PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding Trauma-Sensitive Mind-Body Awareness

Written By Nikki Emerton

During PTSD Awareness Month, it's important to shed light on the profound connection between trauma and our mind-body experience. Many individuals who have experienced traumatic events often develop a heightened sensitivity known as trauma-sensitive mind-body awareness.

This phenomenon, explored in books like "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel Van Der Kolk and "When the Body Says No" by Gabor Mate, manifests in various physical and psychological symptoms that may seem inexplicable. It's a reminder that trauma can leave an indelible mark on our bodies and minds, even when the initial event has passed.

Common symptoms of trauma-sensitive mind-body awareness include:

- Cognitive Changes: Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, confusion, memory and concentration difficulties, and mood swings.

- Altered Behavioral Patterns: Avoidance of people, places, and activities associated with the trauma, withdrawal from loved ones and enjoyable activities.

- Psychological Concerns: Anxiety, panic attacks, fear, anger, irritability, obsessions, shock, emotional numbing, depression, shame, and guilt.

- Physical Problems: Sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, rapid heartbeat, unexplained aches and pains, sexual dysfunction, altered eating patterns, muscle tension, and exhaustion.

At the core of this phenomenon is a heightened awareness of sensory processes, an interconnectedness between the mind and body that varies in intensity for each individual. Those with trauma-sensitive mind-body awareness may experience hypersensitivity to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive information.

Trauma-sensitive mind-body awareness emphasises the following key elements for healing:

1. Mindfulness and body awareness practices to develop a greater connection with one's physical and emotional states.

2. Somatic experiencing techniques to release and process traumatic experiences stored in the body.

3. Grounding techniques to anchor oneself in the present moment and regain a sense of safety and control.

4. Emotion regulation strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and physiological arousal associated with trauma.

5. An integrative approach incorporating mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi, and meridian exercises to promote overall well-being and facilitate the integration of physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of healing.

PTSD Awareness Month serves as a reminder that trauma can profoundly impact our mind-body connection, but also that there are paths to healing and resilience. By embracing trauma-sensitive mind-body awareness, individuals can develop a compassionate relationship with their bodies, cultivate emotional regulation, and ultimately find a sense of empowerment and wholeness.

If you’d like to discuss what options I can provide to help you in your journey to overcoming your symptoms, please book a discovery call.

Nikki Emerton

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