ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is trauma (and all its friends). We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic!  

One Relevant recommendation

The Body Keeps The Score (Book, 2014)

"The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a groundbreaking exploration of trauma's profound impact on the body and mind. Dr. van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma research, delves into the science and psychology of trauma, offering insights into its far-reaching effects. The book provides a roadmap for healing, detailing therapeutic approaches like yoga and neurofeedback. Combining compelling narratives with scientific rigour, it empowers readers to understand and overcome trauma. Van der Kolk's work is a beacon for those seeking to reclaim their well-being, offering profound insights into the intricacies of trauma recovery.

Two Quotes on Pain and Connection

Gabor Maté, a physician and author, advocates that the only way to deal with pain is to face it:

“The attempt to escape from pain is what creates more pain.” 

Bessel A. Van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and author, argues that trauma disrupts the ability to feel connected in relationships:

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

Three TherapyShorts by TST

Hypervigilance and anxiety: Traumatic experiences can activate the body's stress response system, leading to heightened arousal and a constant state of alertness. Individuals who have experienced trauma may exhibit hypervigilance, where they are excessively alert to potential dangers. This can manifest as difficulty relaxing, being easily startled, and having an exaggerated startle response to unexpected stimuli. Anxiety may be a pervasive feeling, leading to persistent worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Perfectionism and control: Trauma survivors may develop an intense need for control and perfectionism. It is a way to manage the unpredictability and chaos associated with their traumatic experiences which led to a lack of safety which they consistently try to avoid. Perfectionism may show up in day-to-day behaviour as an intense fear of failure, a relentless pursuit of high standards, and difficulty delegating tasks to others. The need for control can lead to rigid thinking and resistance to change. Such individuals are likely to struggle in situations where they perceive a lack of control.

Disconnection from self: The overwhelming nature of trauma may lead individuals to emotionally detach as a protective mechanism. Disconnection from self may manifest as emotional numbness, difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions, and a sense of feeling detached from one's own experiences. Individuals may struggle with self-compassion and self-care, as the disconnection from self often involves ignoring personal needs and emotions. This can lead to challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships and/or establishing boundaries.

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

PS: Does therapy really help issues stemming from childhood trauma?