Taming the Chaos: Over-Stimulation and Trauma Brain in CPTSD
When you grow up in an unpredictable and unsafe environment, well, you learn to be on the ready to get the f*** out of the way before it's too late, to detect the energy in a room and remove yourself in case things are about to explode, to pick up on external signals and make rapid adjustments to your own behaviors to pacify the unavoidable individuals.
Ever find yourself overwhelmed by the smallest things, like a noisy room or a flickering light? In this episode of 'CPTSD Recovery: We Are Traumatized Motherfuckers', Jess dives into the reality of living with over-stimulation and hypersensitivity due to trauma. Growing up in chaotic or unsafe environments can leave you hyper-aware and easily rattled by your surroundings. Jess explains how this heightened sensitivity isn't just in your head—it's a real, trauma-induced condition that affects your brain's wiring.
She breaks down the science behind it, discussing how the amygdala, our brain's fear center, goes into overdrive, making us hyper-vigilant. Jess also touches on how trauma can mess with Broca's area, the part of the brain responsible for language, leaving some memories jumbled and hard to articulate. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Jess offers practical coping strategies to help manage these overwhelming feelings.
From grounding techniques to calm your 'lizard brain' to simple daily practices that can make a big difference, you'll get tools to navigate your day-to-day life more smoothly. This episode is a mix of raw honesty and actionable advice, perfect for anyone struggling with the ripple effects of trauma. Whether you're dealing with it yourself or supporting someone who is, you'll find valuable insights and a sense of community here.
Jess's down-to-earth style makes complex topics accessible and relatable, helping you feel less alone in your journey. Tune in and take the first step towards understanding and managing your over-stimulation and trauma brain.