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Published on September 13, 2024 16:30

Trauma and the Impact on Relationships

Trauma can be invasive, impacting your interactions with those you love and interact with. The lingering effects of childhood abuse, the aftermath of a natural disaster, or the scars left by an abusive relationship, trauma can leave lasting imprints that affect how we relate to others. Trauma shapes our reactions and we can often be confused about why we are responding the way we are.��

The Impact of Trauma

1. Trust Issues: One of the most common effects of trauma is difficulty trusting others. Whether due to betrayal in past relationships or a sense of vulnerability from past experiences, trauma survivors may struggle to believe in the intentions of others. This can lead to hesitancy in forming new relationships or maintaining existing ones. You may find yourself suspicious of even those closest to you and doubting their loyalty and caring for you.

2. Communication Challenges: Trauma survivors may find it hard to express their emotions or needs clearly, or they may misinterpret the intentions of others. Sometimes they may not be able to identify what they are feeling or needing and push away out of fear when actually they need support.��

3. Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions can be particularly challenging for trauma survivors. Intense emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness may surface unexpectedly, leading to conflicts or emotional distancing in relationships. Learning to regulate emotions is key to navigating these challenges.

4. Impact on Intimacy: Some survivors may avoid closeness altogether, fearing vulnerability or repeating past negative experiences. They may be so fearful of betrayal or rejection that they cannot allow closeness. Others may struggle with boundaries or experience difficulties in feeling safe and secure in intimate relationships.

Healing and Growth in Relationships

While trauma can pose significant challenges to relationships, it’s important to recognize that healing and growth are possible:

Seeking Support: Professional therapy can provide a safe space for trauma survivors to process their experiences, learn coping strategies, and rebuild trust in themselves and others. Working with both the mind and the body (such as through trauma informed yoga) is often helpful. Sometimes the trauma is held in the body. An educational group about trauma can be helpful as well.

Education and Understanding: Partners and loved ones can play a crucial role by educating themselves about trauma and its effects. Understanding the survivor’s triggers and responses can foster empathy and support.

Communication and Boundaries: Open and honest communication is essential in overcoming the barriers created by trauma. Establishing clear boundaries and mutual respect can create a foundation of safety and trust in relationships. Learning how to create safe spaces in the relationship and how to support each other in a healthy way is critical.

Conclusion

Navigating trauma within�� relationships requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to grow together. By acknowledging the impact of trauma and actively working towards healing, couples and individuals can foster healthier connections and create meaningful relationships.��

Take care of yourselves and each other.

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Trauma can be invasive, impacting your interactions with those you love and interact with. The lingering effects of childhood abuse, the aftermath of a natural disaster, or the scars left by an abusive relationship, trauma can leave lasting imprints that affect how we relate to others. Trauma shapes our reactions and we can often be confused about why we are responding the way we are.��

The Impact of Trauma

1. Trust Issues: One of the most common effects of trauma is difficulty trusting others. Whether due to betrayal in past relationships or a sense of vulnerability from past experiences, trauma survivors may struggle to believe in the intentions of others. This can lead to hesitancy in forming new relationships or maintaining existing ones. You may find yourself suspicious of even those closest to you and doubting their loyalty and caring for you.

2. Communication Challenges: Trauma survivors may find it hard to express their emotions or needs clearly, or they may misinterpret the intentions of others. Sometimes they may not be able to identify what they are feeling or needing and push away out of fear when actually they need support.��

3. Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions can be particularly challenging for trauma survivors. Intense emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness may surface unexpectedly, leading to conflicts or emotional distancing in relationships. Learning to regulate emotions is key to navigating these challenges.

4. Impact on Intimacy: Some survivors may avoid closeness altogether, fearing vulnerability or repeating past negative experiences. They may be so fearful of betrayal or rejection that they cannot allow closeness. Others may struggle with boundaries or experience difficulties in feeling safe and secure in intimate relationships.

Healing and Growth in Relationships

While trauma can pose significant challenges to relationships, it's important to recognize that healing and growth are possible:

1. Seeking Support:��One of the most common effects of trauma is difficulty trusting others. Whether due to betrayal in past relationships or a sense of vulnerability from past experiences, trauma survivors may struggle to believe in the intentions of others. This can lead to hesitancy in forming new relationships or maintaining existing ones. You may find yourself suspicious of even those closest to you and doubting their loyalty and caring for you.

2. Communication Challenges: Trauma survivors may find it hard to express their emotions or needs clearly, or they may misinterpret the intentions of others. Sometimes they may not be able to identify what they are feeling or needing and push away out of fear when actually they need support.��

3. Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions can be particularly challenging for trauma survivors. Intense emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness may surface unexpectedly, leading to conflicts or emotional distancing in relationships. Learning to regulate emotions is key to navigating these challenges.

4. Impact on Intimacy: Some survivors may avoid closeness altogether, fearing vulnerability or repeating past negative experiences. They may be so fearful of betrayal or rejection that they cannot allow closeness. Others may struggle with boundaries or experience difficulties in feeling safe and secure in intimate relationships.

Are you ready to start your recovery? We are ready to help, to walk the steps with you.

Call us at 713-973-2800 or fill out the contact form on our website (www.houstondbtcenter.com). Schedule a free 15-minute consult on our website or ask us to call you. Let��s talk soon.

The post Trauma and the Impact on Relationships appeared first on Houston DBT Center.

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Published on September 06, 2024 13:34

Have You Ever Told Anyone… Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Trigger Warning: This article discusses recovery from sexual abuse which could be triggering for some people.��

Most narratives about sexual abuse start with statistics, perhaps to show how serious the problem is. Talking about statistical facts is also (unintentionally) a way of minimizing emotions that the topic can bring up for people. It��s easier to think about numbers than to think about children being hurt and particularly being hurt in a sexual way. But we need to talk about sexual abuse openly in order to help people get the treatment that they deserve and need. An important focus for this discussion is the people who are suffering and have suffered because of childhood sexual abuse and who haven��t reached out for treatment and recovery.

Many survivors don��t seek treatment because they don��t want to think about what happened. Thinking about past child abuse can bring up panic, fear, anger, and shame. The emotions can be overwhelming. If you are a survivor, you may blame yourself in some way, or you just want to block out what happened and in the words of a client, ��just be normal.�� Reaching out for treatment means telling someone, and for many, that��s a huge step that can seem undoable.

If you were abused, it��s like someone stole your sense of safety. Instead of being a fearless child running around and exploring the world with this idea that you are invulnerable, you learned that the world and people in it weren��t safe. You couldn��t trust them to protect you, not even to not hurt you. How alone you must have felt and still do. To talk about it with someone can seem terrifying. For some, there is too much shame (undeserved).

Have you ever trusted anyone enough that you told them that you were sexually abused as a child?�� Many adults haven��t. So many haven��t recovered and still suffer. Let��s kick out that undeserved shame and help every individual restore their self-worth and live their lives fully. Recovery is important for many reasons.��

If you are considering seeking treatment, here are some key reasons why treatment is important:

1. Untreated trauma can worsen over time. It can lead to mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. It can also affect your physical health in serious ways.

2. Sexual abuse can damage your sense of well-being on a daily basis, and your sense of worth and self-esteem. You may judge yourself as being unloveable. You may struggle with intimacy, trust, and relationships. Treatment can help rebuild your sense of a healthy identity, improve your relationships, and help you connect more intimately.

3. To cope with trauma and the impact of sexual abuse, people may use destructive coping behaviors such as substance abuse, isolation, compulsive behaviors, or self-harm. Sometimes individuals who have been abused stay in abusive relationships as adults or become abusers and repeat the pattern with their children. With treatment, you can learn healthy ways to cope and set boundaries to keep yourself safe and to be a healthy parent.

4. Treatment can offer you relief from being on guard constantly, being overly reactive, having flashbacks, and being fearful of living fully. Treatment is a way to thrive.

There are different options for treatment to choose from. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one option and can be effective with children as well as adults. Prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and trauma treatments developed with a DBT focus (DBT for PTSD and DBT-PE for adults and DBT-PE for adolescents) are options to consider. �� Trauma-informed yoga can be a helpful addition to trauma treatment.

Are you ready to start your recovery? We are ready to help, to walk the steps with you.

Call us at 713-973-2800 or fill out the contact form on our website (www.houstondbtcenter.com). Schedule a free 15-minute consult on our website or ask us to call you. Let��s talk soon.

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Published on August 27, 2024 15:06

Three Ideas for Increasing Intimacy in Your Life

Show up for others and be mindful of the relationship. There is so much loneliness in the world today. Blame it on the pandemic or technology or something else but loneliness is epidemic. Loneliness is one of the primary issues for perfectionists, people who have built significant wealth, CEO’s and also those who are hardworking and focused on goals. You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely–that’s emotional loneliness. Maybe you’ve tried to make friends as an adult and it just hasn’t worked.

Getting out of emotional loneliness can be a mystery and it takes some patience. Here are three suggestions that can help:

1. Show up for others and be mindful of the relationship.

Birthdays, holidays, school events, doctor’s appointments, nightly dinners, parties and the like are opportunities to connect. Maybe you hate parties and other events and see such gatherings as a waste of time. It’s not about what you do or accomplish or what the event is or isn’t, it’s about the other person. Being there for that person and giving your time to show you care about them is part of connecting. While you are there, put your phone down. Focus on the person who is with you or with whom you are talking. Be present.

2. Give up being a small talk snob.

Bored by small talk? Maybe even feel superior or above it and judge others who engage in useless chit chat? Actually small talk is a gateway for new relationships. It’s a way of testing out who is safe and who isn’t, who you’d like to get to know and who you wouldn’t before you reveal vulnerable information about yourself. Small talk is like dating to find someone you want to commit to. Small talk can lead to more intimate relationships.

3. Self disclose but don’t vomit your emotional insides.

If you’re ready to move the relationship a step or two further toward intimacy, then give some information about yourself. You may be used to only asking questions about others and not self-disclosing but self-disclosure is the key to intimacy. In relationships revealing information about yourself is best done in steps, gradually offering more and more intimate information. Talk about your views on current events or share information about vacation challenges before you reveal your deepest fears or most embarrassing moments. If you are lonely and would like to work on emotional intimacy, call us. We can help.

If you’d like assistance increasing intimacy & connection in your life, reach out to Houston DBT Center.

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Published on August 21, 2024 14:51

Some Characteristics of the Overcontrolled (OC) Temperament

Everyone has a personality–it’s kind of important! Research shows that personalities tend to be in two broad categories–overcontrolled (OC) and under controlled (UC). Tending to be OC or UC is not a problem. But sometimes problems can come from your basic temperament due to extremes in behaviors. Think about it! For so long mental health focused on helping people have more self-control. The idea was that the more self-control you have the better. Turns out that you can actually have too much self control.

An overcontrolled person who is struggling with their mental wellness often exhibits a set of characteristics that can impact their interactions and overall well-being. These characteristics may include:

1. Perfectionism:

They strive for flawlessness and set excessively high performance standards, often accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations. This can sometimes lead to the individual feeling paralyzed and unable to take action because it’s so exhausting to do everything with such pressure or out of a fear of not being good enough.

2. Inflexibility:

They have a rigid approach to life and may struggle to adapt to new situations or changes in plans. Flexible thinking is important in this world. Imagine that you had your heart set on becoming a repair person for Model-Ts only to learn the market is very limited. Flexible thinking allows you to not be stuck, thinking that goal is the only one. You can pivot and make new plans.

3. Inhibition:

They tend to suppress their emotions and desires, which can lead to a lack of spontaneity and difficulty in expressing feelings. Suppressing often also leads to masking. It can make it difficult to make friends because people don’t trust people when they can’t read their reactions.

4. Excessive Orderliness:

They prioritize organization and control, sometimes to the point of obsessiveness about cleanliness or order. Their order may be unique to themselves, but they are absolute about their stacks of items or papers.

5. High Self-Control:

They exhibit extreme self-discipline and restraint, often avoiding risks and sticking to routines. Individuals with anorexia are usually over-controlled. Think of the self-control in not eating to the point you are making yourself ill.

6. Avoidance of Conflict:

They may avoid confrontations and conflict, preferring to maintain harmony and avoid any situations that could lead to disagreement or emotional discomfort. They often walk away from conflict. Sometimes they’ll let you know and sometimes you may not even realize there was a problem but you don’t hear from the person anymore.

7. Sensitivity to Criticism:��

They may be overly sensitive to feedback or criticism, often taking it personally and feeling deeply hurt by negative comments.

8. Reluctance to Delegate:��

They may struggle with trusting others to complete tasks, leading to a tendency to micromanage or take on too much responsibility themselves.

9. Anxiety and Stress:

The need for control can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and stress, particularly when things do not go as planned.

10. Limited Genuine Social Interactions:��

They may have difficulty forming deep, meaningful relationships due to their controlled and reserved nature. They can be surrounded by people, but not truly connected. They often feel lonely.

These characteristics can lead to challenges in both personal and professional life, affecting relationships, job performance, and overall happiness. Recognizing these traits is a first step toward finding ways to balance control with flexibility and openness.

Radically Open DBT was developed specifically to help those who are overcontrolled. Call us at the DBT Center of Houston. We can help.

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Published on August 11, 2024 16:56

Building a Sense of Peace and Contentment

Building a sense of peace involves finding ways to destress your life and bring in activities and relationships that add joy and fulfillment to your life. It also often means understanding and focusing on your sense of purpose.

When you live your life day to day, you may have thoughts of ��Same ole, same ole.�� Each day may feel routine and like you are going through the motions. Sometimes if feels like boring drudgery. But you don��t need to quit your job and move to an island paradise to change your experience. While that may sound fun, over time it probably would not feel fulfilling either.

Finding a sense of fulfillment is key to having a life that is peaceful and one in which you feel content. So what is it that fulfills you? For some, it can be as ��simple�� as finding a purpose with others. A friend of mine was clear that her purpose was to be kind to others. Each day felt like an opportunity to be kind and at the end of the day she felt fulfilled. This focus took away the need to strive to succeed or to compete with others, or focus on possessions or appearances.

You may find that your purpose is to learn new things or to explore. Maybe your family is your purpose, or to build a business, or to find a life partner. Whatever you identify as what really fits as your purpose now (it can change in the future)��what does it look like to really live that purpose? Picture in your mind how you could live your purpose each day.

In addition to the bigger goal of identifying your purpose, here are some practical steps to help you build a sense of peace in your life:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation regularly. These techniques help you focus on the present moment, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace.

This can also help you to focus on your purpose each day and not lose sight of it.

2. Gratitude:

Practice gratitude daily by reflecting on things you are thankful for. This shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, promoting peace of mind.

3. Simplify Your Life:

Declutter your physical space and simplify your schedule. Having fewer distractions and obligations can create a sense of calm and order.

4. Nature and Fresh Air:

Spend time in nature and get fresh air regularly. Being outdoors can have a calming effect and help you feel more grounded.

5. Physical Activity:

Engage in regular exercise or physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress.

6. Healthy Relationships:

Cultivate healthy, supportive relationships with family and friends. Social connections can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.

7. Mindful Breathing:

Practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help calm your mind and relax your body, reducing anxiety and promoting peace.

8. Set Boundaries:

Learn to say no to things that overwhelm you or don’t align with your priorities. Setting boundaries protects your time and energy.

9. Practice Acceptance:

Accept things you cannot change and focus on what you can control. This mindset shift can reduce inner conflict and promote peace.

10. Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include hobbies, relaxation techniques, or simply taking time for yourself.

11. Mindful Consumption:

Be mindful of what you consume, including media, news, and social media. Limit exposure to negative or stressful content that can disturb your peace.

12. Spirituality or Faith:

Engage in practices that resonate with your spiritual beliefs or faith. This can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose.

Building a sense of peace is an ongoing process that requires patience and self-awareness. Experiment with these practices and find what works best for you to create a more peaceful and balanced life. At the DBT Center, we are here to help. For many RO DBT has been helpful in building relationships and reducing loneliness and DBT has been helpful for decreasing emotion-driven behaviors that take away from your sense of peace.

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Published on August 01, 2024 13:01

The Magic of ��We��: How Interpersonal Effectiveness Improves Relationships (Everywhere!)

Have you ever felt like your relationships are a constant source of stress? Maybe you struggle to communicate effectively with your partner, or navigate disagreements with coworkers. Perhaps you yearn for deeper connections with friends but find yourself stuck in superficial conversations.

The good news is that there��s a key skill that can unlock the door to stronger, more fulfilling relationships in all aspects of your life: interpersonal effectiveness. It��s not about being a social butterfly or the life of the party. Interpersonal effectiveness is about fostering genuine connections, navigating conflict constructively, and building a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

Intrigued by the power of interpersonal effectiveness but unsure how it applies to your specific relationships? Let��s delve into some of the questions people often ask about this valuable skill:

How Can Interpersonal Effectiveness Help My Romantic Relationship?

Intimacy, passion, and commitment �� the hallmarks of a thriving romantic relationship. But even the strongest bonds can be tested by communication breakdowns and unmet needs. Interpersonal effectiveness equips you with the tools to navigate these challenges and build a deeper connection with your partner.

Expressing Your Needs Assertively:��Imagine this: you��re feeling a bit neglected by your partner and crave some quality time. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches you to communicate this need assertively, focusing on ��I�� statements and avoiding accusatory language. For example, ��I feel disconnected lately. Would you be interested in planning a date night this week?��Active Listening:��Truly listening to your partner goes beyond simply hearing their words. It involves paying attention to their nonverbal cues, asking clarifying questions, and showing genuine interest in their perspective. By actively listening, you build trust and strengthen your emotional connection.Conflict Resolution:��Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. However, interpersonal effectiveness empowers you to navigate conflict constructively. It��s about focusing on the issue at hand, avoiding personal attacks, and working towards a solution that meets both your needs. How Can Interpersonal Effectiveness Improve My Work Relationships?

The workplace can be a breeding ground for stress, especially when communication breaks down or interpersonal conflicts arise. These skills can be a game-changer in your professional life.

Clear and Concise Communication:��Whether delivering a presentation, delegating tasks, or collaborating with colleagues, clear and concise communication is key. Interpersonal effectiveness helps you articulate your thoughts and ideas effectively, fostering a more productive and collaborative work environment.Setting Boundaries:��Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining a positive work-life balance. Interpersonal effectiveness allows you to do so assertively, communicating your limitations and expectations clearly without feeling guilty.Empathy and Respect:��The ability to see things from another person��s perspective and treat them with respect is fundamental for building positive working relationships. Interpersonal effectiveness fosters empathy, allowing you to collaborate more effectively and build trust with colleagues. How Does Interpersonal Effectiveness Enhance My Friendships?

Friendships enrich our lives, offering us a sense of belonging and support. But even the closest friends can experience misunderstandings or communication hiccups. Interpersonal effectiveness can strengthen these bonds and create a space for deeper connections.

Active Listening and Validation:��Friends crave feeling heard and understood. Interpersonal effectiveness encourages active listening and validation. This involves truly paying attention to what your friend is saying and acknowledging their feelings.Giving and Receiving Feedback:��Constructive feedback is crucial for personal growth, but it needs to be delivered effectively. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches you to offer feedback in a way that��s respectful and specific, while also being open to receiving feedback from your friends in the same way.Conflict Resolution in Friendships:��Disagreements with friends are normal. However, interpersonal effectiveness allows you to address these conflicts constructively, focusing on finding a solution that strengthens the friendship rather than letting anger or resentment fester. How Can I Start Developing & Improving My Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills?

Now that we’ve reviewed interpersonal effectiveness and how it can enhance your romance, work, and friend relationships; let’s talk about practical methods you can use to increase your own interpersonal skills.

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Published on July 19, 2024 09:31

The Impact of Psychological Trauma on Your Physical Health

Psychological trauma doesn’t just affect your mental and emotional wellbeing – it can have profound effects on your physical health as well. The mind-body connection means that traumatic experiences can manifest in very real physical symptoms and health issues. Let’s explore some of the ways trauma can impact your body:

Chronic Pain

Many trauma survivors experience ongoing pain, even without a clear physical cause. This may include headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, and fibromyalgia. The stress and tension held in the body after trauma can lead to real, persistent pain. The body really does hold the pain of trauma.

Weakened Immune System

Trauma puts the body in a state of chronic stress, which suppresses immune function over time. This leaves trauma survivors more susceptible to infections, autoimmune disorders, and other illnesses. Some of the ways trauma impacts the immune system are

A. Chronic Inflammation:��Trauma often leads to a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, which can exhaust the immune system over time.

B. Altered Cytokine Production: Trauma can disrupt the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, key signaling molecules in the immune system.

C. Reduced Natural Killer Cell Activity: These important immune cells, which help fight viruses and cancer, often show decreased activity in trauma survivors.

D. Reactivation of Latent Viruses:��The stress of trauma can allow dormant viruses like Epstein-Barr to reactivate, further taxing the immune system.

E. Dysregulation of the HPA Axis: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates stress responses and immune function, can become dysregulated after trauma.

HPA stands for Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal. Think of it as a communication system between three key parts of your body:

Hypothalamus: A small region in your brain that acts like a control center.Pituitary Gland: Another small structure in your brain that releases hormones.Adrenal Glands: Sit on top of your kidneys and produce stress hormones.Normal Function:

In a healthy system, these parts work together like a well-oiled machine to help your body respond to stress:

Your hypothalamus senses stress and sends a signal to the pituitary gland.The pituitary gland releases a hormone that travels to the adrenal glands.The adrenal glands then produce cortisol, the primary stress hormone.Cortisol helps your body respond to stress, and when the stressor is gone, it signals the system to calm down.What Happens in Trauma:

When someone experiences trauma, this system can get thrown out of whack:

Overactive: The system might stay “on” too much, producing too much cortisol. This is like having your stress response stuck in high gear.Underactive: Alternatively, after being overactive for too long, the system might become sluggish, not producing enough cortisol when needed.Poor Regulation: The feedback loops that usually keep the system balanced stop working properly.

Effects of HPA Axis Dysregulation:

This imbalance can lead to various issues:

Constant feelings of stress or anxietyDifficulty calming down after stressful eventsProblems with sleep and energy levelsWeakened immune systemDigestive issuesMood swings or depressionMemory and concentration problems

In essence, trauma can disrupt your body’s stress management system, making it harder for you to deal with everyday stressors and potentially impacting many aspects of your physical and mental health.

F. Increased Susceptibility to Autoimmune Disorders: Some research suggests trauma may increase the risk of developing autoimmune conditions.

G. Slower Wound Healing:��The general suppression of immune function can lead to slower healing of wounds and injuries.

Cardiovascular Issues

The ongoing fight-or-flight response triggered by trauma increases blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this strain on the cardiovascular system raises the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Many trauma survivors experience digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and chronic nausea. The gut-brain connection means psychological distress often manifests as GI symptoms.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns are common after trauma. Poor sleep then cascades into other health issues like weakened immunity and cognitive problems.

Hormonal Imbalances

Trauma can dysregulate the body’s stress response system, leading to imbalances in cortisol and other crucial hormones. This affects everything from metabolism to reproductive health.

Trauma can potentially shorten life expectancy through various mechanisms:

Chronic Stress: Trauma often leads to chronic stress, which accelerates cellular aging. Telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, shorten more rapidly under chronic stress, which is associated with earlier onset of age-related diseases.Risky Behaviors: Trauma survivors may engage in more high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, smoking, or poor diet as coping mechanisms, which can reduce life expectancy.Suicide Risk: Severe trauma increases the risk of suicide, particularly in cases of PTSD or complex trauma.Comorbid Health Conditions: The physical health issues stemming from trauma (like cardiovascular disease) can themselves reduce life expectancy.Allostatic Load: The cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress responses can lead to earlier onset of age-related decline.

It’s important to note that while these effects can be significant, they’re not inevitable or irreversible. Proper trauma therapy, stress management techniques, and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these impacts and support overall health and longevity.

The physical toll of trauma is very real. Recognizing these connections between psychological and physical health is crucial for holistic healing. Trauma-informed healthcare that addresses both the mind and body is key for helping survivors recover and thrive.

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Published on July 18, 2024 10:54

Three Ideas for Increasing Intimacy in Your Life

There is so much loneliness in the world today. Blame it on the pandemic or technology or something else but loneliness is epidemic. Loneliness is one of the primary issues for perfectionists, people who have built significant wealth, CEO’s and also those who are hardworking and focused on goals. You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely-that’s emotional loneliness. Maybe you’ve tried to make friends as an adult and it just hasn’t worked. Getting out of emotional loneliness can be a mystery and it takes some patience. However, there are ways you can increase intimacy and connection in your life, no romantic relationship necessary.

Here are 3 suggestions that can help you increase intimacy:

1.��Show up for others and be mindful of the relationship.��Birthdays, holidays, school events, doctor’s appointments, nightly dinners, parties and the like are opportunities to connect. Maybe you hate parties and other events and see such gatherings as a waste of time. It’s not about what you do or accomplish or what the event is or isn’t, it’s about the other person. Being there for that person and giving your time to show you care about them is part of connecting. While you are there, put your phone down. Focus on the person who is with you or with whom you are talking. Be present.

2.��Give up being a small talk snob.��Bored by small talk? Maybe even feel superior or above it and judge others who engage in useless chit chat? Actually small talk is a gateway for new relationships. It’s a way of testing out who is safe and who isn’t, who you’d like to get to know and who you wouldn’t before you reveal vulnerable information about yourself. Small talk is like dating to find someone you want to commit to. Small talk can lead to more intimate relationships.

3.��Self disclose but don’t vomit your emotional insides.��If you’re ready to move the relationship a step or two further toward intimacy, then give some information about yourself. You may be used to only asking questions about others and not self-disclosing but self-disclosure is the key to intimacy. In relationships revealing information about yourself is best done in steps, gradually offering more and more intimate information. Talk about your views on current events or share information about vacation challenges before you reveal your deepest fears or most embarrassing moments.If you are lonely and would like to work on emotional intimacy, call us. We can help.

If you’re struggling to increase intimacy and connection your life, reach out to us at Houston DBT Center.

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DBT Center: 1348 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX. 77008

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Published on June 17, 2024 13:27

Living in a Limbo Loop: Thriving in a World of Change

The world is in a constant state of flux. From the ever-evolving realm of technology to the social landscape being reshaped by AI and the increasing disconnect within communities, it can feel like we’re living in a never-ending transition phase.��

This constant change can be exhilarating for some and overwhelming for others. But fear not, fellow travelers in this uncharted territory!

Here are 5 tips to help you navigate the whirlwind and live a fulfilling life in our transitioning world:

1. Embrace Lifelong Learning:��

The key to thriving in a world that’s constantly changing is to embrace a growth mindset. As Albert Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, learn new skills, and adapt to new technologies.��

Remember, the most valuable skill you can develop is the ability to learn and adapt.

2. Build Strong Connections:��

In a world that can feel increasingly digital and impersonal, fostering strong connections with others is more important than ever. Nurture your relationships with loved ones, build a supportive community, and don’t underestimate the power of human connection.��

As Bren�� Brown beautifully states, “Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”

3. Prioritize Your Well-Being:��

Constant change can be draining. Make sure to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Schedule time for self-care activities that nourish your soul, whether it’s meditation, spending time in nature, or pursuing a creative hobby.��

A healthy and balanced you is better equipped to handle the challenges and uncertainties of a changing world.

4. Find Your Purpose:��

Feeling lost in the midst of change can be a recipe for dissatisfaction. Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and goals. What ignites a spark in you? What kind of impact do you want to make on the world?��

Finding your purpose gives your life direction and meaning, even amidst constant change.

5. Practice Gratitude:��

It’s easy to get bogged down by the negative aspects of change. However, cultivating an attitude of gratitude can significantly improve your overall well-being.��

Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small. Gratitude grounds you in the present moment and helps you find joy in the journey, even when the destination seems uncertain.

These tips can help you transform the uncertainty of a transitioning world into an exciting opportunity for growth and personal fulfillment.��

Remember, change is inevitable, but how you respond to it is your choice.��

So, choose to be adaptable, connected, and grateful. The future may be unknown, but with the right mindset and a commitment to well-being, you can navigate it with grace and purpose.

If you’re struggling with life transitions of any kind, reach out to us at Houston DBT Center.

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