Mental Health – The Trauma of Pain (Mini-Series)

Date: May 17, 2025

Category: Health & Wellness / Sickle Cell Disease / Mental Health / Trauma & Resilience

Participants:

• Moderator 
  • Dr. Marcia Treadwell – Clinical Psychologist; Co-Director, UCSF Sickle Cell Center of Excellence
• Guest Speakers
  • Tena Hoffman – Founder & Executive Director, Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland; global advocate living with SCD
    
  • Noah James – Co-Director of The Pull-Up and Client Manager for Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness of San Francisco; dancer, author, life coach, living with SCD and hearing impairment
    
  • Camille Linton – Certified Medical Assistant and aspiring LVN; SCD warrior with a resilient spirit
    
  • Scott (“Scotty”) Soliss – Civil engineer, artist, independent patient caregiver advocate; SCD Type SS

Description: In this heartfelt mini-seminar, Dr. Marcia Treadwell leads an in-depth conversation on the trauma of pain experienced by individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD). Through candid storytelling, the panel of SCD warriors—Tena, Noah, Camille, and Scott—share their personal journeys of navigating daily pain, psychological challenges, grief, and systemic barriers in healthcare. The discussion also illuminates coping strategies, resilience-building, self-advocacy, and ways to support younger adults transitioning through education, careers, and healthcare systems.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Define “trauma of pain” in the context of SCD, including its psychological and emotional facets.
• Recognize the mental health impacts of chronic pain, systemic mistrust, grief, and medical invalidation.
• Identify effective coping strategies: pacing, rest, self-advocacy, journaling, art, therapy, spirituality, breathable boundaries, and meaningful rest.
• Understand the role of mind-body practices—like water therapy, structured naps, and self-care routines—in managing chronic pain.
• Appreciate the challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and the importance of building support networks and maintaining medical continuity.
• Encourage self-advocacy in healthcare: recording interactions, bringing advocates, proactively communicating needs, and protecting mental safety when navigating the system.
• Encourage community and peer support: using personal storytelling, creative expression, and mentorship to inspire resilience and connectivity.
• Foster awareness about the interplay of grief, anger, and trauma, and promote healthy emotional expression and healing.
• Cultivate a mindset of self-affirmation over comparison—embracing one’s own journey and celebrating personal strengths and achievements.
• Equip learners to mentor and support younger individuals with SCD—through awareness, shared resources, faith in possibilities, and active guidance.