The nervous system controls much more than just bodily functions. It can also play a huge role in mental health, especially trauma.  In our last blog, we identified the different parts of the nervous system and touched upon how trauma can cause dysregulation. In the second part of this series, we will look at how the fight, flight, and freeze responses impact the nervous system and how Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve play a role.  Fight, Flight, and Freeze As covered in our last blog, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in when confronted with a traumatic or threatening situat ..read more

The nervous system is a complex network of nerves, neurons, cells, and signals extending throughout the body. While also managing essential bodily functions, it influences mental health, general well-being, and trauma responses. Trauma impacts the nervous system in multiple ways, contributing to many physical and mental symptoms and impacting its ability to regulate itself. To understand how trauma can affect and dysregulate the nervous system, it is vital to first understand the parts of the nervous system and how it works. This two-part series will look at the various components of the nerv ..read more

The brain controls much of what people think and feel daily, influencing everything from regulating body functions to pain, trauma and mental health conditions. Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a treatment that helps people harness the power of their brainwaves and understand their reactions to certain stimuli. Types of Neurofeedback Therapy There are multiple different types of neurofeedback therapy. Each one is slightly different, but all involve electrodes attached to the skin that measure brain frequencies. Although it may look a bit intimidating, neurofeedback is ..read more

No matter how long ago a traumatic event occurred, it can have effects that stretch far into the future. A lesser-known effect is the sense of a foreshortened future, where people feel or believe their life will be cut short without any concrete explanation. What Is A Sense of A Foreshortened Future? When people feel that their life will be cut short or that they don’t have a future, they can struggle to think past a certain point or make plans. For example, they may not be able to imagine their life in ten years or after a certain age. They can also struggle with negative thoughts about the ..read more

Resilience is an essential quality that helps everyone handle the ups and downs of life. Children and young adults are often expected to be resilient or ‘bounce back from adversity. However, it isn’t always that simple; being strong and resilient is not about ‘getting over’ a traumatic event but about the ability to cope with it in the aftermath. It is a skill that can be learned and developed to allow young people to handle everything that life throws at them. What Is Resilience? Resilience is the ability to get through stressful or traumatic events and deal with the effects appropriately. I ..read more

Relationships are an essential part of life. Good relationships give people something to aspire to, but abusive or toxic relationships can be a big source of trauma. Relational trauma can stem from abuse, neglect, and abandonment in adult relationships and between children and their caregivers, affecting how people approach future relationships. Relational Trauma Children rely on their caregivers for everything, from food and shelter to emotional fulfillment. During the critical years of development, their brains form an understanding of the world based on their reality. If they experience co ..read more

Trauma can permeate everything, including adult relationships, professional life, and overall mental well-being. Although challenging, healing from trauma is always possible with proper support and treatment. Trauma Defined Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing or frightening event. Traumatic experiences can be singular events, like a car accident, or ongoing, such as an abusive relationship. Witnessing harm to another person can also be highly traumatic. An example of this might be a child living in a house where domestic abuse occurs. Bullying, racism, sexism, and other forms of ..read more

The festive period is often regarded as the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. However, for a lot of people, this holiday season is hard. Despite its challenges, the painful emotions associated with this period can often be managed with some planning. Why the Holidays Can Be Hard December is often filled with social gatherings, family events, work parties, and more. There is a lot of pressure to be social with people, and constant Christmas-related images on television and social media can mean there is very little escapism. While it is a time of celebration for many, the holiday season also ..read more

The winter months can be challenging for a number of people. While some love it for festive events and chilly weather, many notice a dip in their mental health and overall well-being. With shorter, darker days, winter can lead to significant mood changes and seriously affect how we feel. Feeling down or anxious during winter is commonly referred to as the winter blues. Why Does Winter Affect Mental Health? The exact reason why more people feel depressed in the winter months is unclear; however, it is often linked to reduced sunlight. During autumn and winter, the days steadily shorten, result ..read more

The mind and the body are close allies that work together to promote mental and physical health. However, this relationship can be complicated, and for children who experienced trauma or neglect, it can cause more distress. Teaching children about the mind-body connection can help them cope better with their emotions and improve emotional regulation. Trauma and the Body Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that include: Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse Parental neglect The sudden loss of a parent or caregiver Growing up in a household with someone who has ..read more