PTSD and trauma can lead to physical changes in the brain and the nervous system.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAR 21, 2023
TRAUMA & PTSD
Trauma & PTSD have noticeable effects on the nervous system. The symptoms of PTSD can be extremely debilitating, and can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Trauma can also lead to problems with memory and concentration, and can make it difficult to function in day-to-day life.
This is because PTSD and trauma can cause changes in the brain and the nervous system itself. The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory, can shrink in size. The amygdala, which is responsible for fear and anxiety, can become more active.
PTSD and trauma can also affect the nervous system in other ways. The autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate and blood pressure, can become dysregulated. This can lead to problems like insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
RE-BALANCING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AFTER TRAUMA
Exercise, play and stillness are all helpful in re-regulating the nervous system after trauma or PSTD, as these practices serve to strengthen the Vagal Brake. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and is responsible for many things, including heart rate, digestion, and immunity. When the vagus nerve is functioning properly, it helps to keep the body in a state of homeostasis, or balance.
There are also many therapies that can help to re-regulate the nervous system after trauma, including EMDR, CBT, and yoga. These therapies can help to address the symptoms of PTSD and trauma, and can also help to change the way the brain and nervous system respond to stress.
Finally, it is important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. This means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Taking care of yourself will help to reduce stress and improve your overall health, which can in turn help to improve your nervous system function.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
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Chronic stress is when a person experiences long-term, persistent strain on the nervous system, an environment which often leads to physical and mental health problems.
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Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.