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How Trauma Effects The Body

In the realm of human experience, trauma emerges as a formidable force, insidiously infiltrating the very fabric of daily life. Knowing how trauma impacts us, is very intricate and has far-reaching effects.  Trauma is not just an event of the past but can imprint the person for years, maybe even for their entire life. <more>

In daily life, trauma can effect every moment, every decision, every reaction. Our bodies become the silent messengers of our unhealed wounds, manifesting in a myriad of somatic experiences. Chronic pain, tension, and illness are but whispers of the trauma that resides within. Our physicality bears witness to the silent narratives in our bodies, reminding us of the lasting impact of past horrors.

Emotions can also bear the unmistakable mark of trauma's touch. The traumatized individual navigates a labyrinth of overwhelming sensations, from fear and shame to anger and despair. Emotional regulation becomes a formidable challenge, as the echoes of the past effect present experiences. Self-destructive patterns, addiction, and dissociation may emerge as the individual attempts to escape the haunting grip of unprocessed trauma.

Relationships can irrevocably altered in the wake of trauma. Trust, intimacy, and vulnerability become treacherous territories to navigate. The wounded soul oscillates between withdrawal and hyper vigilance, seeking solace in isolation or caught in the grip of relational patterns resulting from trauma. The longing for connection gets tangled up with the fear of betrayal, leaving relationships hard to navigate.

Daily tasks that were once simple, become challenges for the traumatized individual. Concentration falters as the mind is bombarded with intrusive thoughts, fragmented memories, and the ever-present hyper vigilance. The ability to engage in routine activities may be difficult, as the mind and body are consumed by the overwhelming weight of past traumas.

But healing is possible. Through therapy, somatic practices, and self-care, the traumatized individual can embark on a path towards reclaiming their daily life. Mindfulness, neurofeedback, yoga, and other therapeutic modalities can foster a sense of safety, rebuild self-regulation, and promote the integration of body and mind.

With proper support, understanding, and a commitment to self-discovery, the traumatized Individual can develop tools to cope and learn to heal.

The Psychology Behind Sports

The world of sports is fascinating and there is an intricate web of emotions and psychology that surrounds it. Just like characters In a book who navigate the trials and tribulations of life, athletes too embark on a journey that unveils the complexities of the human mind and heart. <more>

When we step onto the field or court, something magical happens. Sports become a mirror, reflecting our deepest desires, fears, and insecurities. It's a place where dreams take flight, where we can be heroes or heroines, and where the heart races with anticipation.

In the realm of sports, there is an undeniable sense of camaraderie and belonging. Teammates become like family, sharing victories and defeats, supporting one another through thick and thin. The bonds forged in the crucible of competition run deep, creating a sense of unity and purpose.

But within this tapestry of teamwork lies an equally compelling individual struggle. Each athlete battles with their own demons, facing doubts, anxieties, and the pressure to perform. The weight of expectations can be crushing, threatening to overshadow the joy and love that brought them to the sport in the first place.

For some, sports offer an escape—a chance to leave behind the worries and troubles of everyday life. The playing field becomes a sanctuary where one can be fully present, absorbed in the flow of the game. In those moments, everything else fades away, and the focus is solely on the exhilaration of the pursuit.

Yet, even in the realm of sports, disappointment and heartache can loom. Losing a match or failing to achieve a personal best can evoke a cascade of emotions. Athletes must grapple with feelings of frustration, sadness, and even self-doubt. It's during these challenging times that the true mettle of a player is tested, and resilience becomes paramount.

In the psychology of sports, there is also a delicate dance between confidence and humility. Believing in one's abilities is essential for peak performance, but arrogance can lead to downfall. Athletes must learn to balance self-assurance with respect for their opponents, understanding that success is not solely measured by victories but also by the lessons learned in defeat.

And let us not forget the indescribable joy that accompanies triumph. The elation of scoring the winning goal, breaking a record, or simply achieving a personal milestone. These moments of glory fill the heart with pride and remind us of the endless possibilities that lie within each of us.

In the psychology of sports, remember that behind every athlete's journey is a rich tapestry of emotions—hope, fear, love, and perseverance. Just like characters in stories, athletes navigate a world of highs and lows, where dreams collide with reality, and where the lessons learned on the field can shape their lives forever.

This is a wonderful segment from CBS Sunday Morning regarding suicide intervention.

Although this segment is more about how therapists can intervene with their clients, not all suicidal intervention requires a therapist. Sometimes all it takes is reaching out to someone with kind words during a difficult time; something every one of us can do.

Kevin Hines attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge and lived to tell his story.


Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart. - Roy T. Bennett

We all experience fears.  Learning how to push past them and manage them, that's where the magic really begins to take shape.  It's not always over night, but when you get there, you will look back with wonder at all you've accomplished.


What's Your ACE Score? 

ACE is short for Adverse Childhood Experiences - childhood experiences a person has endured before turning 18 years old. This 10 question scale is a guideline to help in overcoming the effects of the adversities, so the individual can live a mentally healthy life. This scale does not take into account the positive contributions, such as a caring grandparent, friend, coach, therapist, or teacher in a person's childhood that may have already helped in building resiliency to the adverse experiences.

Scoring a 4 or more indicates trauma symptoms are most likely manifesting in an individual's behavior. The higher the score the more likely the person will display significant behavioral symptoms.


“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” ― Laurell K. Hamilton

Mental health therapy can be a very effective way for individuals who have been traumatized to process and work through their experiences. Therapists can use various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help individuals understand and cope with their feelings and memories related to the traumatic event. The goal is to reduce symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks, and to help the individual develop healthy coping strategies and build resilience. Therapy can also provide a supportive and safe environment for individuals to work through their experiences and gain insight and understanding into how the trauma has affected them.