Traumatic experiences are, by their very definition, frightening and
overwhelming. PTSD is often associated with events such as car accidents,
natural disasters, or acts of violence. It is common after experiences like these to feel flooded with powerful emotions such as fear or sadness, and to begin
avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma. PTSD refers to the presence of these symptoms well after the event is over. However, there is another kind of post-traumatic stress called complex PTSD (C-PTSD), which occurs as a result of long-term exposure to traumatic stress, rather than in response to a single incident. C-PTSD typically arises as a result of ongoing stress or repeated traumatic events that occur during childhood and is sometimes referred to as developmental trauma disorder (DTD). The key symptoms of PTSD include:
Intrusive memories, such as recurrent distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares about the traumatic event.
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, including thoughts, feelings, people, places, or situations associated with the event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood, such as negative thoughts about oneself or the world, feelings of guilt or shame, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Changes in physical and emotional reactions, including being easily startled, feeling on guard, engaging in self-destructive behavior, and having trouble sleeping or concentrating.
How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body
Trauma can significantly impact the brain's key regions, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, leading to a state of hypervigilance, suppressed memory and impulse control, and constant emotional reactivity. This can result in physical and emotional symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and physical ailments like headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Studies have shown that exposure to traumatic events, particularly in childhood, can lead to faster biological aging and an increased risk of physical and mental health problems later in life. Trauma can also disrupt the body's stress response system, leading to an overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to a wide range of health issues.
The Trauma Cycle
Nervous System Arousal
Trauma can lead to sustained hyperactivity of the autonomic sympathetic branch of the nervous system, resulting in a state of heightened arousal known as hypervigilance. This can make the nervous system more reactive to perceived threats, even in non-threatening environments.
Thought Processes
Trauma can impact thought processes by affecting the functioning of the brain's key regions. The hyperactive amygdala can lead to irrational fear and panic, while the less active hippocampus and prefrontal cortex can cause difficulties in distinguishing past from present and regulating emotions and impulses.
Avoidance
Avoidance is a common coping mechanism for those who have experienced trauma, involving the steering clear of distressing situations, emotions, or thoughts related to the traumatic event. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it ultimately reinforces trauma symptoms and can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Habituation
Habituation is a process where an individual becomes accustomed to stimuli over time, leading to a decrease in emotional and behavioural responses. It is often used in PTSD and prolonged grief disorder treatments to help desensitize patients to distressing memories and trigger thoughts.
Brain Functions and Nervous System Arousal in Response to Trauma
The brain controls a wide range of functions, including thought, memory, and the regulation of bodily processes like breathing and heart rate. Trauma can lead to either hyperarousal or hypo arousal, which are states of emotional dysregulation caused by the stress response. Hyperarousal involves symptoms like hypervigilance and reactivity, while hyperarousal involves symptoms like numbness and dissociation. These states can be indicators of PTSD.
How Trauma Impacts Physiological Responses
Trauma can sensitize the body's stress response system, leading to chronic high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can contribute to a variety of health conditions, such as depression, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. Trauma can also trigger the fight-or-flight response, causing physiological changes like rapid heartbeat, breathing, and dilated pupils, putting the body in a heightened state of alertness.
Health Consequences of Chronic Stress and Unresolved PTSD
Chronic stress and unresolved PTSD can have severe health consequences, affecting various bodily systems and increasing the risk of developing diseases.
Health Problems Associated with Chronic Stress
Chronic stress, characterized by high cortisol levels and suppressed immunity, can lead to:
High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
Blood Sugar Imbalances: Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can lead to hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Food Cravings: Cravings for unhealthy foods can result in emotional eating and contribute to weight-related issues.
Addictions: Seeking temporary stress relief through substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or drugs can lead to unhealthy habits and addiction.
Sluggish Digestion: Chronic stress can interfere with digestion, leading to digestive problems.
Suppressed Immunity: Ongoing suppressed immunity increases the susceptibility to diseases and cancer.
Health Problems Associated with Unresolved PTSD
Unresolved PTSD, characterized by low cortisol levels and unchecked immunity, can lead to:
Digestive Disturbances: Overproduction of stomach acids can cause digestive conditions like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.
Sleep Disturbances: Abnormalities in the circadian cortisol cycle can lead to fatigue, insomnia, and other sleep-related problems.
Autoimmune Disorders: An unchecked immune system can target healthy tissue, increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders.
It is essential to address chronic stress and unresolved PTSD to prevent these health consequences and promote overall well-being.
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