F*CK NORMAL

Trauma happens to everyone. The varying amount, time-frame, frequency, type, and degree can affect how one responds to it. CDC research states that: 1 in 5 American children are sexually abused before adulthood. 1 in 4 are beaten hard enough for bruising to occur. 1/3 of Americans suffer some form of relational abuse, and 25% have a close alcoholic relative. So, the fact remains: everyone experiences some type of trauma before the age of 18. If you have been fortunate enough to avoid being affected by this, it is likely that you are not reading this blog. If you’re unsure, or intrigued keep reading. 🙂

The human body is resilient, but trauma leaves traces on them as you age. The purpose of healing trauma, is it will effect those we love. It’s a different concept bc we want to protect those we love. We will fight to the death for those we love. We wont allow them see the hurt, hear the stories, and help us heal. Instead we lie about how we are really feeling, where we are going, what happened… yada yada yada… All this creates is an untrustworthy environment. Wives become depressed, children are innately taught to not trust their parents, etc… Trauma, by definition is unbearable and intolerable.

Post trauma can make people feel overwhelmed easily, and can damage one to the core. It takes energy to be a victim, and can be reactivated instantaneously. Dr. Van Der Kolk always though of how the body and minds, brains and love could be understood. With the three new disciplines of his day he was able to understand that the trauma.. that energy expelled at the time can’t just … disappear. This assisted him in the rest of his research throughout his lifetime. The three disciplines were: Neuroscience – how the brain supports Neuro-processes. Developmental Psychopathy – How the brain and mind support each other, and Interpersonal Neurobiology – Behavior influences those around us. It helps explain the effects of psychological trauma, abuse and other negativities. Due to these sciences he was able to deduct that the body whose experienced trauma develops with physical changes. The brains natural alarm system is re-calibrated due to the increase of stress hormonal activity. The filtering system of what is relevant vs irrelevant is damaged. One becomes hyper-vigilant to threats, and living is compromisable. Thus – these behaviors are not the sign of one failing, a lack of will power, or bad character. They are just caused by your naturally f*cked up brain.

Because of recent research we can now create these therapeutic processes:

• Top – Down Talking therapy
• Taking medications
• Bottom Up therapy

Which is best? None. Most use a combo of them, but figuring it out is a personal journey.

Good Luck!

Nix