness can fuel long-term trauma symptoms😶‍🌫️ The cultural silence around medical trauma—and the harmful belief that we should “just be grateful” to be alive🙏 Making space for difficult emotions without shame or guilt🧘 Learning to live a meaningful life even if some symptoms don’t fully go away💬 Holding both joy and pain, trauma and growth, at the same timeDr. James “Jim” Jackson is an internationally renowned expert on long Covid and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation, he completed his psychology residency at the Veteran’s Affairs/Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Consortium while also receiving post-doctoral training in cognitive rehabilitation at the Oliver Zangwill Center in Ely, England. A pioneer in the investigation and treatment of Post–Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS),—a condition that impacts up to a third of survivors of critical illness—he is a research professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Vanderbilt, where he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived Covid-19.There, Dr. Jackson consults with patients and their families from around the world. Additionally, he serves as the director of Long-Term Outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, a consortium focused on advancing knowledge, education, and models of care for people affected by acute and longterm brain dysfunction following wide ranging illnesses (from mild to severe). He and his team created the first psychologist-led long Covid support groups in the United States early in the pandemic and continue to offer multiple groups every week.  For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.