Trauma Turns our Brain into an Addict: So How to Upgrade this Emotional Wi-Fi ?

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event or situation that overwhelms a person's ability to cope. It can lead to lasting psychological effects, impacting a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, it's important to remember that recovery from trauma is possible with the right support and resources.

Trauma is a universal human experience, occurring when we face very stressful, frightening, or distressing events that are beyond our control. It could be a single incident or an ongoing event that happens over a long period of time. Most of us will encounter an event in our lives that could be considered traumatic.

Types of Trauma: 

1) Acute Trauma: This results from a single event, such as an accident or assault. 

2) Complex Trauma: This arises from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse or neglect. 

3) Intergenerational Trauma: This is passed down through generations, often due to historical events or cultural experiences.

 4) Collective Trauma : affects groups or communities, such as natural disasters or social injustices.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫 & 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 :

A variety of factors can cause impulsive behaviour in humans. One significant factor is the effect of trauma on the brain. Trauma can alter the function of specific brain regions and neurotransmitters, leading to impulsive behaviour.

For example, trauma can impair emotional regulation and decision-making in the prefrontal cortex, dysregulate emotional responses in the amygdala, and alter the reward system in the nucleus accumbens. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨

💓𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞,

🍷𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝

👀💩💫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

Additionally, the impact of trauma on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin can further lead to compulsive behaviors and a heightened 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

🧠 The 'Wise Mind': Balancing rational and emotional mind

❓❓The 'What' Skill: Observe, describe, participate

🖕 The 'How' Skill: Non-judgmental, one-mindful,

💟𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: This is a powerful tool in managing emotions. It's about fully accepting reality, Even when it's painful or difficult. It's not about liking or approving of what's happened, but about acknowledging the reality of the situation and finding a way to move forward. This approach can be a source of strength and resilience, allowing you to navigate your emotions with a sense of control and empowerment.

🌊🌊🤽 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬

1) 😑 OBSERVE 

Take a moment to notice and identify the physical sensations in your body, such as tension, warmth, or tightness.

2) DESCRIBE:✎✎✎

 Once you've observed the physical sensations, try to put them into words. Describe what you are feeling and experiencing, both physically and emotionally. This can help you make sense of your feelings and create distance from them.

3) PARTICIPATE: 👪💧

Fully engage in the present moment and your current surroundings. Focus on the task at hand and immerse yourself in the present experience rather than getting caught up in past or future concerns.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝

💧Rational Mind: Focuses on facts, evidence, and logical thinking

💧Emotional Mind: Emphasizes thoughts, feelings, and potential overreactions

💧Wise Mind: Balances rational and emotional perspectives, finding effective responses  

Understanding Boundaries :

👰 Psychological Boundaries:  " sharing"  personal information, values, and beliefs

👰 Emotional Boundaries: Limiting others' influence on your emotions

👰 Physical Boundaries: Protecting your body, privacy, and personal space.