Tagged With "Brain fog"
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To Help Heal Trauma, Talk Less, and Write More
For a lot of people with Childhood PTSD, talking about traumatic memories can make symptoms worse -- worse than if we were to do nothing at all. Yet talking about the past is the default mode of therapy for virtually everyone who is depressed, anxious or troubled about the past. It's true that talking can be crucial to emotional healing. But there is a lot of research that supports WRITING as a more effective way to communicate past trauma and relieve symptoms of Childhood PTSD. In this...
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When Things Get Out of Hand: Trauma and the Triune Brain [goodtherapy.org]
In recent decades, neuroscience and psychotherapy have joined forces in seeking to understand the biological bases of behavior. The brain is a complex organ, and as we study its function and adaptations we create a window of understanding into how our brains, bodies, and psyches respond to traumatic stimuli. Have you ever heard of the triune brain? This is a simplified, three-part model of the brain, as originally explained by Dr. Daniel Siegel , that helps us to understand the neurological...
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5 Ways to Heal the Traumatized Brain (Part 4) [blogs.psychcentral.com/]
“Someone who has experienced trauma also has gifts to offer all of us- in their depth, in their knowledge of our universal vulnerability, and their experience of the power of compassion.”- Sharon Salzberg What a week. You’d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t at all tuned in to the tumultuous news cycle in the US. Those that are survivors of trauma (specifically sexual assault and other forms of abuse) are incredibly triggered, and those that provide psychotherapy for trauma...
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Benefits of Meditation
From many centuries ago, peoples are practicing meditation to control their minds, their thought and so on. By which they can make their mind to think positive and move ahead towards their goals in life. Peoples are struggling with the practice of meditation for physical, spiritual and emotional well being. But if we look from a scientific point of view, thus really meditation does anything the physical and mental conditions of an individual. Does meditation really works! After being some...
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CPTSD: How to Transform Fear, and Develop INNER STRENGTH
Now that the pandemic has us all in a crisis situation, we’re about to find out to find out who falls apart in a crisis, and who rises up to serve, lead and encourage others. The ones who shine are not always who we expected — have you noticed this? Here in California we’ve been sheltering in place for over two weeks now. Everywhere in the world, we’re trying to figure out how best to respond to the pandemic, how best to care for ourselves and the people we love. It’s a work in progress. For...
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Dysregulation & CPTSD -- Triggered by Hurrying and Overwhelm?
Note: This article is a transcript of a video excerpted from my online course Dysregulation Bootcamp. Brain and emotional dysregulation are common in adults who experienced abuse and neglect in childhoodhood, and is linked to problems with mood, mental focus, health and relationships. Hurrying is a huge trigger for a lot of people with Childhood PTSD -- everything from trying to get out the door in the morning, to rushing through traffic, to just getting overwhelmed with everything you’re...
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Free Webinars Teach You to Calm Brain Dysregulation From Childhood PTSD
I've just scheduled five free Zoom webinars in the next four weeks, open to you and others interested in learning and trying my "Daily Practice." These are the techniques I've used for more than 25 years to re-regulate my brain and emotions, supporting the healing of Childhood PTSD. There are two particular and simple techniques we'll cover in each 55-minute webinar: 1. Writing fears and resentments 2. 20-minute simple meditation Plus time for Q&A with me Get more info and register here.
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How To Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health [thebestbrainpossible.com]
I’ll bet that you’ve experienced butterflies in your stomach or an unmistakable, strong gut feeling before. So, you’ve pretty much always known that what goes on in your head affects your stomach. But did you know that what goes on in your belly affects your brain too? It works both ways. Science has proven that what happens in your gut dramatically impacts your brain operation and mental health. Your gut bacteria modify your overall health in many ways. They help build your immune system,...
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Need 45 Trauma-Informed Practitioners or Clinicians For Study on Using a Brain Regulation Headband-Bellabee Designed To Help Trauma Survivors Regulate Their Brains.
Need 45 Trauma-Informed Practitioners or Clinicians For Study on Using a Brain Regulation Headband-Bellabee Designed To Help Trauma Survivors Regulate Their Brains. All trauma informed practitioners who are suffering with or who work with adults or children suffering with C-PTSD, PTSD, Developmental Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD & Sleep Disorders are welcome to apply to be considered for this study. The deadline to request and submit your application is: March 20, 2020 As a trauma...
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Need 45 Trauma-Informed Practitioners or Clinicians For Study on Using a Brain Regulation Headband-Bellabee Designed To Help Trauma Survivors Regulate Their Brains.
Need 45 Trauma-Informed Practitioners or Clinicians For Study on Using a Brain Regulation Headband-Bellabee Designed To Help Trauma Survivors Regulate Their Brains. All trauma informed practitioners who are suffering with or who work with adults or children suffering with C-PTSD, PTSD, Developmental Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD & Sleep Disorders are welcome to apply to be considered for this study. We currently have 41 applicants, and applicantions are approved on a first come first...
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Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
To understand the treatments for complex post-traumatic stress disorder, it is helpful to understand the interaction between neuroplasticity and mindfulness.
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Preparing and Advocating for Medical Care as a Trauma Survivor
With all the health care changes and challenges in today’s society, going to the doctor or dentist is difficult enough for the average person. With a history of childhood or adolescent sexual trauma, a medical appointment can become re-traumatizing if not handled with care by the survivor and provider. Think about it, some other adult is making decisions on the survivor’s behalf, touching their body, has their hands in the survivor’s mouth rendering them unable to make their needs known or...
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Six Signs Your Brain is Dysregulated (and Ten Steps to Get Re-Regulated Again)
Adults who experienced early trauma are prone to dysregulation of the brain and nervous system, especially in response to stress. Dysregulation, in turn, can trigger (or exacerbate) depression, anxiety, illness, addiction and emotional outbursts. So clearly, learning to re-regulate is the first step in healing the effects of Childhood PTSD. If you think you may be experiencing dysregulation, learn about common symptoms (as well as ten on-the-spot healing techniques) on this free download.
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Re: Benefits of Meditation
Thanks for another informative article about meditation, Amardeep. There's plenty of motivation there to keep a dedicated meditator returning to her cushion every day and plenty to encourage non-meditators to give it a go. The reasons to meditate sure seem to outweigh reasons not to do it.
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Re: Free Webinars Teach You to Calm Brain Dysregulation From Childhood PTSD
Thanks for letting us know, Anna!
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Re: How To Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health [thebestbrainpossible.com]
This is a very good explanation of the physiology of the stress response system and some very useful ideas about toning the vagus nerve.
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Re: Dysregulation & CPTSD -- Triggered by Hurrying and Overwhelm?
Hmmm. I stay busy as an avoidance tactic but I never thought of hurrying, via procrastination, as such a tactic. I think I hurry because I pressure myself to get to the next thing on my list so I can stay busy AND because I'm overwhelmed by feeling as if I need to get everything done -- it's all on me. And I resent it when other people hurry me because it seems counterproductive. In any case, hurrying and overwhelm definitely trigger me. Yet another sidelined and little-recognized effect of...
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Re: Dysregulation & CPTSD -- Triggered by Hurrying and Overwhelm?
Re: Dysregulation & CPTSD -- Triggered by Hurrying and Overwhelm?
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Re: Dysregulation & CPTSD -- Triggered by Hurrying and Overwhelm?
I always appreciate reading your insights Anna, thank you. Take care, Michael
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Re: Six Signs Your Brain is Dysregulated (and Ten Steps to Get Re-Regulated Again)
For many childhood trauma survivors, there's a certain something, a je ne sais quoi, that colors their daily living no matter how well-treated any other related diagnoses, such as anxiety or depression, are. Maybe that certain something, or one part of that certain something, is the brain dysregulation you describe here, Anna. It sure rings true to me, and I bet it does to others too. The do-anywhere methods for re-regulating are much appreciated, and I'll be testing some of them out soon...
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Re: To Help Heal Trauma, Talk Less, and Write More
Yes! There must be a mountain of research (not to mention anecdotal evidence) that writing is one of the most effective ways to process the emotion from traumatic events, not to mention everyday stresses and worries. While talk therapy has its place and its benefits, it's not always the best approach for recovering from trauma, for the reasons you cite. From personal experience, I'd caution anyone who's considering writing about a trauma they've experienced, especially if they have not yet...
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Re: When Things Get Out of Hand: Trauma and the Triune Brain [goodtherapy.org]
Thank you, Laura. This is a wonderful model. I learned it in a workshop and use it with my clients. It's a simple and easy way to explain the triune brain. The article you reference is great. Thanks again for sharing this!
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Re: When Things Get Out of Hand: Trauma and the Triune Brain [goodtherapy.org]
Diane, Glad you liked the article! And thanks for the feedback on it. -Laura
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Poem: Old Lady In The Lighthouse
Old Lady in the lighthouse, where did you go? One day I filled my pockets full of stones. I wadded slowly, into the vicious ocean storm. You were there beside me, I was never alone. Hand over hand you retrieved me from the waters deep. It was not time to relinquish, forever fall asleep. You cradled my face in your cupped warm hands. You gently rocked me, brushed my hair full of sand. Remember that little girl, who remains my foe? She still clings to me wretchedly in tow. Please old lady in...
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Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined [developingchild.harvard.edu]
By National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, June 10, 2020 We know that responsive relationships and language-rich experiences for young children help build a strong foundation for later success in school. The rapidly advancing frontiers of 21st-century biological sciences now provide compelling evidence that the foundations of lifelong health are also built early, with increasing evidence of the importance of the prenatal period...
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Why the dean of early childhood experts wants to get beyond the brain [centerforhealthjournalism.org]
By Ryan White, Center for Health Journalism, July 23, 2020 Harvard’s Jack Shonkoff, a luminary in the field of early childhood, has spent years showing that events in the earliest years of life have profound implications for how budding brains develop, and in turn, shape a child’s later potential at school and work. Now, Shonkoff says it’s time to connect the brain to the rest of the body. “The message now is to say that there is a revolution going on in molecular biology and genomics and in...
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Re: Why the dean of early childhood experts wants to get beyond the brain [centerforhealthjournalism.org]
I applaud Shonkoff for speaking up. I hope it will help medical, judicial and educational leaders realize that the complex issues they deal with often stem from the brew in which a person steeped as a child. Until that is understood, the problems - and the suffering - will only persist.
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Calming the body before calming the mind: Sensory strategies for children affected by trauma [thesector.com.au]
By Clare Ryan and Berry Streets, The Sector, June 23, 2020 Children who have experienced trauma may find it more difficult to regulate their emotions and behaviours than other children. Understanding the impact trauma can have on brain development can help inform practical responses to these children’s needs. This short article describes how practitioners can use strategies that help calm children’s bodies in order to help calm their minds and emotions – specifically, the...
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Sarah Peyton discusses her book & leads a guided meditation / Tuesday, Nov. 10th, 2020
I am thrilled to announce that we have a special A Better Normal session which will be part conversation and part meditation practice for those who wish to participate. Our special guest is Sarah Peyton who is the author of Your Resonant Self: Guided Meditations and Exercise to Engage Your Brain’s Capacity for Healing. This event will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, at 12p.m. PST and 3p.m. EST. Registration link:...
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CPTSD, Food and BRAIN FOG: How to Get Clear
If you're ever going to heal from childhood trauma, to become happy, connected, and doing work you love, you'll need to get out of brain fog. Brain fog is common for people who grew up with abuse and neglect. It's a feeling of fuzzy-headedness where you can't hold a thought or focus. It's almost as if your memory isn't working properly, or you’re sleepy and out of it. It can feel like there's a membrane between you and the world. It may not seem like it, but brain fog is one of the worst...
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Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Every time we experience something new, a new neural pathway forms, and if repeated, reinforces and strengthens the connections between brain cells.
So, neuroplasticity happens throughout our lives based on our experiences which either strengthen or weaken our neural connections. What we don’t use will be pruned away. However, there is a way neuroplasticity can be harnessed to successfully mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences on our adult lives.
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How to care for yourself during difficult times
Many people with #ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are finding that the early #trauma and sense of unsafety they endured growing up are being re-triggered during these fear-laded times, amidst the #Covid #pandemic, political upheaval, and feeling isolated. Stress and uncertainty can trigger old, sticky feelings of fear, anxiety, or loss from long ago and bring up new, painful negative thoughts and physical symptoms. This can be true even when we’ve worked really hard to resolve our...
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How adverse childhood experiences or ACEs impact your current wellbeing
Often, people who have a history of trauma in childhood find themselves struggling to flourish in adulthood. Trauma affects the brain in ways that can make you more likely to experience difficulty when faced with emotionally stressful and demanding situations in your relationships, at work, and as a parent. Throughout my life, both growing up and as an adult, I’ve faced a number of challenging life experiences, stressors, and traumas, and I understand this struggle on a deep, intrinsic...
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Re: How adverse childhood experiences or ACEs impact your current wellbeing
I’m considering unsubscribing. It’s pathetic enough that in the US healthcare , especially for mental health, is out of reach, but All the courses offered are I’m sure great & helpful - but completely unaffordable to me. It feels bad, honestly, to get these “offers” for courses that only wealthy people can afford. Claudine Driskill > On Feb 18, 2021, at 11:25 AM, ACEsConnection < communitymanager@acesconnection.com > wrote: > >
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Re: How adverse childhood experiences or ACEs impact your current wellbeing
I have been self studying since I was a child, possibly since I learned to read at age 5, and have used the Public and school library which is free and now YouTube to get info and self help for myself. I came here to Aces because what I don't have at the library and at YouTube is Community. Having myself as therapist and also giving myself feedback is not always a intelligent job to take on. Thank you for accepting my Membership MM
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Re: How adverse childhood experiences or ACEs impact your current wellbeing
I did not realize how much ACEs Connection actually has to offer. It is greatly appreciated. I definitely won’t be unsubscribing. 😊
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Re: How adverse childhood experiences or ACEs impact your current wellbeing
But I will definitely add courses offered are not available to me as I cannot afford such exorbitant costs. Another sad fact of my CPTSD.
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Re: Healing the Hidden Wounds from Childhood: The Promise of Healing, Part II (Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., Lt. Col., USAR, Ret.)
Beautifully put and described - this is what I came to learn only after leaving my career as a family doctor and retraining as a somatic trauma therapist specializing in chronic illness. May this work of increasing awareness and becoming trauma informed spread throughout the health sciences and beyond. Thank you for this and it's nice to know of your work and workbooks
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Healing the Hidden Wounds from Childhood: The Promise of Healing, Part II (Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., Lt. Col., USAR, Ret.)
So many people are struggling with unhealed, hidden wounds from toxic childhood stress. For some the pain is obvious. Others might look outwardly strong, capable, and in control. However, unhealed inner wounds cause needless suffering and can lead to a dizzying array of psychological, medical, and functional problems. This three-part blog discusses the road to recovery. Part I explained “The Principles of Healing.” This part explains why traditional treatments are not usually the best...
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The Surviving Spirit Newsletter March 2021
Healing the Heart Through the Creative Arts, Education & Advocacy Hope, Healing & Help for Trauma, Abuse & Mental Health “ Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars”. Kahlil Gibran The latest edition of the Surviving Spirit Newsletter is posted at the website - http://newsletters.survivingspirit.com/index.php or here's the PDF -...
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Fatigue, Trauma and The Pandemic 4 Talks at the Fatigue Super Conference (Free Online Summit April 19th - 25th, 2021)
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms linked to the stress and trauma of the pandemic, along with anxiety, depression and problems with sleep. 40 specialists in fatigue describe tips, tools and resources for decreasing stress-related exhaustion as well as fatigue in chronic illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) which is the chronic disease I've been working with from trauma perspectives and the science explaining how it's not psychological.
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Healing Is Never a Solo Journey
Developing intimate connection with even one other person can create fertile soil for social transformation.
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Good News: Your Brain Will Adapt to Post-COVID Life (mindful.org)
What the Pandemic Is Doing to Our Brains These changes are not just a product of our imaginations. “It’s all real,” says Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University Dr. Kim Hellemans, who studies the effects of stress on the brain. “Lack of social interaction, more work happening, always on the screen. All of these things are contributing to a loss of your normal cognitive functioning. We’re all overwhelmed .” An abundance of research has shown that the stress of isolation...
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Positive Effects of Giving Thanks: Not Just for the Holidays
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for what he has.” ~Greek philosopher, Epictetus It is that time of year in which the leaves are changing color, the days are getting shorter, and as we prepare for family meals and holidays, we witness a lot more folks talking about what they are thankful for. The days leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday lend themselves to a shift in our focus onto what we appreciate in our lives, and we notice folks...
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Beginning the Healing Journey: Return to the Resilient Zone
Dysregulated stress is central to the ACEs/health outcomes link. The healing journey starts with regulating stress arousal that is stuck on too high or too low.
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Adverse Childhood Experiences, the Brain, and Exercise: How exercise strengthens the brain wounded by toxic childhood stress
Even small amounts of exercise can quickly and dramatically improve mood, brain health, brain function, and the ability to cope with stress, while preparing the brain to rewire the hidden wounds from childhood.
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Adverse Childhood Experiences, the Brain, and Sleep
Sufficient, good quality sleep strengthens the brain wounded by ACEs in many ways. Intelligent sleep strategies improve mood, brain (and medical) health, brain function, and the capacity to rewire negative neural pathways imprinted in childhood.
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ACEs and the Resilient Brain
Beyond the main pillars of sleep, exercise, and nutrition, these six practices optimize brain health and functioning in the present, while preparing the brain to adaptively rewire the hidden wounds from toxic childhood stress.