PTSD treatment.
In addition, you may perceive things differently than others. You may react out of proportion to stimulus. As well as, remember things vividly, or forget them so completely that it disorients you. It's true, our brain is sensitive to trauma.
But the encouraging thing? Science tells us that your brain needn’t stay stuck in a traumatized state. Research make it clear that your brain, even after the worst experiences can rebound and can be healthy again. So what does a healthy brain actually feel like? Consider the characteristics and qualities below. Use these as an initial list of criteria that could help you self-assess. From there, regular sessions with a qualified therapist can help you determine how well your brain is healing post-trauma.
A Healthy Brain Works Together
According to a wealth of research, people with trauma disorders experience a decline in brain function. Primarily, three key areas of the brain are affected:
The brain's amygdala (fear center),
Hippocampus (emotion center),
Prefrontal cortex (thinking center).
When these regions falter, their cooperative effort to regulate emotions and respond appropriately to fear or a perceived threat is hindered.
A healthy brain functions together. The collaboration is seamless. As well as, devoid of over-involvement by any one area. That way, you can read a situation, remember it appropriately, and learn for the future. Moreover, there are fewer spikes in stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine that cause physical reactivity leading to pain and disease.
A Healthy Brain is "Plastic"
This is extremely good news. In this case, a plastic brain is moldable and teachable not rigid. Therefore, a healthy brain is one that is capable of being rewired with new, more productive pathways and information. As said before, after trauma, your primitive brain region governs your mind. As a result, your mind is ruled by the stuck unproductive trauma information. Healing fosters growth above and beyond the old feelings connected to your trauma. As a result, your potential begins to flourish.
Herein lies post-traumatic growth and where post-traumatic growth counseling can be a great benefit. An experienced, therapeutic guide will help you discover and amplify pathways for change. Methods focused on body-based or mindfulness techniques help you deactivate unhelpful reactivity. So, a healthy brain is regulated. The emotional and thinking parts are balanced, deactivating the fear centers when necessary. In turn, allowing you to move on free and clear, with an eye on the future.
A Healthy Brain is Aware and Available
After an adverse experience, the ability to move out of primitive reactivity to more positive reflection is a sign of a healing brain. Notability, this is the heart of posttraumatic growth (PTG). It inspires positive outcomes and connections despite the pain you've endured. In general, a healthy brain acknowledges and endures shock, strain, and stress. It is aware (not avoidant) of the trauma and learns to focus on a bigger picture, tapping into a higher level of thought.
Wisdom, relationship, and core values evolve from the trauma. The primitive regions of the brain start to cooperate for personally meaningful growth. Likewise, a healthy brain can attach meaning without attaching the whole of your identity to it. As a result, you can address the past without becoming controlled by it.
A Healthy Brain Often Needs Assistance
Of course, after trauma, attaining a healthy brain is rarely a solo effort. There is nothing wrong with that. There is no shame in receiving help on your way to restoring the optimal mind-body connection. It's important to remember that health, in any form, requires diligence and support. Be patient and kind to yourself. Share with a compassionate professional. We are here for you.
Finally, please contact us for a free consultation to learn about how we can be of service.
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