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Showing posts from April, 2023

What is a trauma response?

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Trauma is a life experience that leaves individuals overwhelmed or helpless, leaving an impact on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Trauma can be caused by accidents, natural disasters, violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, medical issues, war, life experiences, relationships and anything that causes stress and discord in the wellbeing of the mind.  Trauma responses can bring significant distress and disruption, affecting daily life and relationships with others. Experiencing trauma may result in disruption to several aspects of an individual's life, including psychological, cognitive, and behavioural functions. Trauma response is the way an individual's body and brain react after experiencing traumatic events. Trauma responses encompass a broad range of emotions and behaviours, including physical, cognitive, and emotional reactions, which are often seen in individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The response may arise from the overw...

What are emotional triggers and abreactions?

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Emotional triggers are events or experiences that activate deep-seated emotions or memories that are often associated with past trauma. When someone experiences a trigger, they may suddenly feel intense fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness, which can be overwhelming and disorienting. Abreactions, also known as emotional flashbacks, are a common response to emotional triggers. During an abreaction, a person may re-experience intense emotions and sensations associated with past trauma, even if the trigger is unrelated to the original traumatic event. Abreactions can be particularly distressing, as they often feel as if the traumatic event is happening again in the present. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help individuals heal from emotional triggers and move through abreactions when they occur. The first step in healing from emotional triggers is to identify them. This requires a willingness to examine the emotions that arise when confronted with certain stimuli. Common emotional ...

What is somatic therapy?

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  Trauma can take a significant toll on the mind and body. Unfortunately, traditional talk therapies are typically not enough to heal the physical impact of traumatic experiences. As a result, somatic healing has become an increasingly popular approach in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of trauma. Somatic healing aims to heal trauma from the body by addressing the physiological response to emotional and mental trauma. The body’s physiological response to trauma includes an increase in heart rate, a rise in cortisol levels, and shallow breathing. These physical responses reflect the body's natural response to protect itself from danger, an automatic response that is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. Unfortunately, this response can become chronic after experiencing trauma, leading to a heightened state of alertness that is physically exhausting. Somatic healing involves working with the body to release the tension, energy blocks and ...

Healing trauma from the body.

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Keep your mind and body healthy and in balance.  The vagus nerve is a nerve that starts in the brainstem and travels through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It is the nerve responsible for the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation. There are many ways to support the vagus nerve which includes: Deep breathing, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, is one of the most effective ways to support the vagus nerve. This is because deep breathing sends a relaxation response throughout the body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. Cold showers or cold exposure therapy. Researchers have found that cold showers or cold exposure can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to improved mood, increased focus, and reduced inflammation. Movement in the form of Yoga and stretching can help to release tension in the body and promote relaxation. Certain poses, such as downward dog and fish pose, are particularly effective at stimulating the vagus nerve. Singin...

Leaning how to cope with stress. A self help guide.

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  Stress can manifest itself in many ways, and it's important to recognise the symptoms before it takes a toll on your social life and wellbeing. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Recognise the symptoms - Stress can manifest in many ways, including physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, and exhaustion. It can also cause emotional symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and depression. Recognize the symptoms early on to avoid further damage. Understand how stress affects the body - Stress can cause the body to produce cortisol, the stress hormone, which can raise blood pressure, lower immunity, and cause inflammation. Over time, this can lead to more chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Understand how stress can limit your social life - Stress can make it difficult for you to socialise and connect with other people. You may feel irritable, tired, and withdrawn, which can make it difficult to engage with others. Resolutions to stres...

When you feel stuck in a rut.

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 Feeling stuck in a rut is normal and everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. The key to overcoming this is to set small goals and to nourish yourself through self-care. Here are some positive steps that you can take to help you move forward. 1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings - It is important to understand that feeling unmotivated and stuck is not a weakness or something to be ashamed of. Instead, acknowledge and accept your feelings, and don't beat yourself up for it. 2. Create small, achievable goals - Setting small goals that you can achieve easily can help give you a sense of accomplishment. This can boost your motivation and help you break free from your rut. 3. Practice self-care - When you are feeling down, it can be easy to neglect yourself. However, taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being. Take the time to do things that make you feel good, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or going for a walk. 4. Get moving - Engaging in phy...