Trauma and the Brain
The brain is very complex! In the past, scientists thought it was too difficult to understand, so they just didn’t study it. Fortunately, over the last twenty-plus years there’s been much more emphasis on brain health, especially understanding how trauma impacts the brain.
I became very interested in having a greater understanding about trauma, because of my past experiences. I wanted to unravel the complexities of how trauma affected me and why past traumas began to haunt my present. I’m currently writing a book about my experiences (“Unsilenced” Coming 2024)
In the meantime, I want to share with my readers some of the things I’ve learned, in hopes there might be something you learn that might help you.
Here is what happens in your brain when your anxious.
Most of us have heard of the fight – flight – freeze – fawn stress response. These responses come when are safety is threatened. This can happen in the moment when a traumatizing event is happening, or it can happen when we are triggered by some sort of reminder of a past traumatizing event. I’ve learned when we are in survival mode, our thinking brain goes off-line and this is why sometimes it’s difficult to have words for what we’ve experienced.
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, know that recovery is possible. Healing generally takes place over a period of time. I’ve found it helpful to work with a therapist, so I could process my trauma. But I also have found it helpful to read books like “The Body Keeps the Score.” Remember going to therapy is a great help, but self-help strategies are equally helpful.
There is a great deal of information available now about trauma. I’ve found it beneficial to understand it as much as possible. Information has helped me to assign words to what I experienced. The integration of memories into my conscious mind has allowed me to heal in ways I thought was impossible at one time.
The brain is complex. Understanding what happens when we’ve experienced trauma can help us to heal. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Author and OlympianAmy GambleAmy Gamble is a former Olympian and the author of the upcoming book “Unsilenced: A Memoir of Healing from Trauma.” (Coming 2024)
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