Hey everyone, Matt here. In our 100th episode of The LiftAffect Podcast, Karl and I tackled a heavy but crucial topic: trauma. Now, I want to make something crystal clear: don’t try to diagnose yourself or anyone else based on what you hear or read online. If you’re concerned about trauma-related issues, reach out to a qualified mental health professional – telehealth is a great option, too!
Trauma is more than just a bad experience; it leaves a lasting impact on your mind and body. It’s a big deal, folks, and it affects everything. I’m talking about real, measurable changes in your brain structure and function. Think about the amygdala, that little almond-shaped part of your brain responsible for fear. In trauma survivors, it’s in overdrive, making you feel constantly on edge. The hippocampus, which helps with memory, can actually shrink due to chronic stress, making it harder to process and contextualize traumatic memories. And the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for higher-level thinking and emotional control? Trauma can reduce its activity, making it tough to manage your emotions and make sound decisions.
The impact goes way beyond your brain, too. Trauma can mess with your hormones, throwing your stress response system (the HPA axis) out of whack. Imagine your sympathetic nervous system, the one that triggers “fight or flight,” stuck in the “on” position. That’s what chronic trauma can do, leaving you feeling constantly wired and on alert. And your immune system? Forget about it! Chronic stress from trauma can lead to inflammation and increase your risk for all sorts of health problems, from heart disease to cancer.
We’re not just talking about a few people here. Around 6.8% of US adults will experience PTSD in their lifetime. But for some groups, like veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the rate is a staggering 20%. First responders like paramedics are also at high risk, constantly exposed to the most horrific trauma imaginable. It’s heartbreaking, and we need to do better to support these folks.
So, what can we do about it? First, we need to acknowledge that recovery from trauma is absolutely possible. It takes time, effort, and the right support, but people do get better. I wouldn’t be doing this job if I didn’t believe that!
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, though. Treatment needs to be tailored to each individual, considering their specific needs, preferences, and cultural background. Evidence-based psychotherapies like CBT, EMDR, prolonged exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy have all been proven effective for treating trauma. Medication can also play a role, especially in managing severe symptoms, but it should always be used alongside therapy, not as a replacement.
Beyond traditional therapies, I’m a huge believer in holistic approaches. Mindfulness and meditation, yoga, art therapy, music therapy, even horse therapy can be incredibly helpful for trauma survivors. It’s about addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms.
If you’re struggling, please, please reach out for help. There are so many resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Don’t suffer in silence. There is hope, and you don’t have to go through this alone.