How Trauma Affects The Brain
Monday, May 9th, 2011 • PTSD Recovery Tips •
Today, I have exciting news. But first, a few questions:
Since your trauma, have you noticed that your brain just doesn’t seem to function the way it used to? Do you feel it’s tough to concentrate and focus? Do you process things more slowly, or not at all? Do you have trouble finding language? Do you think more slowly and get overwhelmed more quickly? I’m guessing you answered, Yes!, to at least one if not all of these questions. Me, too.
Studies have proven that trauma does, in fact, alter the brain in significant ways. We know, too, that recovery can alter things again. Dealing with the effects of the change is tough, so it helps to understand just what, exactly, happens to your brain after trauma, plus how to treat it and what you can expect through the recovery process.
Because this issue affects all of us in some way or another, I’ve chosen it as the topic for the first episode of my new radio show, Your Life After Trauma. On Thursdays from 7-8pm EST/4-5pm PST we now have a radio show just for us to learn from experts about how to navigate the post-trauma treatment and recovery process.
Airing live here in Florida on 95.9AM/960AM – and also streaming online so you can listen anywhere! – this weekly program will bring you live education and support through:
- Professional interviews
- Survivor interviews
- Recovery Tip of the Week
- PTSD News
- Healing Thought of the Week
- Email Questions Answered
- On-air coaching
This show is for you: In addition to listening in, this is also your chance to ask questions. What do you want to know about how trauma affects your brain? You can call the show (1.800.960.9960), leave a comment here and/or post your questions on the Heal My PTSD fanpage.
To read about this week’s guests on Your Life After Trauma, click here. (You can also sign up for updates about show topics and guests.)
If you would like to be a part of the show and discuss how your brain seems to operate differently since your trauma, contact me here.
For more information about PTSD and the Brain, read on….
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Michele,
Congratulations on starting your new radio show. I look forward to the listening to you online. I’m very interested in this particular topic of trauma and the brain.
@ Sandra — Thanks for your support! If you have questions you’d like me to ask, feel free to post them here and I’ll work them in during the show.
I so much appreciate the work you do, Michele. Receiving your “Healing Thoughts for the Day” in my inbox, really helps, especially if I’m having a bad day.
It’s wonderful to keep learning about PTSD, how it affects our brains, and how it affects our lives. With every bit of new information, I seem to grow a bit stronger. -We still have so much to learn about the brain.
Unlocking its mysteries is exciting!
Thank for all you do to help us heal, recover, and grow. Glad to know about your radio how, as I’m a big fan of you and your work!
Dear Michele,
I am looking at strengthening my brain. Lumosity is fantastic and it also has a PTSD brain strengthening course. I had a question about the region of the brain, the temporal median lobe. My phychiatrist says that my brain is not recognizing that some of my thoughts are coming from that region and it seems like they are coming from outside. How can I work on this? Also what do you do when you have thoughts that are surrounding you or feelings that are “outside” you? I have thouroughly enjoyed your recent e-mail about finding a healing through dancing. A reconnection of your mind and body. WOW. I had only recently made that discovery on my own and am still searching for a method that works best for me other than excersise and strength training. As enjoyable as excersise is, it seems not to “hit the spot” at times. Blessings to you and your time. Tamar
@ Charlene — I’m so glad my work resonates with you.
After coming through PTSD my sole passion is giving back to our community. I’m excited to hear that you’re growing stronger! On my own path, knowledge and education played a key role in helping me gain contro. Making that shift from powerless to powerful was easier when I understood what was going on! Keep moving toward freedom…
@ Tamar – Wow, I really wish I could answer that question for you but I’m not trained enough in that area. However, Dr. Rachel Yehuda is returning to my radio show and I will ask her to answer it! In the meantime, if you haven’t listened already, here’s the page with the ‘How Trauma Affects the Brain’ archive and her enormously enlightening appearance two weeks ago: http://healmyptsd.com/education/your-life-after-trauma2/archives
BTW: I agree with you — while exercise is enjoyable (strength train, too) it’s not the same as setting your soul free through some physical experience. Keep searching for what excites you. Have you considered horse back riding (and equine therapy) ….?
After living a lifetime with many secrets, I was finally diagnosed with PTSD at Mayo in Florida, only to come back to the Carolinas and have the doctors here just look rather puzzled at me – “what does that mean?” they ask. For years I have had chronic insomnia, seizures, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Now that I have a correct diagnosis, I’m unable to find doctor’s specifically trained to help in this area. (I am not eligible for the VA.) It appears that I am complicating matters by not keeping their previous “incorrect” diagnosis. I do Yoga, Meditation, Lavender baths, teas, and therapy as I can afford it but find that anti-depressants just make my cortisol level go crazy and I am sleepless in the Carolinas.
@Casey — I hear that misdiagnosis and doctors’ befuddlement story all too often! Have you done a Google search for ‘PTSD therapist [the name of your city]‘? There must be help somewhere; it’s just a matter of finding it.
The radio show next week (July 14) is all about how yoga helps PTSD, so tune in! My guests are straight from one of the biggest and most respected trauma centers and they will be revealing the newest study findings.