How to deal with the trauma of the Medibank cyber breach | Andrea Szasz

The weaponisation of private health information can feel like a violation of personal safety, but there are steps you can take to regain control

Millions of Australians have been left feeling violated in the wake of the Medibank cyber breach. The weaponisation of private health information can be deeply traumatic - particularly for those who have had sensitive health information released publicly.

The promise of confidentiality and professional privacy helps us feel safe enough to enter into mental health or other medical treatment. However, having private information such as details of mental health issues, addictions, STIs or past abortions shared publicly can be shame-inducing and highly traumatic. It can feel like a real betrayal and a violation of personal safety.