The Connection Between Trauma and the Nervous System
You may have heard about the nervous system as it’s being talked about quite heavily lately and for good reason. The nervous system controls much of what you do. Without a regulated system, overall wellbeing cannot be achieved.
Traumatic experiences can become stored in the body and leave a mark on the nervous system, shaping how you think, behave, and feel. In this blog post, we'll dive into the relationship between trauma and the nervous system, exploring how trauma can dysregulate the nervous system and how you can heal.
The Impact of Trauma on the Nervous System
Trauma’s vary in degree from little ‘t’ trauma to big ‘T’ trauma. Wherever you may be on this scale, it can impact your nervous system. Whether stemming from a single event or prolonged exposure, trauma can disrupt the delicate balance of the nervous system. The body's innate fight-or-flight response, governed by the sympathetic nervous system, becomes hypersensitive in the face of trauma. This heightened reactivity can lead to a continuous state of hypervigilance, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between real threats and perceived dangers. As a result, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest, recovery, and relaxation, struggles to regain control, often leading to chronic stress and emotional dysregulation.
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation Due to Trauma
Hyperarousal: Individuals may exhibit heightened anxiety, irritability, and an exaggerated startle response, all of which stem from an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Hypervigilance: A constant state of alertness can result in difficulties with concentration, sleep disturbances, and a constant scanning of the environment for potential threats.
Emotional Dysregulation: Trauma can trigger intense mood swings, emotional numbness, and difficulties in managing strong feelings.
Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: The nervous system's response to trauma can lead to intrusive memories, flashbacks, and a re-experiencing of the traumatic event.
Avoidance and Isolation: Individuals might actively avoid situations, people, or places that remind them of the trauma, contributing to a sense of isolation and withdrawal.
Healing the Nervous System After Trauma
Healing the trauma can help to heal the nervous system, as you body signals safety, so does the nervous system. To do this, you can try:
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), counselling, and somatic experiencing focus on integrating traumatic memories and sensations, promoting healing and nervous system regulation.
Mind-Body Practices: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation,breathwork, and yoga can help regulate the nervous system's responses to stress and promote a sense of safety.
Physical Activity: Gentle exercise such as yoga or walking helps release endorphins, enhancing mood and supporting nervous system regulation.
Nature Therapy: Simply getting outside can help reset your system. Try Earthing by placing your bare feet on the earth.
Journalling: Write down your feelings to connect with them, feel them, and heal them.
Social Support: Strong connections and empathetic relationships can create a sense of safety and provide a space for processing trauma.
The Journey to Nervous System Restoration
Healing from trauma is a unique and individual journey, requiring patience, self-compassion, and professional guidance. Recognising the signs of nervous system dysregulation and understanding trauma's impact is the first step towards fostering resilience and well-being. With trauma-informed therapies, mindful practices, and holistic approaches, you can gradually restore balance to your nervous systems, reclaim a sense of agency, and embark on a path of healing and recovery.