𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑.
➖➖➖➖
People who “𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩” aren’t doing so because they want to. They don’t enjoy it.
Someone may “𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩” because:
✦ It feels safer than the present
✦ They are grieving or dealing with loss (moving on would mean they’re accepting that loss)
I am not talking about 𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘢, but when you are legit hurting and trying to resolve it. This is trauma. People will tell you to just “move on”, or “get over it.”
The thing is that part of our brain, the amygdala, has no sense of time. It is a primal instinct that protects us from harm (whether real or perceived). It’s the fight/flight response. It experiences trauma as if it was happening in the present, and keeps the body in constant activation (stress response) and hypervigilance.
So, what some people call “𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩” is very much the everyday reality for many. This is a form of #gaslighting , and often part of the abuser’s narrative of denying that any of the “past” trauma ever happened or invalidating someone else’s experiences.
Four ways to neutralize your amygdala and manage your emotions:
✧Physical movement. Vigorous physical exercise produces serotonin, endocannabinoids and dopamine.
✧Mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation seems to outwit your amygdala.
✧An attitude of gratitude. Gratitude journaling can improve emotional regulation.
✧Reality testing. This helps you differentiate between self and non-self and between fantasy and real life
So just be aware the next time you think about telling someone to “get over it,” they may want nothing more. ✌🏼
. #selfworth #graditudeattitude #mentalhealthadvocate
#emotionalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #selfworthjourney #lemon8diarychallenge #lemon8wellness
Many individuals struggle with letting go of past experiences due to trauma, which can be deeply rooted in their emotional and psychological well-being. Understanding how the amygdala responds to trauma can shed light on this phenomenon. The amygdala is not only a trigger for our fear response but also plays a critical role in how we process stress. To assist those navigating through their trauma, several evidence-backed techniques can be helpful. Engaging in physical activities can significantly boost mood and reduce stress by releasing endorphins. Mindfulness practices, including meditation, can also help calm the mind and allow individuals to reconnect with the present moment. Moreover, maintaining a gratitude journal can shift focus from negative thoughts to positive reflections, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life. Reality testing is another effective method, as it encourages individuals to critically assess their thoughts, distinguishing between what is real and what is perceived. A combination of these strategies can facilitate emotional recovery, allowing a smoother transition away from the burdens of the past. Seeking professional support from mental health advocates is also recommended for those struggling with significant emotional challenges.
